Africa’s technological landscape has been evolving rapidly over the past decade, with a surge in innovative minds and transformational advancements across various industries.
Among the driving forces behind this digital transformation are the brilliant software and DevOps engineers who possess the skills and expertise to seamlessly integrate development and operations, fostering efficient software development and deployment.
In this article, we highlight the top 10 African DevOps engineers who have made significant contributions to the field, showcasing their talent, dedication, and pioneering spirit.
1. Edward Aleonope
Edward is a highly adept and achievement-oriented full stack engineer, boasting extensive expertise in DevOps acquired over a span of nine years in the industry. Currently holding the role of Senior Software Developer and Solution Architect at Arca Payments Company Limited, Edward excels in developing financial technology products fortified with resilient, anti-fraud systems that incorporate cutting-edge AI technology.
His proficiency shines in converting business requisites into secure and scalable software solutions, leveraging tools such as C#, .NET, and platforms like AWS, Azure, Angular, and React.js.
In his previous capacity as Senior Software Engineer and Technical Lead at Xpress Payment Solutions Ltd, he led agile teams, guided developers, and led the development of numerous financial technology products, notably the widely adopted Xpress Agent product.
Edward’s skill set further encompasses SharePoint, Node.js, TypeScript, and ASP.NET Core. He also made strides at Tezza Business Solutions, where he functioned as an application developer for FCMB bank, crafting various in-house and external applications for the Bank. He recently won an as Fintech Solutions Architect of the Year 2022.
Edward’s forte lies in the design and development of high-capacity web applications, solidifying his standing as an outstanding DevOps engineer catalyzing technological progress across Africa’s tech landscape. With a history of delivering sturdy and efficient solutions distinguished by high-level security features, Edward is renowned for his capability to seamlessly integrate diverse technologies and streamline processes, leading to augmented productivity and user satisfaction.
In the swiftly evolving digital sphere, Edward’s proficiency in DevOps principles and methodologies has proven to be of immeasurable worth. His unwavering commitment to staying abreast of the latest industry trends and technologies equips him to consistently furnish cutting-edge solutions that propel businesses onward.
Backed by a verifiable history of accomplishments, Edward stands as a testament to the exceptional caliber of talent and innovation thriving within the DevOps community.
As he continues to make substantial contributions to the field adding his DevOps methodology and principles to the curriculum of training companies like Utiva, Edward remains a pivotal catalyst for advancement and technological distinction within Africa’s technology sector.
2. Ebenezer Don
Ebenezer Don is a highly skilled DevOps professional and founder of NewDev.io, a prominent learning platform for developers. With over ten years of experience in the software industry, Ebenezer has worked on a wide range of projects, including web and mobile applications, data analytics, and machine learning.
Ebenezer’s passion lies in simplifying complex concepts and sharing his knowledge with fellow developers. He actively organizes technical workshops and is a sought-after speaker at international tech conferences and meetups, where he imparts insights on software architecture, web development, and Artificial Intelligence.
Aside from his work with NewDev, Ebenezer contributes actively to the open-source community. He has created and maintained multiple projects, showcasing his commitment to collaborative software development.
Previously, Ebenezer served as a Developer Advocate at JetBrains, where he played a key role in promoting their development tools. He also worked as a Software Engineer at Data Science Nigeria, supporting research and innovation initiatives involving AI and software engineering.
Ebenezer’s expertise extends to his tenure as a Software Engineer at Andela, where he gained valuable experience in both back-end and front-end web development. He also served as a Learning Facilitator at Learn To Code, teaching core web technologies and frameworks like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, JQuery, and React.
With his extensive experience and dedication to sharing knowledge, Ebenezer Don has established himself as one of the top DevOps professionals in Africa. His contributions to the industry and commitment to empowering developers make him a valuable asset to the tech community.
3. Otse Obande
Otse Obande is a skilled Software Engineer with a strong background in building and architecting software systems and working with data. His expertise lies in Cloud Infrastructure, Python, and JavaScript.
Currently serving as a Senior Software Engineering Lead at Slide, Otse plays a crucial role in leading and managing the DevOps team.
He implements efficient and scalable infrastructure solutions, ensures smooth software delivery, and optimizes system performance. Otse’s technical proficiency and leadership skills contribute to the success of Slide’s projects.
