Interswitch Inducts Largest Developer Academy Cohort to Boost Africa’s Tech Talent Pipeline

 Interswitch Inducts Largest Developer Academy Cohort to Boost Africa’s Tech Talent Pipeline

Interswitch has inducted the largest-ever cohort into its Developer Academy, selecting candidates from over 20,000 applicants as part of a strategic push to strengthen Nigeria’s technology talent base and deepen Africa’s digital ecosystem.

The new intake, which represents the third cohort of the academy, emerged after a rigorous multi-stage selection process involving technical assessments and interviews, underscoring the growing demand for software engineering opportunities in Nigeria.

The nine-month programme is structured to provide intensive training across critical engineering tracks, including backend development, DevOps, mobile development, frontend engineering, and quality assurance. Participants will undergo a blend of theoretical instruction and hands-on experience designed to prepare them for the demands of a competitive global technology landscape.

Founder and Group Chief Executive Officer, Mitchell Elegbe, said the initiative reflects the company’s long-term approach to talent development and ecosystem growth. He noted that while the migration of skilled professionals remains a challenge, the company is focused on building a sustainable pipeline of talent capable of contributing both locally and globally.

According to him, the academy is not only designed to meet the organisation’s internal needs but also to strengthen the broader technology industry and reinforce Nigeria’s position as a hub for globally competitive engineering talent.

Also speaking, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, Franklin Ali, highlighted the broader impact of the programme, stating that participants are being equipped with technical expertise as well as the mindset and adaptability required to thrive in diverse work environments.

He added that graduates of the programme would be well-positioned to pursue careers within the company, across Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, or in international markets, reflecting the growing global recognition of Nigerian talent.

The initiative also aligns with efforts to address the increasing demand for skilled engineers across fintech firms, banks, and startups. By consistently training and releasing new cohorts into the ecosystem, Interswitch is contributing to a more resilient and sustainable talent pipeline.

Participants will benefit from mentorship by experienced professionals, exposure to enterprise-grade systems, and workplace readiness training. Top-performing interns may be offered full-time roles within the company at the end of the programme.

As part of its expansion strategy, Interswitch has also established a dedicated learning facility in Victoria Island, Lagos, to serve as a specialised hub for the Developer Academy and other training initiatives, further institutionalising its commitment to talent development.

The continued growth of the programme underscores the company’s long-term vision of positioning Nigeria and Africa as leading sources of innovation and technical expertise in the global digital economy.