ADMI, Microsoft launch skills lab to drive game and software development among students

ADMI Founding Director Wilfred Kiumi (left) with Microsoft East Africa Country Manager Sebu Haileleul (right) after signing the. The deal is geared towards opening an App Factory that will see young graduates develop a broader range of ICT and workplace skills fundamental to success in the digital age. [James Wanzala, Standard]

The Africa Digital Media Institute (ADMI) has collaborated with Microsoft through its 4Afrika Initiative to open a game and software development factory.

The AppFactory at ADMI's downtown Nairobi campus will establish a dynamic apprenticeship platform that addresses the mismatch of skills in the East African software, games and mobile application market.

Forming part of ADMI’s Mobile App & Game Development Program, the AppFactory will equip students with skills in programming, cloud computing and data analytics, enhancing their ability to design web and mobile-based solutions for a global market.

Every six months, 15 to 20 graduates from ADMI and other local institutions, will be selected to take part in the AppFactory, and work alongside senior software engineers on real-world projects.

“Around the world, game development had estimated revenues of $137.9 billion in 2018, while in Kenya it is predicted that the revenues will be over Sh3 billion by 2022,” said Wilfred Kiumi, Founding Director of ADMI.

“Employers have vacancies they need to fill, but there is a shortage of skilled professionals to fill them. Through this skills lab, we are addressing the problem by providing mentorship and sharpening the skills of local youth. We’ll also be putting participants through an intensive career development programme so that they’re ready to be placed in ICT companies after graduating.”

The factory marks the third Microsoft AppFactory in Kenya, with others at the United States International University Africa (USIU-Africa) and the Mawingu Networks headquarters in Nanyuki. It is also the 18th AppFactory to be launched on the continent, which to date have secured employment for 85 per cent of its graduates.