Airtel Africa Foundation has launched the DigiLeap Women in Tech Programme, an initiative that will provide digital skills training to 200 young women from underserved communities in Ikorodu, Lagos, as part of efforts to improve access to technology careers and strengthen Nigeria’s digital workforce.
The 12-week programme, running from June to September 2026, is being implemented through Airtel Nigeria in collaboration with the Ishk Tolaram Foundation, Co-Creation Hub (CcHub) and SAIL Innovation Lab. Participants will receive practical training in Product Design, Software Development, Digital Marketing and Data Analytics.
According to Brandspur Brand News, the initiative is designed to equip young women with industry-relevant skills while creating pathways into Nigeria’s rapidly expanding technology sector through mentorship, leadership development and workplace exposure.
Beyond classroom learning, beneficiaries will participate in hands-on projects, receive career guidance from Airtel Nigeria professionals and gain internship opportunities intended to bridge the gap between training and employment. The programme is hosted at the SAIL Innovation Lab in Ikorodu.
Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, described digital skills development for young women as a long-term investment in Africa’s future, noting that expanding access to technology education can create lasting economic and social impact across communities.
Airtel Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Dinesh Balsingh, said the programme aligns with the company’s commitment to promoting an inclusive digital economy by ensuring more young Nigerians, particularly women, are prepared for emerging opportunities in technology and innovation. He noted that participants will acquire practical skills alongside mentorship and professional exposure that can support successful careers in the sector.
The DigiLeap curriculum combines technical instruction with leadership training, project-based learning and structured mentoring to help participants build competencies sought by employers in the technology industry. Airtel Nigeria employees will also provide real-world industry insights to support participants as they transition into the workforce.
The programme forms part of the Airtel Africa Foundation’s broader investment in digital inclusion and youth empowerment across the continent. By supporting more women to enter technology-related fields, the initiative aims to contribute to Nigeria’s digital transformation while expanding the pool of skilled talent capable of driving innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth.
