Like many other young Africans, John believes the best way to secure a better future is by building a career in tech. However, his career journey was nothing like the million-dollar success stories of tech founders he had read about in the news.
Instead, he encountered hurdles and challenges that his friends abroad could hardly relate to. We understand that many of you are in a similar situation.
In this article, we’ll explore the major challenges tech talents face in Africa and how to overcome them.
Imposter syndrome is a pervasive issue among tech professionals globally, but it can be particularly acute for African tech talents. Many, like John, feel they don’t belong in the tech world or aren’t as competent as their peers from more developed tech ecosystems.
For African tech talents, this feeling can be exacerbated by limited exposure to advanced tech environments.
To overcome imposter syndrome: Keep a record of your accomplishments, no matter how small. Connect with experienced professionals who can provide guidance and validation.
As Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, co-founder of Andela and Flutterwave, states: “Every tech professional, regardless of background, starts from zero. What matters is your willingness to learn and persevere.”
Limited financial means prevent many African tech professionals from acquiring necessary equipment, software, and advanced skills.
According to the World Bank, the GDP per capita in Sub-Saharan Africa was $1,483 in 2020, compared to $63,544 in the United States. This stark difference highlights the financial challenges faced by aspiring tech professionals in Africa.
To navigate financial constraints:
The scarcity of visible local success stories can make it challenging for African tech talents to envision their own path to success. While global tech icons are well-known, relatable local role models are often less prominent.
To address this problem, aspiring African tech professionals can take several proactive steps. First, they should research and connect with local tech leaders, tapping into the emerging tech scenes that many African countries now boast. These scenes are home to successful entrepreneurs and developers who can provide valuable insights and inspiration.
Additionally, attending local tech events and conferences can be incredibly beneficial, as these gatherings often feature talks by successful local tech professionals, offering opportunities for networking and learning. Lastly, individuals shouldn’t underestimate the power of creating their own success story. By becoming mentors themselves or sharing their personal journeys, they can inspire others in their community, effectively becoming the role models they once sought.
Rebecca Enonchong, founder and CEO of AppsTech, emphasizes the importance of visibility: “We need to amplify African tech success stories. Each achievement, no matter how small, can inspire countless others to pursue their tech dreams.”
One of the most significant obstacles for aspiring tech professionals in Africa is the cultural pressure to pursue more established professions. Many families and communities still view traditional careers such as medicine, law, or engineering as the safest paths to success. This can lead to a lack of support or even active discouragement for those interested in tech careers.
To overcome this challenge, it’s crucial to educate family members and the broader community about the prospects of a career in technology. This can be done by sharing success stories of African tech entrepreneurs who have made significant impacts both locally and globally. You should also show them personal progress and achievements in tech projects or studies. Explaining the growing demand for tech skills in various industries and the potential for high-paying jobs can also help.
Can you hear me? Are you there? Network problems have made these popular phrases in African zoom meetings. Unreliable and slow internet connections are a significant hurdle for many African tech talents. Poor connectivity can hinder learning, collaboration, and the ability to work on cloud-based projects or attend online courses and meetings.
While improving overall infrastructure is a long-term goal, there are several strategies tech professionals can employ to mitigate this challenge. Learning to work offline as much as possible and using tools with offline functionality can help optimize for low bandwidth. Seeking out reliable connections at tech hubs, co-working spaces, or libraries can provide stable internet access.
By addressing these challenges proactively, African tech talents can overcome significant obstacles in their path to success. As Bosun Tijani, CEO of Co-Creation Hub Nigeria, aptly puts it, “The challenges we face in Africa’s tech scene are not stumbling blocks, but stepping stones to innovation and growth.”
