Airtel Foundation Targets 200 Women for Free Tech Training in Lagos

The Airtel Africa Foundation, in collaboration with Airtel Nigeria and other partners, is embarking on a significant initiative to empower 200 underserved young women in Ikorodu, Lagos State, through free, industry-standard technical training. This "DigiLeap Tech Drive" is more than just an educational program; it's a strategic pipeline designed to address the persistent gender disparity in the technology sector. By providing intensive digital literacy and professional skills, the program aims to equip these women with the tools necessary to not only secure internships but also build sustainable careers in tech.

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This initiative ensures the digital revolution is truly inclusive; it isn’t merely a training session but a professional pipeline designed to transition these women directly into internships and sustainable careers.

This project highlights a commitment to fostering genuine inclusivity within the digital revolution. As Segun Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, emphasized, the initiative transcends basic instruction, focusing instead on creating a professional pathway. This holistic approach recognizes that true empowerment involves not just imparting knowledge but also facilitating direct entry into the workforce, thereby tackling regional unemployment and enhancing female representation in the global tech economy.

Dinesh Balsingh, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, underscored the broader economic implications, stating that empowering women with digital skills is a fundamental catalyst for national economic growth. The DigiLeap tech training is envisioned as a sustainable pathway for young women from underserved communities to transition from the periphery of the digital economy to its core. This perspective aligns with the foundation's overarching commitment to long-term societal transformation, viewing technology as the most potent tool for unlocking opportunities across the African continent.

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We believe that empowering women with digital skills is a fundamental catalyst for national economic growth. With the DigiLeap tech training, we are creating a sustainable pathway for young women in underserved communities to move from the sidelines of the digital economy into the heart of the tech workforce.

The program's design, which includes technical instruction, mentorship, and direct job-placement linkages, is a testament to a forward-thinking approach to skills development. By targeting women aged 18 to 35 in the Ikorodu area, the initiative directly addresses a specific community's needs while contributing to a larger continental goal. The application portal's opening and closing dates (currently live until May 8, 2026) provide a clear timeline for interested candidates, signaling the program's structured and professional execution.

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When women lead in technology, entire communities thrive.