Partnership worth $3.6 million between Manara and AWS to foster cloud competencies for 2,500 software engineers across MENA region
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has joined forces with Manara, a tech talent development platform based in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), in a significant $3.6 million initiative. This collaboration aims to train 2,500 software engineers, data scientists, and AI engineers in cloud and AI capabilities, addressing the shortage of highly skilled professionals in the region adept in modern technologies [1][3][5].
Over the next two years, AWS will invest $3.6 million in the project, funding training programs designed to equip engineers with advanced cloud and AI expertise. The objective is to empower local tech talent in MENA, enhancing their career prospects and boosting the regional tech ecosystem [1][3].
The impact of this partnership is far-reaching. By addressing the skills gap, the initiative supports the digital transformation agendas of many countries in the region. It also fosters economic growth by creating a workforce capable of driving innovation and digital services expansion [1][3][5].
Moreover, the partnership positions MENA more competitively in the global tech landscape. By fostering homegrown cloud and AI expertise, the region could attract further investments and tech companies, potentially making MENA a major technology hub in the coming decade [1][3][5].
Omar AlSakka, a graduate of the initiative, has shared his positive experience, gaining confidence and expertise through the program to pursue roles in AWS services and cloud computing. Trained engineers will have access to employment opportunities through Manara's hiring services, with enterprise companies in MENA, Europe, and North America able to access these professionals [1].
Antonio Alonso Lopez, the Director of Partner Management, EMEA at AWS, commented on the partnership, stating, "We're excited to partner with Manara to empower local tech talent in MENA and drive digital transformation in the region."
The training initiative will be delivered through Manara's proprietary education technology platform, with participants receiving AWS Certifications upon completion. This partnership is a strategic move to power cloud and AI talent development in MENA, which is critical for sustained technological and economic advancement in the region [1].
Notably, Manara was founded by two female entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley and is backed by investors such as Y Combinator, Seedcamp, Precursor Ventures, Neo Capital, Reid Hoffman, Eric Ries, Marc Benioff, Paul Graham, and Jessica Livingston [2]. Recently, AWS announced a $5.3 billion investment in Saudi Arabia, further underscoring the commitment to the region.
Iliana Montauk, Founder and CEO of Manara, stated, "The Middle East is becoming a technology talent frontier, and Manara is leading this movement." This partnership is a significant step towards realising this vision.
Data-and-cloud-computing expertise will be imparted to 2,500 engineers through the partnership between AWS and Manara, aiming to enhance the development of technology in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This education-and-self-development program, delivered through online-education platforms, will provide participants with AWS Certifications, equipping them for roles in technology and digital services expansion.
