The African software development industry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by a diverse and talented pool of developers. This white paper presents an in-depth analysis of more than 500 developers across the continent, focusing on income distribution, coding experience, gender representation, technology usage, and future aspirations. The insights gathered provide a clear view of the challenges and opportunities for developers and the broader tech ecosystem in Africa.
9 key takeaway from this white paper:
1. Tech Talent Boom: Africa’s software industry is expanding rapidly, with Nigeria, Uganda, and Kenya at the forefront. Most developers are young and in the early stages of their careers, highlighting the continent’s growing talent pool.
2. Programming Preferences: JavaScript and Python are the most commonly used programming languages, but there is a rising interest in Rust, signalling a desire among developers to shift and diversify their tech stacks.
3. Cloud Dominance: AWS is the top choice for cloud platforms, with 43.1% of developers expressing interest in working with it, outpacing both Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure.
4. Web Frameworks: React remains the leading web framework, with 21.4% of developers currently using it, and 17.2% planning to adopt it in the future.
5. Emerging Technologies: There is a strong drive to adopt modern technologies, with 84% of developers seeking to change their tech stacks and 87% looking to explore new database environments.
6. AI as a Game-Changer: Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the industry, seen by developers as the biggest driver of job growth and innovation.
7. Optimism for the Future: More than half of developers are optimistic about Africa’s tech future, particularly those early in their careers, reflecting confidence in continued growth and opportunity.
8. Income Growth: While many developers currently earn under $20k per year, salaries increase significantly with experience, underscoring the potential for income growth as the industry matures.
9. Tools & Learning: Developers are favoring macOS, learning platforms like Udemy, and productivity tools such as Jira and Notion to enhance their skills and work efficiency.