Joyce Onwuka
Airtel Africa Foundation, has commenced the DigiLeap Women in Tech Programme, a transformative initiative designed to equip 200 young women from underserved communities in Ikorodu, Lagos, with industry-relevant digital skills and pathways into Nigeria’s rapidly expanding technology sector.
The project is driven through Airtel Nigeria and in partnership with the Ishk Tolaram Foundation, Co-Creation Hub (CcHub), and SAIL Innovation Lab,
The programme, hosted by the SAIL Innovation Lab Ikorodu, comprises a 12-week immersive learning experience from June to September 2026, designed to prepare participants for careers in Product Design, Software Development, Digital Marketing, and Data Analytics.
Beyond technical training, beneficiaries will receive leadership development, structured mentorship from Airtel Nigeria professionals, and internship opportunities that provide practical workplace experience and exposure to industry best practices.
Commenting on the programme kick-off, Segun Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, said empowering young women with digital skills represents one of the most sustainable investments in Africa’s future.
He also noted that the initiative reflects Airtel Africa Foundation’s continued commitment to expanding access to digital education while creating opportunities for young Africans to participate meaningfully 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 speaking on the initiative, Dinesh Balsingh, Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, highlights that the initiative aligns with the company’s commitment to building an inclusive digital economy by ensuring more young Nigerians, particularly women, are equipped for the jobs of the future.
Balsingh said, “Nigeria’s digital economy presents enormous opportunities, but participation must be inclusive if we are to realise its full potential. 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.
“DigiLeap is designed to equip participants with practical, industry-relevant skills that employers are looking for today while also giving them the confidence, mentorship, and professional exposure needed to build successful careers.”
According to the DigiLeap curriculum, participants will engage in intensive classroom instruction, hands-on projects, mentorship sessions, and internship placements designed to bridge the gap between learning and employment.
Airtel Nigeria professionals will serve as mentors, providing career guidance and sharing real-world industry insights to help participants transition successfully into the technology workforce.
The DigiLeap Women in Tech Programme spotlights the Airtel Africa Foundation’s growing investment in digital inclusion and youth empowerment across Africa. By creating pathways for more women to access technology careers, the Foundation continues to contribute to Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda while helping build a diverse pipeline of talent capable of driving innovation, creating businesses, and shaping the future of the country’s digital economy.