Airtel DigiLeap Tech Drive: Free Digital Skills Training for Women in Lagos – A Pathway to Tech Careers
In a bold move to address the gender gap in Africa’s technology sector, the Airtel Africa Foundation, in partnership with Airtel Nigeria, has launched the DigiLeap Tech Drive—a free, intensive digital literacy programme targeting 200 underserved young women in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State. This initiative is not merely a training session; it is a comprehensive professional pipeline designed to transition participants directly into internships and sustainable careers.
Why This Programme Matters: Bridging the Gender Gap in Tech
Globally, women remain underrepresented in technology roles, particularly in emerging economies. According to the World Economic Forum, women hold only about 22% of tech positions in Africa. The DigiLeap Tech Drive directly confronts this disparity by equipping young women with industry-standard technical skills, mentorship, and job-placement linkages. The programme is a strategic collaboration between the Airtel Africa Foundation, the ISHK Tolaram Foundation, and Co-Creation Hub, with implementation led by the SAIL Innovation Lab.
What Participants Will Gain: Beyond Basic Training
The programme is engineered to transform high-potential individuals into workforce-ready professionals. Participants will receive:
- Technical Instruction: Hands-on training in in-demand tech skills such as software development, data analysis, digital marketing, and cloud computing.
- Mentorship: One-on-one guidance from industry experts to navigate career paths and build professional networks.
- Job-Placement Linkages: Direct connections to internships and employment opportunities with partner organisations, ensuring that training translates into tangible economic outcomes.
Segun Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, emphasised the programme’s transformative potential: “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.”
Economic Impact: Empowering Women as a Catalyst for Growth
The DigiLeap Tech Drive is not just about individual empowerment—it is a strategic investment in national economic growth. Dinesh Balsingh, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, highlighted this during the flag-off event: “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.”
Research from the McKinsey Global Institute suggests that closing the gender gap in the workforce could add $12 trillion to global GDP by 2025. Programmes like DigiLeap are critical to unlocking this potential at the local level, particularly in underserved communities like Ikorodu, where access to quality tech education and employment opportunities is limited.
Practical Example: From Trainee to Tech Professional
Consider a young woman named Amina, a 22-year-old graduate from Ikorodu with a passion for technology but no formal training. Through DigiLeap, she learns Python programming and data visualisation over a 12-week intensive course. She is paired with a mentor from a leading Lagos fintech company, who helps her refine her portfolio and prepare for interviews. Upon completion, she is placed in a paid internship at a partner firm, where she gains real-world experience and eventually secures a full-time role as a junior data analyst. This is the kind of outcome the programme is designed to deliver—not just skills, but a career trajectory.
How to Apply: Eligibility and Deadline
The application portal is currently live and will remain open until 8 May 2026. Prospective trainees must meet the following criteria:
- Female, aged between 18 and 35 years
- Resident in Ikorodu, Lagos State
- Demonstrated interest in technology and a commitment to completing the programme
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply via the official portal at bit.ly/DigiLeap to secure their spot in this high-impact professional pipeline. Spaces are limited to 200 participants, so early application is advised.
Long-Term Vision: When Women Lead in Tech, Communities Thrive
The Airtel Africa Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to long-term societal transformation, maintaining that technology remains the most effective tool for unlocking opportunities across the continent. “When women lead in technology, entire communities thrive,” the foundation concluded. This programme is a testament to that belief—a scalable model that can be replicated in other underserved regions to drive inclusive digital growth.
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