Nigeria’s digital economy: Airtel Africa Foundation equips 200 young women with digital skills
By Ayodeji Babatunde
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.
Hosted at the SAIL Innovation Lab in Ikorodu, the training, which runs from June to September 2026, offers intensive learning in Product Design, Software Development, Digital Marketing and Data Analytics—four high-demand fields that continue to drive growth across Nigeria’s technology ecosystem.
Beyond technical instruction, participants will benefit from leadership development, one-on-one mentorship from Airtel Nigeria professionals and internship placements designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and workplace experience.
Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, 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.
He noted that while Nigeria’s digital economy offers enormous growth potential, achieving sustainable progress depends on ensuring that more women are able to access opportunities within the sector.
“Through the Airtel Africa Foundation, we are intentionally investing in young women because we recognise the immense value they bring to innovation, technology and economic growth,” Balsingh said.
He added that DigiLeap has been structured to deliver practical, employer-focused training while providing participants with the confidence, mentorship and professional exposure required to build successful careers in technology.
The curriculum combines classroom instruction with practical projects, mentorship sessions and internship opportunities, creating a comprehensive learning experience that prepares participants for employment in the digital economy.
Industry professionals from Airtel Nigeria will serve as mentors throughout the programme, offering career guidance and sharing practical insights to help participants navigate the evolving technology landscape.
The DigiLeap Women in Tech Programme reinforces the Airtel Africa Foundation’s expanding investment in digital inclusion and youth empowerment across Africa. By increasing women’s participation in technology, the initiative supports Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda while contributing to the development of a stronger pipeline of skilled professionals capable of driving innovation, entrepreneurship and long-term economic growth.
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