Prior to his current role, Otse excelled as a Software Engineer Lead at ScalingFunds, where he demonstrated exceptional skills in managing and maintaining cloud-based infrastructure. He showcased his expertise by designing and implementing scalable and reliable systems, leveraging his knowledge of cloud technologies to ensure high availability and optimal performance.
Otse’s outstanding abilities were also displayed in his time as a Software Developer at The Zebra, where he focused on maintaining Python Django applications using Wagtail CMS. His dedication to improving website SEO through adherence to best practices and adaptability to changing search engine algorithms elevated the organization’s online presence.
In addition, Otse worked as a Software Developer at Fantasy Sports.com, where he demonstrated his prowess in building and maintaining REST APIs using Flask and MongoDB. He successfully integrated SportsRadar API to support Baseball and Basketball, while also implementing and managing CI/CD pipelines using Bitbucket pipelines, Docker, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). His comprehensive skill set and proficiency in leveraging cutting-edge technologies facilitated seamless integration and deployment processes, ensuring the reliability and efficiency of the platform.
Otse has been honored with the prestigious “Software Engineering and Architectural Virtuoso” award at the Beacon of ICT Awards, a renowned event that recognizes and celebrates best practices and exceptional contributions to the advancement of ICT.
Otse Obande’s solid technical skills and experience in building and architecting software systems, coupled with his expertise in cloud infrastructure, make him a valuable asset in the Software Engineering and DevOps community.
His leadership capabilities as a Senior Software Engineering Lead at Slide and his previous roles demonstrate his ability to drive successful projects and optimize system performance. Otse’s dedication to staying updated with the latest technologies ensures that he remains at the forefront of the industry.
4. Andifon Etim
Andifon Etim is a highly competent professional known for his reliability and ability to handle confidential information and projects with utmost trust. He excels in transforming disorganized environments into efficient operations and revamping administrative processes to enhance accuracy and productivity. With a proactive and adaptable approach, Andifon consistently exceeds expectations and embraces opportunities for learning and growth.
In his role as a Lead Integration Engineer at Flutterwave, Andifon plays a crucial role in ensuring seamless integration of payment solutions. Leveraging his extensive expertise, he drives successful integrations and optimizes the performance of payment systems. His strong problem-solving skills and keen attention to detail contribute to the smooth operation of financial transactions, creating a reliable and secure payment experience.
Previously, Andifon served as a Senior Software Engineer at Equity Bank Limited, where he provided valuable contributions to the development of software solutions. His profound knowledge of application security and software architecture empowered him to design and implement robust systems that consistently met the highest standards of security and reliability.
With a solid background in senior .NET software development, Andifon excelled as a Senior .NET Software Developer at Credrails. During his tenure, he collaborated on various projects and made significant contributions to the successful delivery of software solutions. His expertise in the .NET framework and web application development proved instrumental in creating high-performing applications that met and exceeded client expectations.
Andifon’s exceptional technical prowess and dedication to excellence, positions him as a highly sought-after professional in the software engineering field nationally and internationally.
His ability to navigate complex challenges, drive successful integrations, and deliver reliable and secure software solutions has earned him a reputation for excellence and dependability.
Andifon Etim, a steadfast advocate of continuous tech innovations, occupies a prominent position among Africa’s pioneering DevOps Engineers who are propelling advancements in the technological field. With Andifon’s expertise and dedication, he consistently raises the bar for quality, efficiency, and performance in software engineering.
5. Tebogo Mokoena
Tebogo Mokoena is a highly accomplished DevOps professional and currently serves as the DevOps Team Lead at FNB South Africa, one of the leading financial institutions in the country. With over a decade of experience in the IT industry, Tebogo has established himself as a recognized expert in the field.
His expertise spans a wide range of areas, including managing and maintaining operating systems, deploying and configuring web and database servers, and implementing robust security measures.
Tebogo’s technical prowess extends to automation and scripting, where he has leveraged tools like Ansible, Shell, Python, and Perl to develop efficient and scalable solutions. His proficiency in these scripting languages has enabled him to streamline processes, increase productivity, and drive operational efficiency within FNB’s DevOps environment.
Prior to his current role at FNB, Tebogo held key positions at renowned organizations such as Internet Solutions and Syrex (Pty) Ltd. During his tenure, he gained extensive experience in Linux server administration, virtualization technologies, network routing, and server hardware support. His proficiency with technologies like VMWare, KVM, Zabbix, MySQL, Syslog-NG, SpaceWalk, and Apache has further strengthened his technical skill set.
