Interswitch has inducted the third and largest cohort of interns into its Developer Academy, as the fintech company intensifies efforts to build a stronger pipeline of software engineering talent across Africa.
The company disclosed that the latest cohort emerged from a highly competitive selection process that attracted more than 60,000 applications from aspiring developers across Nigeria and other African countries. According to Interswitch, applicants went through several stages, including shortlisting, technical assessments and interviews, before the final selection was made.
The company said the induction marks the beginning of a nine-month intensive training programme designed to equip young developers with practical and industry-relevant engineering skills.
Participants in the programme will receive training across different engineering tracks such as backend development, frontend engineering, mobile development, DevOps and quality assurance. Interswitch explained that the academy combines classroom learning with hands-on exposure to enterprise-grade systems and real-world work environments.
The fintech firm noted that the initiative forms part of its broader strategy to strengthen Africa’s digital economy by investing in local technology talent at a time when demand for skilled software engineers continues to rise globally.
Speaking on the programme, Founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of Interswitch, Mitchell Elegbe, said the company remains committed to building long-term capacity within Africa’s technology ecosystem despite the increasing migration of skilled professionals.
“At Interswitch, we have always believed in the capacity to see beyond the immediate challenges and focus on long-term impact. While the migration of skilled talent remains a reality, our approach is to actively shape the outcomes by building a strong and sustainable pipeline of technology professionals,” he said.
Elegbe added that the company’s focus goes beyond filling internal roles, noting that the goal is to contribute to the growth of the wider African technology industry.
“We are therefore committed to equipping individuals with the capabilities to contribute meaningfully to the broader technology ecosystem, locally and globally, not just for our own needs at Interswitch. In doing so, we are not only strengthening the industry but also reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a source of globally competitive engineering talent,” he added.
Interswitch stated that the Developer Academy was introduced as part of efforts to address the growing shortage of highly skilled software engineers in Nigeria and across developing economies. The company noted that fintech firms, banks, startups and other technology-driven businesses are increasingly competing for engineering talent.
Also speaking, the Group Chief Human Resources Officer at Interswitch, Franklin Ali, said the programme is focused on developing both technical and adaptive skills needed in today’s global workplace.
“The Developer Academy reflects our long-term commitment to building talent at scale. We are equipping these young professionals not just with technical skills, but with the mindset, discipline, and adaptability required to thrive in diverse environments,” Ali stated.
According to the company, participants will receive mentorship from experienced professionals throughout the programme, while top-performing interns may secure full-time employment opportunities after completion.
As part of plans to expand the initiative, Interswitch also announced the launch of a dedicated learning facility in Victoria Island, Lagos, to support the Developer Academy and other talent development programmes.
The company said the expansion aligns with its long-term vision of positioning Nigeria and Africa as globally recognised hubs for technology talent and innovation.
