Nairobi (Kenya), 9th September 2026 – The International Business Training College (IBTC), through its Data Centre Academy, has expanded its data centre workforce development programme into Kenya with the support of Schneider Electric University, the Africa Data Centres Association (ADCA) and other ecosystem partners. Formalized during ITW & Datacloud Africa in Nairobi, the initiative aims to develop a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals to support East Africa’s rapidly growing digital infrastructure sector.
The programme brings together training, certification, industry engagement and practical learning to create pathways for engineering and technology graduates to enter the data centre industry. Building on successful programmes already established in South Africa and Nigeria, the Kenya rollout further extends IBTC’s mission to address critical skills shortages across Africa’s data centre ecosystem.
Through Schneider Electric University, Schneider Electric provides the foundational curriculum for the Data Centre Certified Associate (DCCA I) programme, equipping learners with knowledge across critical infrastructure disciplines, including power, cooling, energy management, security, controls and operational resilience. The curriculum forms a key component of the programme’s objective to prepare graduates for careers supporting modern, sustainable and resilient data centre environments.
Speaking during the signing event, Steve Santini, Vice President, Secure Power, Sub-Saharan Africa, at Schneider Electric noted that as Africa’s digital economy continues to expand, the demand for skilled data centre professionals has never been greater. “
Building a sustainable talent pipeline is critical to supporting the growth of digital infrastructure across the continent. Through Schneider Electric University and our collaboration with ecosystem partners such as IBTC and ADCA, we are helping to equip the next generation of engineers and technicians with the knowledge and practical skills needed to design, operate and maintain the resilient, efficient and sustainable data centres that will power Africa’s digital future. At Schneider Electric, we believe that investing in people is just as important as investing in technology, and workforce development remains a key pillar in enabling Africa’s digital transformation.” Said Steve.
Building Skills Through Industry Collaboration
Delivered through IBTC’s established “source, train, place” model, the programme combines structured learning, industry-recognised certification and practical exposure to operational data centre environments. Participants begin with DCCA I training through Schneider Electric University’s curriculum before progressing towards advanced industry certification pathways.
IBTC Data Centre Academy leads programme delivery and workforce development, leveraging its proven model to identify, train and connect talent with employment opportunities within the industry. As one of Africa’s leading data centre workforce development initiatives, the Academy continues to play a vital role in strengthening the continent’s digital infrastructure talent pool.
The Africa Data Centres Association (ADCA) provides industry leadership and governance support, helping align workforce development efforts with the evolving needs of Africa’s data centre sector. Practical training elements are supported by industry partners, including IMEX, IX Africa and other leading data centre operators, ensuring participants gain exposure to real-world technologies and operational environments.
“Developing a sustainable talent pipeline requires collaboration across the entire digital infrastructure ecosystem. By bringing together industry associations, technology providers and training organisations, we can help equip young professionals with the skills needed to support Africa’s rapidly evolving data centre landscape.” Noted Nikki Maritz, Chief Executive Officer, IBTC
Supporting Africa’s Digital Future
As demand for cloud services, AI workloads and digital infrastructure continues to accelerate across Africa, the need for highly skilled professionals to design, operate and maintain critical infrastructure has never been more important. Through Schneider Electric University and its collaboration with ecosystem partners, Schneider Electric is supporting the development of technical capabilities that will help sustain the region’s digital growth for years to come.
As digital infrastructure investment continues to expand across the continent, Schneider Electric remains committed to supporting industry growth through innovation, sustainability and workforce development initiatives that help create the skilled talent needed for the data centres of tomorrow.
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