One-stop career development service Fuzu has launched in Kenya with backing from the Rockefeller Foundation and in partnership with Accenture, looking to allow users to learn new skills and find jobs regardless of their levels of education.
Fuzu, which in Kiswahili means “to succeed” and “to become competent”, is a mobile-friendly service that can be accessed with all devices via an internet browser, and allows users to learn about different career options.
Users have access to more than 100 courses in various competence areas from basic work skills to topics such as entrepreneurship, with the startup having partnered with global consulting firm Accenture, which will provide more than 50 free high quality courses to learners.
Fuzu offers employers sophisticated tools for identifying candidates via powerful search and recruitment solutions and automated analysis of CV’s.
The platform integrates online psychometric testing and talent profiling of candidates, making it easier for employers to find the right person, while also allowing jobseekers to learn new skills in order to obtain better employment.
“Our research with jobseekers and employers showed clearly that existing solutions do not work and leave both parties disappointed. We need new innovative solutions that focus on the job-seeker, who they are, where their potential lies and how we can best match their talent with the employment opportunities,” said Jussi Hinkkanen, chief executive officer (CEO) of Fuzu.
“Skills are at the heart of employability and our ambition is to support and educate more than 700,000 people across emerging markets to prepare them for the job markets,” said Khethiwe Nkuna, Middle East, Africa, Russia and Turkey (MART) corporate citizenship lead at Accenture.
Fuzu has also received support from the Rockefeller Foundation’s Digital Jobs Africa initiative.
“The Rockefeller Foundation is committed to supporting innovative initiatives that support talented yet disadvantaged youth. Fuzu provides an excellent channel for reaching out to young aspiring job seekers, who may not otherwise have easy access to job opportunities,” said Wairimu Kagondu, senior programme associate at the Rockefeller Foundation.
Fuzu’s aim is to become the leading pan-African career platform.
“Our ambition is to revolutionise how job markets operate and how people build careers. This is just the first step of many to follow. We want to be known as the go-to platform for professionals, irrespective of their level of seniority or educational background,” said Robert Kimani, president of business development for East Africa at Fuzu.
