TE - 34 - Architect / Full-Stack Developer (React, Node.js, Firebase)

The story of Tunga begins not with a grand vision of dominating the global tech scene, but with a simple, yet powerful, observation. In 2014, founder Ernesto Spruyt, a social entrepreneur with a background in Fair Trade, found himself at a crossroads after a previous tech venture failed. Through his experiences in the tech industry, he witnessed a persistent struggle for companies to find and retain skilled software developers. Simultaneously, he recognized the immense, untapped potential of young, talented individuals in Africa who lacked access to the global job market. This disconnect sparked an idea: what if the surplus of tech talent in Africa could be the solution to the talent scarcity faced by companies elsewhere? This question laid the groundwork for what would become Tunga, a company with a mission to create a more equitable world by connecting African tech professionals with international opportunities.

Launched in 2015, Tunga embarked on its journey to bridge this gap. It wasn't just about filling vacancies; it was about creating meaningful, 21st-century jobs that would empower African youth to take control of their destinies. The company started by building a curated community of software developers from across the African continent, initially focusing on countries like Uganda and Nigeria. Tunga's approach was personal and thorough, vetting each developer not only for their technical skills but also for their soft skills and cultural fit. This ensured that clients received not just a coder, but a dedicated team member. Over the years, Tunga has grown from a fledgling startup into a robust platform, having facilitated connections for over 250 companies. They established physical hubs in Kampala, Uganda, and Lagos, Nigeria, fostering a sense of community and providing resources for their network of developers. Today, Tunga stands as a testament to the idea that talent is universal, but opportunity is not. By creating a bridge between continents, Tunga is not only solving a business problem but is also contributing to a more inclusive and prosperous global tech ecosystem, one developer at a time.