What this life looks like
You build the digital tools that power modern life. Software Engineers design, write, test, and maintain the code behind mobile apps, websites, banking systems, health platforms, and everything in between. Africa's fast-growing tech sector is creating enormous demand for talented software engineers.
What she actually does
You translate real-world problems into code. You write programmes using languages such as Python, JavaScript, Java, or Kotlin, collaborate with designers and product managers, test your work to find and fix bugs, review teammates' code, and continuously improve systems over time. You might build a mobile money app one year and a hospital records system the next.
Where you can work
| Sector | Places in Africa |
|---|---|
| Fintech Companies | Flutterwave (Nigeria/global), Paystack (Nigeria), Wave (Senegal), M-KOPA (Kenya), TymeBank (South Africa) |
| Telecoms & Banks | MTN Group, Safaricom, Airtel Africa, GTBank Tech Hub, Ecobank Digital |
| Global Tech with Africa offices | Google Nigeria, Microsoft Africa, Amazon AWS Africa (Cape Town) |
| African Startups & NGOs | Andela (talent network), Kuda Bank, mDoc Healthcare, Twiga Foods |
Why it matters in Africa
Africa has over 700 million mobile phone users and a rapidly expanding digital economy. Homegrown tech companies including Flutterwave, Paystack, Andela, and Interswitch need skilled engineers to build products for African users. Remote work also allows African engineers to work for global companies while staying on the continent.
Your pathway in
- Excel in Mathematics and any computing or IT subjects available at school
- Learn to code through free platforms including Khan Academy, freeCodeCamp, or The Odin Project
- Pursue a degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or Information Technology
- Consider coding bootcamps such as Decagon, Semicolon Africa, or ALX Software Engineering as alternative routes
- Build a portfolio of personal projects on GitHub to show employers your skills
Skills you will need
- Programming languages (Python, JavaScript, Java)
- Problem-solving and logical thinking
- Git and version control
- Testing and debugging
- Communication and teamwork
- Continuous learning mindset
A woman in this field
Fara Ashiru Jituboh
Nigeria
Fara is the co-founder, CEO, and CTO of Okra, a Nigerian fintech API company that enables developers and banks to securely exchange real-time financial information. She is fluent in over 20 programming languages and previously worked with Fortune 500 companies including JP Morgan and BMW. Forbes described Okra as an outlier after it raised $4.5 million in its pre-seed round in under six months.
Take your first step
- Start learning Python or JavaScript today for free on freeCodeCamp.org
- Build a simple project — a calculator, a to-do list, or a quiz — and share it on GitHub
- Join She Code Africa's mentorship program or ALX Africa's free software engineering programme
- Research computer science degree programmes at universities in your country