Airtel Africa Foundation Trains 200 Young Women in Digital Skills to Boost Nigeria's Tech Economy

Airtel Africa Foundation Trains 200 Young Women in Digital Skills to Boost Nigeria's Tech Economy

The Airtel Africa Foundation has launched the DigiLeap Women in Tech Programme, a digital skills initiative aimed at equipping 200 young women from underserved communities in Ikorodu, Lagos, with industry-relevant technology skills to improve their employability and expand female participation in Nigeria's growing digital economy.

The Airtel Africa Foundation, through Airtel Nigeria and in partnership with the Ishk Tolaram Foundation, Co-Creation Hub (CcHub) and SAIL Innovation Lab, has commenced the DigiLeap Women in Tech Programme, an initiative designed to empower 200 young women with digital skills and career opportunities in the technology sector.

The programme, which kicked off at the SAIL Innovation Lab in Ikorodu, Lagos, will run for 12 weeks, from June to September 2026. It is targeted at young women from underserved communities and will provide intensive training in Product Design, Software Development, Digital Marketing and Data Analytics.

In addition to technical training, participants will benefit from leadership development sessions, structured mentorship by Airtel Nigeria professionals and internship opportunities aimed at providing practical industry experience.

Speaking at the launch, Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, Segun Ogunsanya, described digital skills development for women as one of the most sustainable investments in Africa's future. He said the initiative underscores the Foundation's commitment to expanding access to digital education and creating opportunities for young Africans to actively participate in the continent's digital transformation.

He urged participants to maximise the opportunity by embracing the programme with commitment and discipline, noting that the knowledge, mentorship and professional networks they would gain could transform not only their own lives but also those of their families and communities.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, said the initiative aligns with the company's vision of building an inclusive digital economy where women are equipped with the skills required for the jobs of the future.

According to him, Nigeria's digital economy offers enormous opportunities, but achieving its full potential requires broader participation, particularly by women.

He explained that DigiLeap is structured to provide participants with practical, industry-relevant skills, professional mentorship and workplace exposure that will prepare them for successful careers in technology.

The programme's curriculum combines classroom instruction, practical projects, mentorship sessions and internship placements to bridge the gap between learning and employment.

Airtel Nigeria said its professionals will serve as mentors throughout the programme, offering career guidance and sharing industry experience to help participants transition successfully into the technology workforce.

The DigiLeap Women in Tech Programme forms part of the Airtel Africa Foundation's broader investment in digital inclusion and youth empowerment across Africa. The Foundation said the initiative is expected to strengthen Nigeria's digital transformation agenda by creating more opportunities for women in technology while developing a new generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and digital professionals.