Heirs Technologies is deepening its commitment to shaping Africa’s future tech leaders through its in-house training platform, i-Academy. The company is executing this mission through the Supplementary Technical Engineering Program (STEP), a structured initiative designed to skill and certify young African professionals in areas critical to the digital economy.
As part of the ongoing 2025 Cloud and Security Cohort, a group of 100 aspiring engineers recently visited the Cisco Edge Centre in Lagos for a firsthand look into global cloud networking and cybersecurity technologies. These trainees, selected from a highly competitive pool of over 3,600 applicants across Nigeria, represent a new wave of talent being nurtured to drive Africa’s digital transformation.
During the visit, participants were immersed in Cisco Meraki, the company’s AI-powered, cloud-based networking solution used by 75% of Fortune 500 companies. Through practical demonstrations and expert-led sessions, they saw how Meraki’s intuitive systems allow for faster detection, diagnosis, and resolution of network issues—critical skills in today’s fast-paced tech landscape. The visit also included an in-depth exploration of cybersecurity frameworks, giving trainees real-world context on how global enterprises protect their systems against evolving threats.
Yet, beyond the technical knowledge, the most inspiring part of the day came from a mentorship session with Chukwudi Theodore, a leading network engineer. He shared his personal journey—from being a curious learner to becoming a recognized expert in the field. He challenged the cohort to remain proactive, stay committed to continuous learning, and embrace discipline as a foundation for professional growth.
“At Heirs Technologies, we’re not just solving today’s tech problems—we’re shaping tomorrow’s talent,” said Ivy Ikpeme-Mbakwem, Vice President of i-Academy. “We believe that giving young Africans the tools, training, and exposure they need today will empower them to take on the world tomorrow. Programs like STEP are not just about theory—they’re about transformation.”
The 2025 Cloud and Security Cohort, which kicked off in April, is built on partnerships with international organizations such as CompTIA and integrates a mix of global best practices, hands-on learning, mentorship, and direct industry engagement. Each participant receives personalized coaching and access to a network of tech leaders and mentors while working toward an internationally recognized certificate of participation.
This initiative is part of a broader agenda by Heirs Technologies’ parent group, Heirs Holdings, to accelerate digital innovation across Africa through strategic investment in human capital. Under the leadership of Tony O. Elumelu, the group continues to push for transformative impact by investing in entrepreneurship, youth development, and technology.
By investing in early-stage tech talent through platforms like i-Academy, Heirs Technologies is not only helping to bridge the digital skills gap but is also building a resilient pipeline of professionals equipped to drive innovation across industries. The STEP program underscores a long-term vision: one where African talent leads in designing, managing, and securing the digital infrastructure that powers tomorrow’s economy.
In a time when the continent is rapidly digitizing, and the global tech workforce is shifting, Heirs Technologies’ bold approach to talent development stands as a model for how African companies can drive real change—not just by solving technical challenges, but by equipping the next generation to lead.
