On November 30th, 2024, something transformative unfolded in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem — not just an event, but a movement sparked by a man on a mission. Oluwatobi Fagbohungbe, CEO and Founder of Qace Group, is quietly but powerfully reshaping what it means to build a career in software testing in Africa.
Through TestForge, the inaugural event hosted by Qace Academy and Qace Tech, Oluwatobi did more than gather people in a room — he opened doors. He challenged the status quo. He offered vision, scholarships, and an invitation to reimagine QA not as a fallback option, but as a strategic, respected path in tech.
While the Nigerian tech industry continues to expand, software testing often lingers in the shadows of mainstream tech conversations. Oluwatobi is changing that. At TestForge, he put QA centre stage — not just by organising an event, but by delivering a powerful keynote titled “The Future of Software Testing in Africa.” In it, he painted a future where Africa isn’t playing catch-up, but leading. Where African testers aren’t just qualified — they are globally competitive, strategically positioned, and actively shaping the future of quality assurance across borders.
But Oluwatobi’s impact isn’t in speeches alone. It’s in action. His commitment to community-led growth and accessible education was boldly demonstrated when over 20 participants received full scholarships to Qace Academy’s highly respected software testing programs. Ten participants received scholarships in Manual Testing, five were sponsored for API & Performance Testing, and another five secured spots in the Automation Testing track. The remaining recipients were sponsored by Qace Academy alumni who chose to pay it forward in support of Oluwatobi’s vision. These individuals are not just winners — they represent the next wave of African QA professionals. And their journey didn’t end at TestForge. They’ve gone on to join the January 18, 2025, cohort, stepping directly into a structured, world-class program that will position them for career growth and global relevance.
“This is bigger than one event,” Oluwatobi says. “We’re building a pipeline of African talent that will power global innovation.”
The heart of TestForge beat loudly through its sessions — not just because of the ideas shared, but because of the space Oluwatobi and his team created: inclusive, insightful, and deeply practical. Industry voices like Engr. Yusuf Abba-Kyari brought their expertise to the room, diving into real-world risk management in QA. Panels tackled tough truths — burnout, career stagnation, the rise of non-functional testing, and the evolving place of AI and automation in testing.
Yet, behind every speaker, panellist, and activity was Oluwatobi’s unwavering commitment to building people. His companies — Qace Tech, Qace Academy, and the larger Qace Group — exist to empower. And TestForge was their bold declaration: quality assurance isn’t background work. It’s foundational to great tech. And Africa has what it takes to lead.
That’s what made this event stand out. It wasn’t just well-executed — it was visionary.
Participants left with more than notebooks filled with insights. They left with access — to opportunity, to mentorship, and to each other. There were team-building games, giveaways, and real conversations — from hallway exchanges to social media threads buzzing with excitement.
“Had an amazing time at TestForge! The event was a goldmine of knowledge,” said Opeyemi Aregbe, one of the scholarship recipients.
“TestForge 1.0 was not only educational, it was a fantastic networking opportunity,” added Tosin Ogunkoyode, one of the panellists.
“It was an eye-opener,” said participant Abigeal Francis.
All of this — the knowledge, the community, the lives being changed — traces back to Oluwatobi’s vision: to create meaningful pathways for Africans in tech, starting with software testing.
As the energy from TestForge 1.0 continues to ripple through the tech space, all eyes are now on what’s coming next — and it’s already looking bigger, bolder, and more intentional. TestForge 2.0 is in the works, and this time, the team is doubling down on everything that made the first edition special: access, opportunity, and community.
The next edition promises to be more than an event — it will be a nationwide catalyst for transformation in software testing.
If TestForge 1.0 laid the foundation, TestForge 2.0 will build the structure. And under the leadership of Oluwatobi Fagbohungbe and the Qace team, this movement is just getting started.
So, whether you’re a first-time attendee, a returning learner, or a company ready to invest in the future of tech talent, one thing is clear:
You don’t want to miss what’s coming.
Stay Connected
Follow @qatechbro, @qaceacademy, and @qacetech on social media for updates on upcoming events, scholarship opportunities, and insights into the growing QA revolution.
