This archive report was first published on 18 September 2019.
Published on September 18, 2019, Safaricom has unveiled a groundbreaking program to empower and train employees in new digital careers. The Digital Academy, an industry-first initiative, aims to bridge the talent shortage in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The program, which began early this year, has already fully trained 60 Safaricom staff and placed them in new roles. This innovative approach not only helps the company adapt to the changing technological landscape but also addresses the growing demand for data scientists, data analysts, and other digital experts.
According to Michael Joseph, CEO of Safaricom, "Safaricom operates in a fast-paced environment where technology is ever-changing. Recent advances have automated sections of our network, making certain careers obsolete. At the same time, these changes drive demand for new skills, where there is a shortage of talent in the market. The Digital Academy is a human resource innovation that enables us to empower our staff with new skills and have the right mix of talent based on our customer needs."
The Digital Academy offered a six-month full-time course in five programs, including Technology Automation, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, Data Science, and Mobile Application Development. The employees developed innovative solutions, such as a Data Revenue Analysis and Prediction Tool, and a Home Fibre Customer Satisfaction Analysis Solution.
Notably, all 60 employees remained under employment for the duration of the program, with Safaricom fully footing the costs of the training. The company plans to partner with local and global players to roll out the Digital Academy to more staff in the coming months, further solidifying its commitment to digital transformation.
