Andela has acquired Woven, a technical assessment company focused on real-world engineering simulations, in a move that signals how quickly global hiring is adjusting to the realities of AI-driven software development. The acquisition, announced this week, deepens Andela’s push beyond talent matching into skills validation, as companies increasingly demand proof of practical competence rather than traditional interview performance alone .
The timing is deliberate. As artificial intelligence moves from experimentation to full deployment across enterprises, the definition of a “qualified engineer” is changing. Employers are now looking for developers who can design, deploy, and maintain complex AI systems in production environments. By integrating Woven’s performance-based assessments, Andela is positioning itself to evaluate engineers on how they actually work, not just what they claim to know .
Woven’s technology is built around realistic work simulations that mirror on-the-job engineering challenges. This approach aligns with a broader shift in global tech hiring, where static coding tests are proving inadequate for measuring problem-solving, collaboration, and system-level thinking. Woven’s founder is expected to join Andela to lead the development of next-generation assessments tailored to AI-assisted software creation and modern engineering workflows .
For Andela, the deal also reflects its evolution from a company best known for connecting African developers to global jobs into a full-scale, AI-native talent platform. With a global network of engineers and previous investments in assessment tools, Andela is increasingly controlling more of the hiring value chain, from skills evaluation to long-term talent placement .
Beyond Andela’s balance sheet, the acquisition carries wider implications for Africa’s tech ecosystem. As global demand for verified AI talent grows, stronger assessment infrastructure could help African engineers compete more effectively on the world stage. In that sense, the Woven deal is not just about hiring efficiency, but about redefining how trust, talent, and technical excellence are measured in the age of artificial intelligence .
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