The programme, dubbed Skills for Africa, is part of a larger African effort focusing on five countries that was officially launched by SAP in May.
The East Africa chapter targets approximately 75 university graduates annually and is focused on a variety of skills key to success in today’s competitive job environment, including SAP certification.
Speaking during the launch of the partnership, acting Kenya ICT board chief executive officer (CEO), Victor Kyalo, said “Capacity development is one of the ways that we are deepening our engagement with the industry.
“Many industries are run on SAP platforms and currently we have a gap of certified professionals. To become a market leader and grow our economy Kenya must consume knowledge.”
The event was the beginning of a six-week SAP training programme hosted at Multimedia University.
A total of 81 young graduates were selected from more than 1,000 applications.
Franck Cohen, SAP President in charge of Europe, Middle East and Africa, said “We believe in the continent and spirit of entrepreneurship.
“For SAP we want to give and take. We need the right skills and therefore playing a hand in developing them is key. This is part of a long process of collaboration to build competencies that the country needs to grow.”
Successful graduates are given scholarships worth an estimated US$19,000 per student with the priority to benefite those from a disadvantaged background and women.
The training comes against the backdrop of the pressing demand for technology solutions as well as the need for the right talent to be developed in Africa specifically with a view of improving employability among fresh graduates.
The Skills for Africa programme idea was conceived in Kenya by Kenya ICT Board and SAP Kenya and was officially launched in September 2012.
Already, SAP has adopted the programme which they are looking at rolling out to other African states.