Sylvia Duruson
Africa’s technology and software development industry has witnessed immense growth over the past decade. With a talent pool of over 700,000 skilled software developers spread across the continent, Africa possesses a vast reserve of tech talent waiting to make its mark on the global stage. However, many promising African software developers face obstacles and lack direction when it comes to securing employment with leading international tech companies and startups. Bridge Labs, an innovative startup founded in Africa, aims to address this gap by connecting talented African software developers with top technology companies in the United States and other parts of the world.
Founded by Kevin Fomengia and Peng Boris, Bridge Labs operates a unique platform that enables American technology companies to seamlessly integrate and hire skilled African software developers into their teams. The startup is driven by the vision that African tech talent will become the next major frontier in the global technology workforce. As Peng Boris, CTO and co-founder of Bridge Labs states, “At Bridge Labs, we firmly believe that Africa is the new frontier when it comes to sourcing talent for the technology industry’s workforce of the future.”
Bridge Labs highlights four key advantages of hiring software developers from Africa:
Cost Savings: With highly competitive rates around 30% lower than other regions globally, African software developers offer significant cost savings without compromising on skills, quality and delivery capabilities. This provides increased flexibility and scalability for companies looking to optimize engineering costs and productivity.
Strategic Time Zone Alignment: Many African countries share similar or overlapping time zones with key markets like the United States and Europe. African software developers are capable of working in both the United States and Europe’s time zones. This facilitates smoother collaboration, real-time communication, and faster turnaround times, as African software developers can work in tandem with in-house teams across time zones.
High English Proficiency: With over 24 African countries having English as an official language and medium of instruction, communication barriers are minimal. This leads to clear understanding of requirements, objectives and seamless coordination throughout the development cycle.
Access to New Talent Pool: With over 700,000 software developers and emerging skill sets across Africa, the continent provides a vast and relatively untapped pool of talent. Companies can gain fresh perspectives, creativity and diversity by leveraging this talent.
Bridge Labs follows a rigorous vetting and screening process, accepting only the top 3% of applicants on the continent after assessing their technical and behavioral skills. The startup handles all HR compliance and legal requirements, providing compliant EOR and staff augmentation services across Africa. This enables seamless integration of African software developers into client teams and projects.
So far, Bridge Labs has provided vetted access to senior-level African software developers for over 30 American technology companies and startups. Clients have reported average savings of 30% in overall developmental costs along with faster product iterations and launches. The streamlined hiring process takes less than a week from screening to onboarding suitable candidates.
Kevin Fomengia, CEO and Co-founder of Bridge Labs, says, “We are not just creating opportunities for talent or access for companies. Our vision is about shaping a brighter, more productive future for the global tech industry. We invite you to join us in embracing this new frontier of borderless tech talent.”
With its unique value proposition and bold vision, Bridge Labs aims to establish Africa as the next major global hub for world-class technology talent. By tapping into Africa’s vast software developer community, Bridge Labs is pioneering the way for mutually rewarding partnerships between talented African developers and leading tech firms across the world.
For aspiring African developers, Bridge Labs opens doors to global exposure, learning, skilling, and career growth opportunities. As African technology startups and digital products gain prominence on the world stage, the continent’s development and innovation scene looks set for an upward trajectory. Bridge Labs represents the tremendous potential that Africa holds in shaping the future of technology on a global scale.
