Absa Partners AWS to Launch Internal Cloud Computing Skills Incubator

African financial services company Absa Group Limited has launched an internal cloud computing skills incubator held in partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS). The cloud computing skills incubator aims to enhance Absa’s cloud computing skills across its operations in Africa.

In an official press statement, Andrew Baker, Absa Group Chief Technology Officer explains that by migrating to the club companies can completely cut the costs of building and managing on-site data centres. 

“Cloud is rapidly becoming the norm for large companies, a trend that was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted a step-change in digital solutions. Using cloud allows us to store much more data cost-efficiently, compared with physical data centres. Cloud has already improved our ability to manage and access data and will enable us to bring products to market faster.”

Cloud computing

According to reports issued by World Wide Worx’s ‘Cloud in Africa 2020’, 84% of African organisations surveyed believe that cloud computing is a cost-effective solution. In addition, the report indicated that cloud investment is expected to increase this year. 

The internal cloud incubator programme will be a part of AWS’s Skills Guild initiative and has been designed to assist large businesses in accelerating the adoption of cloud technologies. 

The cloud computing skills incubator

The incubator aims to equip the participants with the skills to identify cloud opportunities within their businesses and develop scalable serves and solutions. 

“Accelerating cloud adoption will have a significant impact on Absa’s ability to innovate, offer new value propositions, and play a meaningful role in our customers’ and clients’ experiences,” comments Baker.

According to Absa Group, the incubator will equip over 1 500 of its staff members with advanced cloud computing skills. 

Chris Erasmus, Commercial Sector Leader for AWS in South Africa provides insight into the goals of the accelerator programme. 

“The AWS Skills Guild offers enterprises a comprehensive approach to organization-wide cloud enablement, and is designed to not only impart cloud skills, but create excitement, momentum, and accelerate paths to innovation. AWS Skills Guild is based on our experience building enterprise-wide skills transformation plans for our customers across the globe, including National Australia Bank, Deloitte, Kmart Group, and many more.”