Countries with the Highest Number of Software Engineers in Africa

In recent years, Africa has witnessed a significant surge in software development, with several countries emerging as key players in this digital revolution. Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, and Rwanda have seen the highest growth in software development, driven by expanding tech hubs, increased internet penetration, government support for innovation, rising startup ecosystems, and investments in digital infrastructure.

Leading the pack is Nigeria, which accounts for 4% of all new blockchain developers worldwide and 3% of the worldwide Web3 workforce. With over 1.1 million developers in 2024, a 28% increase from the previous year, Nigeria is considered the top software capital in Africa. The country's young tech experts, lively startup industry, and remote working opportunities have played a significant role in this growth.

Nigeria is closely followed by Kenya, which led the growth rate with 33%. Kenya's developer community increased by 33% from 2023 to 2024, reaching over 393,000. The government's focus on digital skills and job creation is evident in its strategy to teach 200,000 youth and offer jobs for digital talents. More than 38% of Nigerian developers are employed by international firms, demonstrating the global appeal of African tech talent.

Egypt's developer population increased by 25% from 2023 to 2024, reaching over 990,000. Egypt's strategic location, multilingual population, and strong focus on outsourcing and cybersecurity have contributed to its growth. Morocco, on the other hand, has seen a more than tenfold increase in GitHub developers from 2021 to 2024, reaching over 556,000.

South Africa's developer community increased by 23% from 2023 to 2024, reaching over 664,000. Rwanda, though smaller in size, has also shown impressive growth, with its developer community increasing by an estimated 30% in the same period.

Ghana and Tunisia, with 30,000 developers each in 2021, have also made their mark. Ghana had 69.8% of its population accessing the internet in 2024, creating a fertile ground for software development. The skills of Tunisian software developers are influenced by leading universities and challenging engineering courses, making them sought after in the global tech industry. However, many talented Tunisian developers search for better jobs outside the country.

Tanzania and Uganda, with 25,000 and 20,000 developers respectively in 2021, are also investing in their digital future. Tanzania is investing in digital tools for healthcare and farming, while Uganda's developer community is growing rapidly due to mobile-focused ideas and rising internet use.

As Africa continues to develop its tech sector, it is clear that the continent is poised to make a significant impact on the global stage. With a young, skilled workforce and a growing appetite for innovation, Africa's tech boom shows no signs of slowing down.