From Digital Skills Trainer to Talent Pipeline: Utiva Reinvents African Tech Hiring
Utiva, initially a digital skills training platform, is evolving into a pivotal force reshaping how African tech talent connects with global opportunities. Founded in 2020, the company began with ambitions to integrate digital and employability skills training into Nigerian universities. However, after facing challenges in securing university partnerships, Utiva strategically pivoted its focus.
Recognizing Untapped Potential: A New Direction
By 2024, Utiva’s leadership paused to assess the impact of its training programs across Africa. The review revealed a compelling trend: a substantial number of Utiva alumni were independently landing roles at prominent global tech giants. According to Eyitayo Ogunmola, CEO and Founder of Utiva, graduates were securing positions at companies like Amazon, Samsung, Mastercard, Square, and Shopify, often without Utiva’s direct placement assistance. This discovery highlighted a significant, untapped potential: Utiva’s ability to prepare Africans for success on a global scale and inspired a new strategic direction for the company. Utiva now focuses on providing specialized technical skills training in high-demand fields like cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, product marketing, and product management. To date, over 20,000 students have benefitted from Utiva’s programs.
Utiva’s journey highlights the dynamic nature of the African tech landscape and the importance of adaptability. By recognizing the existing success of its alumni and focusing on in-demand skills, Utiva is poised to become a major player in connecting African talent with global tech opportunities.
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