NCBA and AWS Partner to Deliver Digital Skills Training for 3,000 Employees Across East Africa

In a move aimed at positioning itself as a digital innovation leader in the financial services industry, NCBA Group has announced a landmark partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to provide digital skills training to over 3,000 employees. This initiative is part of NCBA’s larger strategy to drive digital transformation and empower its workforce with cutting-edge technological expertise, ensuring the bank remains at the forefront of innovation in the competitive financial sector.

A Vision for the Future: Upskilling NCBA Employees

The collaboration between NCBA and AWS signifies a major step towards building a highly skilled workforce, prepared to tackle the demands of an increasingly digitized world. The training program will cover key areas of emerging technology, such as:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Machine Learning (ML)
• Cloud Computing
• Cybersecurity
• Big Data & Analytics

This diverse skill set will be critical for NCBA as it seeks to digitize customer experiences and offer end-to-end digital solutions in its service offerings. The initiative is designed to ensure NCBA employees can solve complex problems using these advanced technologies, enhancing the bank’s ability to meet the evolving needs of its customers.

AWS Training and Certification: A Custom Approach

The digital training program will leverage AWS’s world-class training and certification offerings, specifically tailored to NCBA’s needs. AWS Digital Classroom, an interactive online platform, will host the training sessions, led by virtual instructors. This platform will allow NCBA employees across the region, including those in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Ivory Coast, to participate in the program.

Through this program, participants will work towards obtaining AWS Certifications, which will validate their skills and demonstrate their proficiency in key areas of digital technology. These certifications are recognized globally and will further position NCBA as a leader in digital banking innovation.

Accelerating Digital Transformation

Speaking about the partnership, John Gachora, NCBA’s Group Managing Director, emphasized the importance of this initiative in accelerating the bank’s digital transformation journey.

“We are excited to work with AWS to provide our employees with world-best practice-based training access. By equipping our staff with advanced problem-solving digital skills, we are accelerating our digital transformation efforts, enabling us to bring new end-to-end digitized customer journeys to market,” said Gachora.

This strategic move aligns with NCBA’s broader vision of transforming its services and enhancing customer experiences through digital innovation. The program not only ensures that NCBA’s workforce remains competitive but also reinforces its commitment to employee development and retention.

The Role of Cloud-Skilled Professionals in Industry Transformation

The collaboration also highlights the growing importance of cloud-skilled professionals in driving industry-wide transformation. According to Martin Risau, Head of EMEA Training and Certification at AWS, the availability of skilled talent is one of the biggest challenges to industry transformation.

“Organizations need cloud-skilled professionals to drive business transformation, and the availability of skilled talent is the single biggest barrier to industry transformation. We are thrilled to collaborate with NCBA in helping upskill their workforce to meet their future digital skill needs,” said Risau.

This sentiment underscores the critical role that advanced cloud technologies, such as those provided by AWS, will play in shaping the future of financial services. By upskilling its employees, NCBA is preparing to lead this transformation and leverage new technologies to stay ahead of competitors.

Strategic Rollout of the Training Program

The digital skills training program will commence in September 2024, with a tiered rollout approach to ensure maximum engagement across NCBA’s workforce. This phased rollout will allow employees across different countries and departments to participate in the training sessions while maintaining operational efficiency.

The training will focus on practical, real-world applications of the digital technologies being taught, allowing employees to apply their skills directly to their roles at NCBA. Whether in corporate banking, asset finance, or digital banking, the newly acquired skills will enhance the bank’s ability to offer innovative financial solutions.

Supporting Africa’s Economic Ambitions

NCBA plays a crucial role in supporting the continent’s economic growth. By investing in the professional development of its employees, NCBA is not only improving its own capabilities but also contributing to the wider goal of building a more digitally-skilled workforce across Africa. With over 60 million customers and operations spanning five countries, NCBA’s influence extends far beyond its immediate markets.

The bank is a market leader in corporate banking, asset finance, and digital banking, and this new training initiative with AWS solidifies its position as a digital pioneer in the financial sector.

A Future-Ready Workforce

At its core, this partnership between NCBA and AWS is about building a future-ready workforce—one that is equipped with the tools, knowledge, and certifications necessary to drive the bank’s success in an increasingly digital world. As technology continues to reshape the financial services industry, NCBA’s investment in its employees ensures that the bank can continue to offer innovative solutions that meet the needs of its customers.

With AWS Certifications in hand, NCBA employees will be able to confidently navigate the digital landscape and deliver top-notch services that set NCBA apart from its competitors.

Conclusion

NCBA’s collaboration with AWS marks a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to digital transformation. By providing its employees with advanced digital skills and globally recognized certifications, NCBA is positioning itself as a leader in digital innovation within the financial services industry. As the training program rolls out, NCBA is poised to deliver next-generation financial services that harness the power of AI, cloud computing, and other cutting-edge technologies.