Zaio

Zaio, a tech bootcamp based in South Africa

Zaio is a tech bootcamp that presents itself as South Africa's first artificial intelligence bootcamp and, according to its own data, has enrolled over 100,000 students. Its offering combines intensive training courses with nationally recognised certifications and those from tech vendors, live classes, 24/7 AI tutoring, and job placement support.

Bootcamp programmes

The bootcamp catalogue is aimed at beginner profiles and covers several technical and business areas. Most programmes last seven months, except for web development, which is six months, and digital marketing, which is nine weeks.

• Fullstack AI Engineer: building agentic web applications with LLMs, Langchain, and N8N, with NQF Level 4 certification. Duration: seven months.
• Cloud & DevOps Engineering: developing applications and deploying and automating them on AWS with Linux, Docker, Terraform, and CI/CD, with two AWS certifications. Duration: seven months.
• Fullstack Web Development: creating dynamic websites and web applications, with NQF Level 4 certification. Duration: six months.
• Data Science: Python, machine learning, data analysis, and SQL, with Microsoft certification. Duration: seven months.
• Cybersecurity: cybersecurity fundamentals and best practices, with CompTIA Security+ certification. Duration: seven months.
• Digital Marketing: marketing trends in SEO, paid media, social media, email, and analytics, with a Zaio Certificate of Completion. Duration: nine weeks.

Qualifications and certifications

In addition to the bootcamps, Zaio offers a set of occupational and higher qualifications. These include Software Development, Cybersecurity Analyst, Data Science, AI & ML Engineer, Marketing & Advertising, Business Development & Enterprise Growth, Entrepreneurship & Business Management, and Graphic Design & Media. The company states that its credentials are recognised by MICT SETA, Microsoft, and CompTIA.

Methodology and support

The training model is based on live classes twice a week, one in the morning and one in the evening, so students can choose the time that suits them best. Sessions are recorded for those who cannot attend. AI tutoring is available continuously, complemented by expert mentors. Zaio also offers job search support: help to improve your portfolio, interview practice, and assistance in landing your first role in the industry. The company states that its graduates have secured roles as web developers, data scientists, and junior software engineers.

Financing and access

Zaio maintains that financing should not be a barrier to accessing its bootcamps and offers several payment options: upfront payment, instalments, or financing through partner entities such as Manati and Capitec. The company mentions the possibility of studying with no upfront cost through agreements with financing partners.

Community and corporate training

Zaio's activities include a Discord community, a weekly newsletter, learner stories, a blog, and virtual graduation ceremonies. For companies, it offers corporate training in tech skills and the possibility of hiring its alumni in cybersecurity, data, or web development.

Student profile and flexibility

The programmes are designed for people with no prior programming experience, as the company says it teaches from the fundamentals. The combination of classes at different times and recorded sessions allows students to combine training with a full-time job or other commitments.