The Tunisian startup specializing in Ed-Tech – GOMYCODE announces is now present in Lagos – Nigeria. Through an educational platform forming the next generation of technological and digital profiles and connecting them with the companies that build the world of tomorrow, GOMYCODE aims to become one of the largest tech and digital communities in Africa and the Middle East.
Launched in 2017 by Yahya and Amine Bouhlel, GOMYCODE now has more than 80 talents with diverse profiles among its employees and a network of over 100 trainers across the Hackerspaces of Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Bahrain, Egypt, Paris and now Lagos.
Based on a blended learning model, between a physical presence within GOMYCODE’s Hackerspaces and online learning, GOMYCODE wants to have a strong impact in terms of talent training and ease their integration to a digitised job market and economy.
It’s with that vision, that over the past 3 years, more than 8,000 students have been trained and have been able to acquire new skills, opening up new professional horizons for them. With more than 100 employment partners around Europe, Africa and the Arab region, almost 85% got placed into jobs.
Rethinking education, the GOMYCODE’s model aims to be the school of the 21st century providing, for all, training in FullStack JS, Intro to web, Front-end ReactJS, Artificial Intelligence, UX Design and Intro to video game development.
“In the last decade I’ve had the opportunity to witness youths come in through our doors broken and frustrated, some haven’t had a decent meal in days. However in 6 months we’ve seen the same youths become self-sustained and create jobs for others. GOMYCODE showed a much more effective way to achieve this; mobilizing Africa’s number one resource (the youth) to acquire skills and begin a successful career. I’m truly excited about what we are going to achieve with GOMYCODE Lagos, more so the number of jobs that will be created in the process” announced Enogieru Osasenaga, Country launcher of GOMYCODE Nigeria.
Why Lagos?
Lagos is the most populous city in Africa and home to the continent’s most valuable startup ecosystem economy. It is home to close to 1000 active start-ups and its founders, including some of the continent’s biggest startups which has over the years, garnered angel investors, venture capitalists, enthusiasts and media people from all over the world. Lagos continues to rise to the forefront of advanced technological innovations and development made possible by the burgeoning online population of internet users possibly brought about by increased public resolve to ensure optimum broadband penetration. The ecosystem’s annual output has created a huge demand for tech talents in the industry and with the growth of remote work practices, more companies are beginning to look towards Lagos as a talent hub for hiring.
Helping youth facing a changing world
Earlier this year GOMYCODE announced the raising of 1.7 million dinars to continue its expansion.
In addition to Tunis, Sousse and Sfax, new Hackerspaces have opened in Algiers (Algeria), Casablanca (Morocco), Manama (Bahrain) and Cairo (Egypt). New Hackerspaces will soon open on Tunisian territory, including the upcoming opening of a new hackerspace in downtown Tunis.
GOMYCODE also aims to develop its presence on the African and Middle Eastern market, where 42% of professions are strongly impacted by digitization and where 65% of the workforce do not have the necessary skills in this field.
There’s also 400.000 job openings in the digital industry in Africa and the Middle East.
By 2030, the African Venture & Startup Funding Report 2018 estimates that the number of young people in Africa will increase by 42%. This will represent a market for young talents, most of whom are unfamiliar with digital developments. This market concerns 1.2 billion people, 700 million are under the age of 25.
“We continue to deliver on our vision of providing high level digital education with a unique learning experience that leaves lasting impressions and have a positive impact on people’s lives. We will invest massively in our technology, our team and strengthen our operations” announces Yahya Boulel, CEO of GOMYCODE.
