⏱️ Key Takeaways!
- Treford addresses the skill gap among mid-level tech professionals in Africa with accelerator programs.
- The platform pivots from entry-level training to mid-level upskilling, focusing on product management, marketing, and design.
- Treford’s approach involves stakeholder engagement, a robust faculty, and a three-phase learning methodology.
Treford, an Edtech platform co-founded by Harry Enaholo and Toyin Olasehinde, is revolutionizing the tech skills landscape in Africa. By addressing the systemic skill gap among mid-level tech professionals, the platform is empowering African startups to achieve sustainable growth.
The skill gap crisis in Africa’s tech ecosystem
Africa’s tech ecosystem faces a critical challenge: a skill gap among mid-level professionals. Many talented individuals find themselves stuck between junior roles and the expertise required for senior positions. This gap is exacerbated by the exodus of senior talent seeking better opportunities abroad, leaving mid-level professionals to fill the void without adequate preparation.
Startups, under pressure to achieve profitability, cannot afford extensive on-the-job training. They need professionals who can deliver results immediately. However, existing upskilling options are often unaffordable or focused on entry-level training, leaving a significant gap in the market.
“Companies don’t have the bandwidth to make mistakes where someone has to learn everything on the job. They need people who come in with a certain level of skills and experience,” says Harry Enaholo, co-founder of Treford.
Treford’s pivot to mid-level upskilling
Treford is addressing this crisis with a comprehensive suite of accelerator programs designed for mid-level professionals. After five years of focusing on entry-level career changers, the platform is expanding to help working professionals level up quickly.
The shift comes as companies struggle to fill mid-level roles with candidates who can deliver results. Treford’s co-founder, Harry Enaholo, notes, “We’ve moved from a situation where the biggest challenge was getting people into tech, to one where companies need people who can move the needle.”
Kayode Odesanya, a product manager at Busha, highlights the impact of Treford’s programs: “The live product case studies from facilitators made the concepts click, and I immediately applied them to the product we’re building.”
Comprehensive programs for product management, marketing, and design
Treford’s expanded offering spans three core verticals: product management, marketing, and design. Each program addresses critical market demands identified through stakeholder research.
Product Management includes specialized programs such as a Product Management Accelerator, Technical Product Management, Fintech Product Management in collaboration with Paystack, and an AI Product Management program led by Majana Havranek, a veteran in AI product development.
Marketing programs cover Product Marketing Acceleration, Technical Marketing (MarTech), Performance Marketing, Advanced Email Marketing, and Search Marketing. Design completes the offering with a comprehensive UX Design program.
A stakeholder-first approach to curriculum development
Treford’s curriculum development methodology sets it apart. Instead of starting with theoretical frameworks, the team engages key stakeholders—founders, recruiters, and talents—to understand market realities. This dynamic and iterative process ensures programs address immediate needs.
The platform applies product development principles to curriculum creation, with dedicated learning experience design teams and extensive research phases. “Our product isn’t just the learning management system, our product is also our curriculum,” emphasizes Enaholo.
“We do reverse engineering,” explains Enaholo. “We engage key stakeholders to understand their biggest talent problems and design our programs accordingly.”
A three-phase learning methodology for maximum impact
Treford’s commitment extends beyond program delivery. It uses a three-phase learning methodology: pre-learning, main learning, and post-learning. The pre-learning phase allows participants to engage with curriculum designers. The main learning phase prioritizes small class sizes for meaningful interaction. The post-programme phase includes mentorship and career support through partnerships with startups and recruiters.
This comprehensive approach has attracted participants from around the world, seeking industry-focused training that translates directly to workplace performance. As African startups mature, the demand for skilled mid-level professionals who can execute without extensive supervision has never been greater.
Pioneering the future of tech upskilling in Africa
Treford’s established credibility in entry-level training provides a natural foundation for mid-level expansion. With recruiters already relying on Treford to identify non-engineering talent, extending this influence into professional development represents a logical evolution.
In an ecosystem where breaking into tech has been the primary focus, Treford is pioneering the next question: once you’re in, how do you thrive? The platform’s innovative approach is not only addressing the skill gap but also empowering African tech professionals to compete on a global stage.
What this means for Africa’s tech future
Treford’s initiative to upskill mid-level tech professionals is a game-changer for Africa’s startup ecosystem. By bridging the skill gap, the platform is ensuring that startups have the talent they need to innovate and grow sustainably. This focus on continuous learning and professional development sets a new standard for tech education in Africa, positioning the continent as a hub for global tech talent.
As Treford continues to evolve, its impact on Africa’s tech landscape will be profound. The platform is not just training professionals; it is building the future of Africa’s tech industry, one skilled professional at a time.
