Andela, a global training and placement company for software developers, officially launched its third unit in Africa, Andela Uganda, in July of this year.
Below the company officials respond to our questions on What Andela Uganda does and how Ugandan software developers and companies can benefit from it.
Qn1: What does Andela Uganda do?
Andela builds high-performing distributed engineering teams with talent from across the African continent to help companies solve the technical talent shortage.
In four years, Andela has identified, invested and hired close to a thousand of Africa’s most talented software engineers.
Andela developers work as full-time distributed team members with partner companies such as Viacom to high-growth tech startups including Gusto and Github from our offices in Lagos, Nairobi, Kampala, and Kigali.
Backed by Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, GV, and Spark Capital, Andela is helping to catalyze the growth of the global tech ecosystem while contributing to local tech ecosystems and economies.
Our latest milestone includes the announcement of Andela Kigali, our first pan-African hub welcoming applicants from across the continent this year.
See: Andela: Why we picked Rwanda for our pan-African tech hub
Qn2: How can a Ugandan developer benefit from Andela Uganda?
We provide access to resources, mentorship, and a community of passionate software developers to support you at every step of your journey.
Of course, the perks of the job beyond receiving a full-time salary include health benefits, free breakfast and lunch, an awesome culture and working with an amazing team.
When it’s time for a break, you’ll often find our team members playing a game of pool or battling it out on Play Station.
Qn3: How can Ugandan companies benefit from Andela Uganda?
Technology and thought leadership.
Uganda has a significant technology expertise gap which requires a high supply of mentors in this space.
Andela is coming into the ecosystem to show that software development can be delivered professionally.
Qn4: Who is eligible to work with Andela Uganda? (Talk about qualifications, including age limit and location etc.)
Anyone above 18 years with a passion for software development can apply – a university degree is not required.
The fellowship is in Uganda.
However, residents of countries where there isn’t an established Andela center can apply to the Kigali office which serves as our first Pan-African hub.
See: Ugandan Startup Matibabu wins Shs124m innovation prize
Qn5: What are the soft skills Andela Uganda considers to take in someone as a fellow?
We are looking for someone that can communicate well with others as most of the work is done in distributed teams.
This means that you may be based in Kampala but you are collaborating with colleagues in other parts of Africa and the world.
You also have to be a self-starter. This means that you have to own your own learning.
Qn6: How many times do you call for fellowship applicants in a year?
We accept applications on a monthly basis.
If you miss the deadline for a specific cycle, you can always apply the following month.
You can stay up-to-date by following Andela Uganda on Twitter and Facebook, or by checking our website.
Qn7: How is the work environment and culture at Andela Uganda?
You have to be EPIC to thrive at Andela.
Everything we do must be done with excellence, passion, integrity, and collaboration (EPIC).
It is not enough to have knowledge about software, you must be willing to be a team player.
Related: Social entrepreneur Cosmas Ndugga wins Startit360 grant
Qn8: What are the common misconceptions about Andela Uganda?
Andela is often mistaken for a school.
We are a business that is looking to help scale existing engineering teams by demonstrating that world-class software developers are present in Uganda and the rest of Africa.
Most importantly, we do this by offering a four-year employment opportunity that includes continuous learning to those who are keen to level up their technology skills.
Related:
How Ugandan startups are failing themselves
Govt calls startups to apply for second round of innovation fund
