Airtel Africa Foundation has launched the ‘Tech For Her’ Program, aimed at empowering young women in Zambia, Uganda, and Kenya with in-demand digital skills through a five-week intensive online training in partnership with Tertiary DNS, Africa.com reported.
The program will cover topics such as Linux Administration, Cybersecurity, and Data Analytics, preparing students for tech-related job opportunities globally.
Participants will undergo over 100 hours of training, delivered through a flexible learning model with weekend classes for working professionals and weekday sessions for non-working students. Graduates will also receive 12 months of continuous skill development support, with top performers scoring 90% or higher eligible for internships at Airtel Africa and mentorship from industry leaders.
Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, Chair of Airtel Africa Foundation, commented: ‘Africa’s digital revolution cannot reach its full potential without gender equity. The Tech For Her program helps to level the playing field by providing women with industry-relevant skills, mentorship, and pathways to high-growth tech roles around the world. By investing in Africa’s women, we are investing in sustainable economic transformation.’
Currently, women represent only 30% of tech professionals in sub-Saharan Africa, with just 2-8% occupying software development roles, according to UNESCO. This initiative aims to close that gender gap and empower women to lead in the technology sector.
Annika Poutiainen, a committee member of the Foundation, expressed: ‘At Airtel Africa, we are actively working to advance women in technology roles, and we are committed to a future where young women can be at the forefront of innovation. In running this program, Airtel Africa Foundation is creating a pipeline of female tech leaders who will help unlock the vast digital opportunities both at home, in Africa, and further afield.’
Airtel Africa Foundation, a subsidiary of Airtel Africa plc, aims to drive transformative change across sub-Saharan Africa through digital inclusion, education, and health initiatives. The Foundation prioritizes inclusivity, reserving 30% of training slots for women in rural and underserved communities and 40% for applicants from low-income households.
