Nigeria’s digital economy: Airtel Africa Foundation equips 200 young women with digital skills

As Nigeria’s digital economy continues to create new opportunities for skilled talent, the Airtel Africa Foundation is investing in the next generation of female technology professionals through a new initiative that will equip 200 young women with industry-ready digital skills.

The Foundation has launched the DigiLeap Women in Tech Programme, a 12-week capacity-building initiative targeted at young women from underserved communities in Ikorodu, Lagos. Delivered through Airtel Nigeria in collaboration with the Ishk Tolaram Foundation, Co-Creation Hub (CcHub) and SAIL Innovation Lab, the programme seeks to improve access to technology careers while advancing digital inclusion.

Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, described the initiative as a long-term investment in Africa’s future, noting that empowering young women with digital capabilities is critical to building a more inclusive and competitive technology ecosystem.

According to him, the Foundation remains focused on expanding access to digital education and creating pathways that enable young Africans to participate actively in the continent’s digital transformation.

“We encourage every participant to approach this programme with purpose, discipline, and curiosity. The knowledge, networks, and mentorship you gain over the coming weeks have the potential to transform not only your own future but also the lives of your families, communities, and the next generation of girls who will look up to you. This is how lasting impact is created,” Ogunsanya said.

Also commenting on the programme, Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, said the initiative aligns with the company’s broader ambition of fostering an inclusive digital economy where women are equipped with the skills required for the future of work.