Tebogo’s commitment to professional growth and staying abreast of industry trends is evident in his continuous pursuit of knowledge. He holds an IT Diploma with a specialization in Networking and Security from Boston City Campus. This educational foundation, coupled with his practical experience, has equipped him with a
comprehensive understanding of IT infrastructure and the ability to devise effective solutions that align with business objectives.
6. Peter Chege
Peter Chege is a highly skilled software engineer with over 8 years of experience in the industry. He has a strong background in application development, real-time data, analytics, and cloud computing. Peter has worked in various industries, including healthcare, fintech, and insurtech.
Currently, Peter holds the position of Head of Engineering at AiCare, a full-time role he has been in since September 2022. In this role, he leads a team of engineers in developing and delivering a telematics product for the insurance industry.
Peter has successfully led the team in building a core system for underwriting motor cover, implementing low mileage insurance cover and pay-as-you-drive options, and managing engineering processes using agile methodologies and DevOps practices.
Prior to his current role, Peter worked as a Lead Software Developer at APA Insurance Limited from February 2019 to September 2022. During his time there, he played a key role in integrating digital underwriting and claims processes, developed an advisory portal for life agents, and implemented business logic to prevent fraud and improve authorization.
Before that, Peter served as a Senior Software Engineer at Speech Therapy Totos for 2 years and 10 months.
He led a team in creating an online learning platform for parents of children with autism and speech delays. Peter developed automated emails, an online shop, and integrated payment gateways to enhance the platform.
He also developed an online school for training aspiring speech therapists, featuring course progress tracking, forums, study groups, and certification upon completion.
Peter holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Software Engineering from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. He has also expanded his knowledge and skills through programs like freeCodeCamp, where he covered topics such as responsive web design, JavaScript algorithms, data structures, and more.
7. Viviane Niyomwungeri
As a DevOps Engineer, Vivian thrives in collaborative environments, valuing teamwork and open communication. Her ability to listen and incorporate ideas from her peers makes her an exceptional team player, always prioritizing effective decision-making for the collective success.
With over two years of experience at Dexcom, Vivian has showcased her expertise in DevOps engineering. Her role involves building and managing CI/CD pipelines, ensuring seamless integration and deployment of applications. She has honed her skills in configuration management, utilizing tools such as Ansible and Jenkins to automate deployment processes.
Prior to Dexcom, Vivian contributed to the success of Sunrun, where she excelled as a PV Designer. Her responsibilities included generating CAD designs for optimal production and shade modeling.
She demonstrated proficiency in preparing electrical load calculations, complying with industry codes and project specifications. Vivian’s ability to coordinate with diverse teams ensured the proper implementation of designs across multiple company branches.
Furthermore, Vivian’s experience at Data Service Group as a DevOps Engineer has equipped her with a broad skill set. She established complete DevOps pipelines, leveraging technologies such as Git, Jenkins, Ansible, Docker, and Kubernetes. Vivian’s expertise in AWS infrastructure, automation, and monitoring frameworks significantly improved system efficiency.
8. Kwabena Twumasi
Kwabena is a highly skilled DevOps engineer and technical writer based in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana. With a strong background in database administration, DevOps practices, and technical writing, Kwabena possesses a unique skill set that enables him to create comprehensive and user-friendly documentation for complex technical systems.
Currently working as a DevOps Engineer at 3bits on a contract basis, Kwabena collaborates closely with both front-end and back-end developers to ensure seamless application delivery to clients. Leveraging his expertise in DevOps tools such as Terraform, Docker, and Kubernetes, and utilizing platforms like Digital Ocean for deployments, Kwabena plays a pivotal role in streamlining the development and deployment processes.
Kwabena serves as the Core Team Lead for the Google Developer Student Clubs – KNUST, where he actively shares his knowledge and skills in Python programming, data structures and algorithms, and front-end development. This leadership position allows him to foster a culture of learning and innovation among his peers, making him a valuable asset to the tech community.
With practical experience as a Software Engineer at Bismuth Technologies, Kwabena has showcased his expertise in frontend development while integrating AI and ML models into back-end applications. Proficient in computer networking, operating systems, React.js, and data analysis, Kwabena’s contributions have greatly enhanced the technological capabilities of the company.
