Monalisa Agbata Champions Africa’s Talent Development With One Dev, Targets 100,000 Developers

Monalisa Agbata, a C-Suite executive and global strategist in Web3, Blockchain, and AI, has launched a bold mission to transform Africa’s digital workforce through One Dev, an EdTech platform dedicated to onboarding and upskilling African software developers.

With Africa’s population projected to host the world’s largest workforce by 2030, Agbata warns that the continent’s shortage of skilled developers could become a major obstacle. Despite a population of over 1.4 billion, Africa currently has fewer than one million software developers. She believes this gap not only threatens employability for millions but also undermines Africa’s potential contribution to the global digital economy.

Co-founded by Agbata, One Dev aims to prepare 100,000 African developers in blockchain and AI over the next decade. The platform has already impacted thousands across multiple African countries, offering structured training and mentorship designed to bridge the global opportunity gap.

Speaking on her vision, Agbata said: “Africa’s strength lies in its people. Our responsibility is to equip talent with the right tools, skills, and access so they can compete and excel globally. One Dev is more than a platform—it is a movement to redefine Africa’s role in the global technology landscape.”

She further emphasized the barriers faced by young African professionals. “African talent does not lack brilliance or ambition, it often lacks structured access to training, mentorship, and global markets. Our goal at One Dev is to dismantle those barriers and create pathways for African developers to thrive globally,” Agbata noted.

Beyond training, her initiatives extend to celebrating African contributions to emerging technology. Through platforms such as the Code Africa Conference and the Africa Emerging Tech Awards, Agbata has spotlighted innovators shaping the future of Web3, blockchain, and AI.

Her upcoming plans include expanding One Dev’s partnerships with universities, accelerators, and policymakers to ensure Africa’s young workforce can compete globally. By focusing on developer education and global collaboration, she envisions Africa not just as a participant but as a leader in the trillion-dollar digital economy.

Agbata’s leadership reflects a growing movement to position talent development as an economic necessity for the continent. With One Dev, she is building a pipeline of skilled developers capable of driving innovation and securing Africa’s place in the global digital transformation.