How do you get IT work in Africa

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TheGuy

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Is it possible to go do some contract work in Africa where skills are needed?

If so any idea how?
 
The real question is if those areas 'where skills are needed' have the money to pay?
 
Africa has money for IT, just like everyone else
 
Belgarath said:
What about money for food?
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I am not sure what ur point is exactly, depending on where you go, you will find poverty and you will find companies who pay for IT skills.
Airlines and Banks in africa have money, I have seen what they pay for services...They dont pick no name brands, and they dont hire morons to install them.

There are ppl in SA living way way below the breadline, and companies paying minimum wage, does that mean there is no money to be made in IT here?
 
TheGuy said:
Is it possible to go do some contract work in Africa where skills are needed?
If so any idea how?
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You really have to just find a job and maybe the place you work for needs you to go to other countries, I've worked in a bank as a programmer and the international branches
usually need IT staff, that's how you could get an international job / as for the contract part you need to have contacts or work in a company that deals with other countries in africa.
 
Yep, I have a friend currently working in Angola for Dimension Data earning very good money.....and I mean....very good money...

Contact service providers with offices in Africa and apply for a job saying that you are interested in being posted to the DRC or Nigeria, etc. Might get you in quick...then see where the need is and take it from there then...
 
tau1z said:
I am not sure what ur point is exactly, depending on where you go, you will find poverty and you will find companies who pay for IT skills.
Airlines and Banks in africa have money, I have seen what they pay for services...They dont pick no name brands, and they dont hire morons to install them.

There are ppl in SA living way way below the breadline, and companies paying minimum wage, does that mean there is no money to be made in IT here?
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That's true and if I go work there will it not be a benefit for the country + I'm making good money being payed in $?

the graduate said:
Yep, I have a friend currently working in Angola for Dimension Data earning very good money.....and I mean....very good money...

Contact service providers with offices in Africa and apply for a job saying that you are interested in being posted to the DRC or Nigeria, etc. Might get you in quick...then see where the need is and take it from there then...
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That's a good idea but wouldn't you get screwed working for a SA company?
 
TheGuy said:
That's true and if I go work there will it not be a benefit for the country + I'm making good money being payed in $?



That's a good idea but wouldn't you get screwed working for a SA company?
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Skrewed in what way?
 
TheGuy said:
Pay you in Rands and then you end up not being payed very well
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I don't think you'll get screwed if you sign a contract and understand what to expect in terms
of salary and work load. jmo
 
TheGuy said:
Pay you in Rands and then you end up not being payed very well
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Well, I'm not sure in what currency he (my IT friend) gets payed, but I have another friend (yes, another friend, engineer), who works for a Namibian engineering firm in Angola. He was payed in Namibian Dollars (= SA Rands, 1:1) and got a equal US$ salary in Angola. Furthermore, the company practically flew in EVERYTHING from Namibia to Luanda for them, from Johnsons&Johnsons earbuds, Pampars nappies to Canon EOS cameras and bottled water. You put on the list what you needed and it was flown in. It worked out well for him because two years later he was able to buy his dad a farm in Namibia to retire on.

So, I don't think you'll get screw by an SA firm...in fact, they'll organize your work permit, accomodation and travel BEFORE you get there..... (unless you are a Bear Grylls wannbee who wants to take on AfricaIT)...
 
You need to focus on a country. Doing a continent wide search isn't practical. Each country has different immigration rules. For example it's very difficult to get permission to work in Malawi.
 
zippy said:
You need to focus on a country. Doing a continent wide search isn't practical. Each country has different immigration rules. For example it's very difficult to get permission to work in Malawi.
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Where would you suggest is a good place to start?
 
I have seen posts advertised in other african countries. The pay is usually in USD and yes the rates look fantastic. However there is a reason for this, most of the places are crapholes and no one wants to work and live there in the first place.

I think Nigeria and Angola offer some pretty sweet looking packages, but then thinking about being the only white face there and basically living in your hotel room doesnt really attract me :/
 
KillerX said:
I have seen posts advertised in other african countries. The pay is usually in USD and yes the rates look fantastic. However there is a reason for this, most of the places are crapholes and no one wants to work and live there in the first place.

I think Nigeria and Angola offer some pretty sweet looking packages, but then thinking about being the only white face there and basically living in your hotel room doesnt really attract me :/
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Do you remember where you saw it advertised?
 
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