Developers Foundry 2.0: Elevating African Tech Talent
The Developers Foundry is a transformative and rigorous 1-year talent development program designed to bridge the gap between the skills of Africa’s emerging tech talent and the demands of the technology industry. The program will accelerate the careers of entry-level developers, guiding them to mid-to-senior level roles through an immersive learning experience that spans foundational training, project-based learning, and critical soft skills development.
This intensive program is open to both male and female participants in Ghana and Nigeria, and will select 100 qualifying participants.
Over the course of one-year, selected fellows will undergo a comprehensive curriculum that includes bootcamp training, project-based learning, and soft skills development, culminating in a final project.
The program is demanding and requires 100% commitment, with continuous assessments and real-world project collaborations. This rigorous schedule ensures that participants develop the expertise, problem-solving abilities, and professional communication skills necessary to thrive in the tech industry.
About the Program
Developers Foundry 2.0 is an intensive, practical program focusing on real-world projects and industry-relevant skills.4 It’s not just about learning to code; it’s about transforming junior tech talents into confident, industry-ready professionals capable of building enterprise-grade applications. The program emphasizes a hands-on, project-centered learning approach, mirroring actual industry requirements.
Requirements and Eligibility
To be considered for the Developers Foundry 2.0 fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality/Residency: Be a resident of either Nigeria or Ghana.5
- Experience: Possess 2-3 years of working experience in any of the following tech fields:
- Frontend Development
- Backend Development
- Mobile App Development
- Machine Learning/AI
- Cybersecurity
- DevOps
- Commitment: Demonstrate a strong willingness to participate in a comprehensive 12-month learning commitment.
- Passion: Show genuine enthusiasm for professional development and skill enhancement in technology.
- Age/Gender: There are no age requirements, and the program welcomes applicants of all genders.
Why Apply for Developers Foundry 2.0?
The Developers Foundry 2.0 offers a compelling pathway for tech professionals seeking significant career advancement. Here’s why you should consider applying:
- Free Tuition & Mentorship: The program is completely free, removing financial barriers to quality tech education. It also provides expert mentorship and one-on-one guidance from seasoned tech professionals.
- Accelerated Growth: In just one year, you can transition from an entry-level to a mid-level professional in high-demand tech fields.
- Practical Experience: Gain invaluable hands-on experience through real-world projects that reflect industry demands. This prepares you for the challenges of actual job scenarios.
- Market-Aligned Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to be highly relevant, focusing on the tools and technologies currently used in the industry.
- Global Networking: Access to international professional networks and career development prospects, opening doors to diverse opportunities.
- Specialized Learning: The program allows you to specialize in a specific, high-demand tech area, making you highly competitive in the job market.
Benefits of the Program
Participants in the Developers Foundry 2.0 fellowship can expect a range of benefits that will significantly impact their careers:
- Enhanced Skillset: Acquire in-depth knowledge and practical expertise in your chosen specialization.
- Portfolio Building: Develop a robust portfolio of real-world projects, showcasing your abilities to potential employers.
- Career Advancement: Position yourself for mid-level and potentially senior roles in the tech industry.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry experts, mentors, and a cohort of talented peers.
- Increased Earning Potential: Mid-level tech roles typically come with higher salaries and better career prospects.
- Problem-Solving Abilities: Develop stronger problem-solving skills through continuous assessments and challenging projects.
- Professional Communication: Enhance your professional communication skills, essential for collaborative tech environments.
Structure of the Program
The Developers Foundry 2.0 is a rigorous and demanding program that requires 100% commitment.17 While specific daily schedules may vary, the core structure includes:
- 12-Month Duration: A comprehensive one-year immersive fellowship.
- Full-Time Engagement: Requires full commitment, implying a significant time investment, potentially similar to a full-time job.
- Specialization Tracks: Fellows will concentrate on one of the high-demand specializations: Frontend Development, Backend Development, Mobile App Development, DevOps, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), or Cybersecurity.
- Project-Based Learning: The curriculum is centered around hands-on projects that simulate real industry requirements.
- Continuous Assessments: Regular evaluations to track progress and ensure deep understanding.
- Real-World Project Collaborations: Opportunities to work on projects that mirror actual job scenarios, fostering teamwork and practical application of skills.
- Instructor-Led Sessions: Over 1,500 hours of live, instructor-led sessions provide guided learning.
Skills to Acquire
Through the Developers Foundry 2.0 program, participants will acquire a wide array of technical and professional skills, depending on their chosen specialization. These include, but are not limited to:
- Core Programming Languages and Frameworks: Proficiency in relevant languages (e.g., Python, JavaScript, Java, C#) and their associated frameworks for frontend, backend, or mobile development.
- Database Management: Skills in working with databases, including SQL and potentially NoSQL.
- Version Control: Expert use of tools like Git for collaborative development and code management.
- Cloud Platforms: Understanding and working with cloud services (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) if relevant to their specialization (e.g., DevOps, AI/ML).
- Software Development Methodologies: Knowledge of Agile, Scrum, and other development practices.
- Problem-Solving and Debugging: Advanced techniques for identifying and resolving software issues.
- System Design and Architecture: Understanding how to design scalable and efficient software systems.
- API Development and Integration: Building and consuming Application Programming Interfaces.
- Security Best Practices: Implementing secure coding practices, especially for cybersecurity specialists.
- Deployment and Operations (DevOps): Skills related to automating software delivery and infrastructure management.
- Machine Learning Algorithms and Tools (AI/ML): For those specializing in AI/ML, knowledge of various algorithms, libraries, and frameworks.
- Soft Skills: Enhanced professional communication, teamwork, and project management abilities.25
How to Apply
The application process for Developers Foundry 2.0 is structured in several phases:
- Application Submission:
- Fill out the online application form.
- Upload a professional headshot.
- Submit a 1-minute video explaining:
- Your reasons for seeking fellowship participation.
- Evidence of your suitability for the program.
- Technical Assessment: Complete a coding assessment to evaluate your existing technical skills.
- Interview: Attend an admissions interview to discuss your goals and aspirations.
- Coding Challenges: Complete two quick and simple coding exercises.
- Acceptance Decision: Receive an acceptance decision within two weeks of completing the process.
Deadline
The application deadline for Developers Foundry 2.0 is July 17, 2025.27 It is highly recommended to apply well before the deadline to ensure your application is fully processed.