Cavista Plans Major Talent Drive Amid AI-Powered Expansion

Cavista Technologies, widely regarded as Nigeria’s largest employer of software engineers, is set to grow its engineering workforce by nearly 30% before the end of 2025. The tech company, with a core hub in Lagos, says the expansion will deepen its capacity for innovation, while also bolstering the skills needed to serve clients both locally and abroad.

According to Oye Morakinyo, Cavista’s General Manager, the upcoming recruitment wave is focused on key areas such as Python, Android, iOS, and full-stack development. “Our software engineering team strength will increase by almost 30 per cent before the end of 2025,” he said in a recent interview. “We’re also deepening our technological mix… while increasing the number of full-stack engineers.”

Founded in 2019, Cavista Technologies is part of the US-headquartered Cavista Holdings, with global offices in India and the Philippines. Its clients span sectors like healthcare, fintech, hospitality and agriculture. The company plays a crucial role in powering Axxess, a global home healthcare technology leader, and is closely aligned with PayZeep, a growing digital payment and merchant service platform.

AI at the Core of Innovation

Cavista’s local footprint includes over 200 full-time engineers building software for both Nigerian and international clients. But it’s not just about hiring more hands — the firm is weaving artificial intelligence into its product ecosystem. Recent collaborations with Axxess led to the creation of “Axxess Intelligence”, a smart electronic medical records tool that simplifies clinical workflows using AI-driven insights.

“AI integration is integral in our feature deliveries,” said Morakinyo. “It’s part of how we provide smarter, scalable solutions to clients.”

Talent development remains central to Cavista’s growth strategy. The company holds annual university hackathons, drawing participants from schools like the University of Lagos, YabaTech, and Lagos State University. These events task students with solving real-world challenges in areas such as health tech and smart automation. The 2025 edition attracted hundreds of young minds and yielded innovative solutions like AI-powered skincare diagnostics.

Some of the firm’s current engineers emerged from these competitions. “They’ve done exceptionally well on the team,” Morakinyo noted, emphasising the practical impact of nurturing local talent.

Navigating the Talent Drain

While Cavista maintains strong retention structures — including competitive salaries, career development programmes, and a culture of collaboration — the broader “japa” trend remains a challenge. The term refers to the mass migration of Nigerian professionals seeking opportunities abroad, often in education or tech sectors.

“We’ve had a few engineers leave to further their education or careers, but we’ve worked to ensure business continuity,” Morakinyo explained. A recent Phillips Consulting report revealed that over half of Nigerian professionals are actively considering relocating within the year.

Still, Cavista is betting on local growth, and its planned talent surge in 2025 suggests long-term confidence in the Nigerian tech space. With AI at the centre of its operations and a steady pipeline of homegrown engineers, the firm is positioning itself as a resilient force in a shifting digital economy.