UK-SA Tech Hub, CiTi launch youth-focused Developers Placement Programme

The UK-South Africa Tech Hub has partnered with the Cape Innovation Technology Initiative (CiTi) to launch a youth and female-focused developers placement programme.

The British High Commission said in a statement last Tuesday (12 November) that the programme aims to increase the number of digitally up-skilled youth entering entrepreneurial activity streams, particularly females from diverse backgrounds.

As part of the programme, chief technology officers (CTOs) from the UK will be brought in to mentor beneficiaries.

The Developers Placement Programme will see CTOs from the UK mentor beneficiaries

The British High Commission said that the CTO’s expertise and knowledge will give young talent valuable insights from the perspective of a more mature tech ecosystem.

UK-SA Tech Hub director for South Africa Shirley Gilbey said supporting entrepreneurial activity and strengthening the SA tech ecosystem is a core focus of the hub which led to the partnership with CiTi.

“The Developers Placement Programme seeks to increase the number of tech prototypes created by startups and to embed successful work placement or venture creation as a core part of the digital skills development value chain,” added Gilbey.

CiTi CEO Ian Merrington said the organisation is “delighted” to partner with the UK-SA Tech Hub on the initiative. He added that CiTi has a strong focus on supporting a diverse and inclusive digital economy.

“The UK-SA Tech hub have created a wonderful opportunity to utilise leading UK digital expertise for the benefit of South African youth, this is particularly relevant in such a rapidly evolving digitally workplace,” said Merrington.

Featured image: Christina @wocintechchat.com via Unsplash