Microsoft has partnered with the Africa Digital Media Institute (ADMI) to establish an AppFactory at its Nairobi campus, marking the third such facility in Kenya and the 18th across Africa.
The initiative, part of ADMI's Mobile App & Game Development Program, aims to bridge the skills gap in East Africa's software and mobile application sectors through hands-on training and industry collaboration.
Under the Microsoft 4Afrika Initiative, the AppFactory will provide students with training in programming, cloud computing, data analytics, and web design, preparing them for global tech market demands.
Selected participants will work on real-world projects alongside senior engineers, with 15-20 graduates from ADMI and local institutions joining every six months. A career development partner will assist in placing graduates within ICT firms.
ADMI Founding Director Wilfred Kiumi emphasized the program's role in addressing employer needs, stating, "Employers have vacancies they need to fill, but there is a shortage of skilled professionals to fill them. Through this skills lab, we’re addressing the problem by providing mentorship and sharpening the skills of local youth."
Microsoft 4Afrika Chief Technology Officer Ryno Rijnsburger highlighted the initiative's focus on gaming, calling it the first AppFactory to prioritize this sector. "Young graduates will develop a broader range of ICT and workplace skills fundamental to success in the digital age," he said.