9. Emmanuel Akuffo
Emmanuel is a highly motivated Cloud/DevOps Engineer with a passion for designing and deploying scalable, fault-tolerant cloud native applications using industry best practices.
Currently serving as a Digital Architect at Vodafone Ghana, Emmanuel plays a crucial role in designing and implementing cloud solutions that are highly available and fault-tolerant. His expertise in cloud operations and automation allows him to develop scripts and utilize tools like CloudFormation and Terraform to automate
deployment and maintenance processes. Additionally, Emmanuel excels in optimizing session performance by eliminating bottlenecks and ensuring optimal application stacks.
Emmanuel’s experience as a Cloud Operations Engineer at RenMo, Inc. has further honed his skills in managing and migrating cloud applications and data. Collaborating closely with architects and engineers, he designs robust networks, systems, and storage environments that align with business requirements and security specifications. Constantly monitoring infrastructure performance, Emmanuel proactively makes updates and improvements to maintain efficiency and reliability.
As a Cloud Solutions Architect at Akofen Solutions, Emmanuel demonstrates his proficiency in deploying and maintaining cloud workloads using the Well-Architected Framework and DevOps principles. With a focus on providing technical direction and oversight, he ensures the successful implementation of cloud-native applications while effectively communicating with stakeholders and documenting solution architectures.
Emmanuel’s dedication to his craft is evident in his attainment of the AWS Cloud Practitioner certification 4x. This achievement further solidifies his expertise in AWS cloud services and his commitment to staying at the forefront of industry knowledge.
10. Samuel Blankson
Samuel Blankson is an information technology enthusiast with a strong background in developing highly scalable and secure web applications. Currently serving as a Software Engineer at United Pension Trustees, Samuel excels in building and maintaining enterprise-level web applications. His expertise extends to utilizing CI/CD pipelines with tools like CircleCI, Ansible, and Git/Github, as well as provisioning server infrastructures on AWS.
Previously, Samuel worked as a Software Engineer at AmaliTech Services GmbH, where he gained experience in developing and documenting APIs, as well as frontend SPA applications.
His proficiency in technologies such as Jakarta EE, Java, PostgreSQL, AWS CloudFormation, and React.js allowed him to contribute to the development of robust and user-friendly software solutions.
Samuel’s educational background includes a Nanodegree in Cloud Developer from Udacity, where he acquired valuable skills in cloud computing and DevOps practices. Throughout the program, he successfully completed projects involving deploying static websites on AWS S3, building CI/CD pipelines, containerizing applications with Docker, and orchestrating Docker images with Kubernetes.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from Pentecost University College, Samuel possesses a strong foundation in the field. His dedication to staying up-to-date with emerging technologies and his passion for developing scalable and secure web applications make him a valuable asset in the IT industry.
Africa’s Top 10 Software and DevOps Engineers showcased in this article are exceptional leaders who are at the forefront of pioneering technological advancements on the continent. These talented individuals have demonstrated their expertise, innovation, and unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of software development and DevOps practices.
From creating groundbreaking applications to revolutionising automation processes, each engineer on this prestigious list has made significant contributions to Africa’s tech landscape. Their remarkable achievements have not only propelled the continent’s technological growth but have also garnered international recognition and acclaim.
What sets these engineers apart is not only their technical prowess but also their ability to inspire and lead. They have not only excelled in their individual projects but have also contributed to building strong tech communities, mentoring aspiring engineers, and advocating for greater diversity and inclusion within the industry. Their leadership skills have been instrumental in fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation, empowering the next generation of African technologists.
These engineers have overcome various challenges, ranging from limited access to resources to cultural biases, and have emerged as trailblazers in their respective fields. Their resilience, determination, and ability to think outside the box have propelled them to the forefront of Africa’s tech revolution.
As Africa continues to rise as a global tech hub, these Top 10 Software and DevOps Engineers are playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of technology on the continent. They serve as role models for aspiring engineers, inspiring them to dream big, break barriers, and make their mark in the rapidly evolving world of software development and DevOps.
In conclusion, Africa’s Top 10 Software and DevOps Engineers are not only exceptional leaders but also visionaries who are spearheading technological advancements and paving the way for a brighter future. Their achievements serve as a testament to the immense talent and potential that exists within Africa’s tech ecosystem. With their expertise and leadership, these engineers are driving Africa’s technological transformation and positioning the continent as a global powerhouse in the field of software development and DevOps.
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