Airtel Africa Foundation has taken a significant step towards enhancing diversity in Nigeria's tech sector by launching the DigiLeap Women in Tech Programme. This initiative aims to equip 200 young women with essential digital skills, particularly focusing on communities in Lagos, according to Tribune Online.
Empowering Women in Tech
The DigiLeap Women in Tech Programme, a 12-week immersive learning experience, is designed to prepare participants for careers in high-demand fields such as Product Design, Software Development, Digital Marketing, and Data Analytics. The program is a collaborative effort involving Airtel Nigeria, the Ishk Tolaram Foundation, Co-Creation Hub (CcHub), and SAIL Innovation Lab, as reported by Tech Economy.
Beyond technical training, the program offers leadership development, structured mentorship from Airtel Nigeria professionals, and internship opportunities. These components are intended to provide practical workplace experience and exposure to industry best practices, as highlighted by Brand Impact Nigeria.
Strategic Implications
Segun Ogunsanya, Managing Director and CEO of Airtel Nigeria and Chairman of Airtel Africa, emphasized that empowering young women with digital skills is a sustainable investment in Africa’s future. He noted that the initiative reflects the Foundation’s commitment to expanding access to digital education and creating opportunities for young Africans to participate in the continent’s digital transformation, according to Tribune Online.
Dinesh Balsingh, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, stated that the initiative aligns with the company’s commitment to building an inclusive digital economy. He highlighted the importance of equipping more young Nigerians, particularly women, with the skills needed for future jobs, as reported by Tech Economy.
Conclusion
The DigiLeap Women in Tech Programme underscores the growing investment in digital inclusion and youth empowerment across Africa. By creating pathways for more women to access technology careers, the initiative supports Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda and contributes to building a diverse pipeline of talent capable of driving innovation and economic growth, as noted by Brand Impact Nigeria.