• AWS and Manara are investing USD 3..6M to train 2,500 software engineers in cloud and AI across the MENA region.
• The initiative offers AWS certification, cloud skills training via Manara’s edtech platform, and job opportunities through MENA-based hiring partners.
• Manara, a Y Combinator-backed edtech startup, focuses on upskilling diverse MENA tech talent, especially women, in collaboration with global tech giants.

Manara

What happened? Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS), an Amazon.com, Inc. company, announced its collaboration with Manara. Together, they aim to launch an initiative to train 2,500 software engineers across the region on cloud skills. This initiative will be backed with an investment of USD 3.6 million over two years by AWS.

This comes after AWS invested USD 5.3 billion in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“ Together with outstanding partners like Manara, we are equipping communities with the expertise required to pursue careers in cloud computing and capitalize on the tremendous opportunity that generative AI represents.”

Antonio Alonso Lopez, Director of Partner Management, EMEA, AWS

What is the purpose of the partnership? This partnership aims to foster innovation and drive social change. AWS and Manara are teaming up to upskill the software engineers, data scientists, and AI engineers in the region with cloud and AI skills. Together, they aim to establish the region as a technology hub.

Edtech

What does the initiative offer? The initiative aims to provide 2,500 software engineers with training in cloud computing and AWS services. Moreover, Manara will deliver the training through its education technology platform.

The engineers participating will receive AWS certifications and possible employment opportunities. Manara’s hiring services will connect participating engineers with companies across MENA.

“Through our collaboration with AWS, we are doubling down on our commitment to accelerate the development of top tech talent across MENA with the skills and resources they need to succeed in today’s digital economy.”

Iliana Montauk, Founder and CEO of Manara

Who are they? Manara is a Silicon Valley edtech startup founded by Iliana Montauk & Laila Abudahi. Its mission is to accelerate the careers of computer science and AI talent in the MENA region.  Furthermore, it also aims to champion diversity and inclusion, particularly among women in the region.

Through its edtech platform, Manara helps companies and governments train their own engineering teams or build ecosystems of talent. Backed by investors including Y Combinator, Seedcamp, Precursor Ventures, Neo Capital, Manara has partnered with tech companies like Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft.