AI expertise is in high demand worldwide, yet Africa has struggled to tap into its potential to cultivate top-tier AI professionals. Despite the continent’s youthful population, many African nations continue to be confined to entry-level AI tasks like data labeling and annotation.
Founded in 2024 by Massimiliano Spalazzi, former CEO of Jumia Nigeria, and Olumide Soyombo, co-founder of Bluechip Technologies and Voltron Capital, JADA is on a mission to change this dynamic. The startup has raised $1 million from its founders and other investors.
“We’re investing heavily in the development of an AI talent pool in Africa that can create global solutions, beginning with our own continent,” says Soyombo, one of JADA’s co-founders.
JADA offers a unique proposition to its clients: access to a diverse pool of skilled talent from regions they may not have previously considered, without the complexities of local labor laws.
The company’s recruitment strategy focuses on hiring data professionals with at least two years of experience in fields like data analytics, machine learning, and generative AI, providing them with additional training to sharpen their skills.
JADA enters the market at a time when global shortages of AI talent are becoming increasingly problematic. According to Google’s 2024 Data & AI Trend Report, over half of digital leaders—54%—are struggling to find qualified professionals in these crucial fields.
Under the leadership of Piero Trivellato, the CEO, and Azeez Busari, VP of Operations, JADA is set to train over 100 AI professionals annually. Each cohort will go through a rigorous 4-month training program, during which participants will be provided with stipends, though the exact amount has not been disclosed.
Trivellato brings over a decade of experience in C-suite roles focused on data and AI, as well as management consulting at McKinsey & Co., while Busari has spent 13 years building data and AI platforms for companies like Amazon and the NHS.
“We’re building an academy designed to identify and cultivate world-class talent,” says Trivellato. “Our goal is to bridge the talent gap by training professionals who will be invaluable to businesses undergoing data and AI transformations,” adds Busari.
Operating out of Lagos, JADA is currently selecting its inaugural cohort, with a focus on recruiting experienced professionals. This decision is driven by the need to meet commercial demands. According to Soyombo, many clients report that entry-level candidates lack the necessary skills to deliver results. “To scale effectively, you need professionals who can produce significant results and generate revenue, which can then be reinvested into further development.”
JADA employs a rigorous selection process to choose the best candidates for each cohort. The process begins with an AI-powered algorithm to evaluate profiles, followed by both technical and non-technical assessments. Promising candidates then participate in case studies and live presentations before undergoing a final culture-fit interview and background check.
The startup’s revenue model revolves around commission-based projects from clients, primarily in Europe and the Middle East. JADA will compete with global software outsourcing companies that specialize in AI and data talent.
“We hold several advantages—cost, language, geography, and talent—that set us apart,” says Spalazzi.
While JADA is initially recruiting from Nigeria, it has plans to expand to meet the needs of its growing client base. “As our clients’ needs evolve, so will our geographical reach. We’ll adapt to ensure we can meet their language and regional requirements,” says Trivellato.
