Airtel Africa Foundation has introduced a new initiative aimed at improving digital skills among young women in Lagos State, offering free technology training designed to boost employability and bridge the gender gap in the tech industry.
The programme targets about 200 underserved women in Ikorodu, Lagos, providing them with hands-on digital education, mentorship, and pathways to job opportunities in the technology sector. It is part of Airtel’s broader effort to expand digital inclusion and support economic empowerment for women. According to the organisation, the initiative is delivered through the DigiLeap Tech Drive, a structured programme focused on equipping participants with practical, industry-relevant skills. The training covers essential areas of digital literacy and modern tech tools, preparing beneficiaries for real-world roles in the digital economy.
The project is being implemented in collaboration with partner organisations such as the ISHK Tolaram Foundation, Co-Creation Hub, and SAIL Innovation Lab. These partners contribute expertise in innovation, training delivery, and ecosystem development, ensuring participants receive high-quality learning experiences.
Airtel Nigeria emphasised that the programme goes beyond basic classroom instruction. It is designed as a career pathway initiative that connects trainees directly to internship opportunities and potential employment in tech-related fields. This approach is intended to address both skill shortages and unemployment among young women in underserved communities. The company also noted that empowering women with digital skills is essential for national development.
By focusing on women who have limited access to technology education, the initiative aims to create more balanced participation in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.Participants are selected from communities where access to advanced tech training is limited, ensuring that opportunities reach those who need them most. The programme also includes mentorship support, helping trainees build confidence and navigate career options in the technology sector.In addition, the training is fully funded, meaning beneficiaries do not pay any fees. This removes financial barriers that often prevent many young women from accessing quality digital education.
Overall, the Airtel initiative reflects a growing push among private organisations to invest in human capital development through technology. By targeting underserved women in Lagos, the programme seeks to create long-term impact by building skills, expanding opportunities, and strengthening inclusion in the digital workforce.
