This archive report was first published on 17 September 2019.
Published on September 17, 2019, Safaricom, a leading telecommunications company in Kenya, has introduced a groundbreaking initiative to upskill its employees in the face of technological advancements. The Safaricom Digital Academy aims to equip employees with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly changing job market.
The program, which began in early 2019, has already seen 60 employees undergo training and transition into new roles. This innovative approach not only helps the company adapt to the evolving digital landscape but also addresses the pressing issue of talent shortage in the industry.
According to Safaricom CEO Michael Joseph, the company operates in a fast-paced environment where technology is constantly evolving. Recent advancements have automated certain sections of the network, making some careers obsolete. However, these changes have also created a surge in demand for new skills, particularly in areas such as data science, data analysis, and programming.
Joseph emphasized that the Safaricom Digital Academy is a human resource innovation that enables the company to empower its staff with new skills and have the right mix of talent. The program offers a six-month full-time course in five key areas, including Technology Automation, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, Data Science, and Emerging Network Technologies.
During the course, employees spend the first three months in the classroom and the last three months applying their new skills in real-world projects. The program has already yielded impressive results, with employees developing innovative solutions such as a Data Revenue Analysis and Prediction Tool and a Home Fibre Customer Satisfaction Analysis Solution.
Notably, all 60 employees who participated in the first phase of the program remained employed throughout the training period, with Safaricom fully covering the costs. The company plans to expand the program, partnering with local and global players to reach more employees in the coming months.
As part of its digital transformation efforts, Safaricom has also deployed a comprehensive digital learning platform, providing on-the-job training in over 10,000 courses to its entire staff.
