The technology ecosystem in Nigeria is in its early stages and shows signs of great promise. Many industry observers and analysts however point to a dearth of top-quality, homegrown tech talent.

To address the trend, last year we commenced the CodeCamp series. CodeCamp is an intense all-expense paid 4-week residential training program that targets early-stage developers. In 2013, with the active support of our partners (Microsoft & Blackberry), we trained 16 students and early-stage developers on mobile application design and development.

Our focus with CodeCamp 2014 is on front-end web development and the android mobile platform. Using a blend of facilitator-led, classroom-style training sessions and online tools, participants will be exposed to cutting-edge tools and technology as well as learning best design practices for building web and mobile applications. A 3-month internship will be available for all attendees, where they will be placed in sponsoring organisations as well as CcHUB-supported startups.

We are pleased to announce Paga as the Main sponsor of the 2014 CodeCamp edition. We are excited to be partnering a brand that prides itself as a team of passionate Africans determined to tackle the critical issue of making financial services available to all Africans. Paga’s innovative spirit has seen them strongly commit to using their in-house innovation lab ‘Paga labs’ by harnessing mobile technology to develop and deliver on new and beneficial financial services to all Africans.

We are also excited to have Vconnect as sponsor of CodeCamp 2014. Vconnect are proud to be Nigeria’s largest and No. 1 local search engine. Over the past 4 years, they have built a growing database of more than 800,000 local businesses in Nigeria and have made it freely available to all their users.

Building a great ecosystem requires the support of everyone and we are pleased to be involved in growing the local tech ecosystem with Paga and Vconnect through CodeCamp 2014.