PanAfrican Capital Foundation (PAC Foundation) has successfully completed the third edition of its Girls Can Code (GCC) programme, training 100 young women in digital skills to enhance their employability and participation in the evolving digital economy.
This initiative, delivered in partnership with ALX Nigeria, focused on equipping participants with in-demand virtual assistant (VA) skills, combining technical training with career readiness support. The goal is to help these women not just learn digital competencies but also position them for remote work, freelancing, and income-generating opportunities.
The programme recorded strong engagement and results, including 87% attendance and 84% certification rates, exceeding expectations. Many of the women have already moved into freelance and remote job roles shortly after graduating.
The PAC Foundation’s broader mission ties into addressing the digital gender gap that persists in Nigeria and across Africa, where women have historically had limited access to technology education and career opportunities. Efforts like these aim to correct longstanding imbalances and support the growth of a digital workforce that includes more women.
Throughout the training, participants built confidence in their professional skills and learned how to navigate virtual work environments. One trainee shared her transformation, saying: “Before this programme, I had no clear direction in the digital space. Today, I am certified, confident, and already exploring freelance opportunities.”
Another echoed this sentiment: “Girls Can Code helped me believe in my abilities. The training was practical, supportive, and empowering.” A third participant noted: “Being part of this cohort has opened my eyes to global opportunities I never thought were accessible to me.”
Leaders of the foundation stressed that Girls Can Code is more than a technical training programme. According to PAC Foundation Executive Secretary Omolola Ojo, “Girls Can Code goes beyond technical training, it is about unlocking opportunities and helping young women see what is possible for their futures. By equipping them with relevant digital skills, we are enabling financial independence, confidence, and long-term career growth.”
The initiative also incorporates a mentorship component, where successful alumni help guide new learners. This peer-supported learning environment strengthens outcomes and builds a supportive community that continues beyond the formal training period.
In a country with a growing tech ecosystem, many such programmes are critical. Nigeria’s digital skills training efforts are part of a broader national movement to prepare its workforce for the global digital economy. For example, a recent initiative between Microsoft and the Nigerian government aims to train millions in AI and tech skills over the next several years, highlighting the strategic priority placed on digital empowerment.
The economic angle is clear: with higher digital literacy and practical tech skills, more young Nigerians particularly women, can access remote jobs and freelance work that bring foreign income into the country, supporting household incomes and contributing to national productivity. This also aligns with broader goals to reduce unemployment and nurture a competitive skilled workforce that attracts global employers and clients.
Looking forward, the PAC Foundation plans to expand Girls Can Code, reaching even more young women and providing pathways into other high-growth areas like data analytics, cybersecurity, and software development. This expansion is expected to help close the gender gap in technology and support inclusive economic growth in Nigeria’s tech sector.
By blending technical training with mentorship and real-world job access, the programme supports participants not only in learning valuable skills but also in turning those skills into sustainable livelihoods. As more young women join the digital workforce, such initiatives could play a central role in shaping Nigeria’s future economy and promoting broader social inclusion.
