Airtel Africa Foundation Introduces 'Tech For Her' Program to Bolster Female Tech Professionals
Airtel Africa Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Airtel Africa plc, has launched an ambitious initiative called the 'Tech For Her' program. This five-week intensive online training initiative aims to empower young women in Zambia, Uganda, and Kenya with in-demand digital skills, increasing their employability in the tech sector.
Empowering Women in Tech
The program aligns with Airtel Africa Foundation's mission to promote digital inclusion and gender equity across Africa’s tech ecosystem. Annika Poutiainen, a Committee Member of Airtel Africa Foundation, explains, "We are working towards a future where young women can be at the forefront of innovation."
The 'Tech For Her' program is specifically designed to help women in rural and underserved communities, addressing the digital divide that often exists in these areas. In line with this mission, 30% of the training participant slots will be reserved for women in these communities.
Comprehensive Curriculum
The curriculum covers a wide range of in-demand digital skills, including Linux Administration, Cybersecurity, SQL, DevOps, Ethical Hacking, and Data Analytics. These skills are taught through over 100 hours of guided online learning.
Eligibility and Training Structure
Candidates must have basic digital literacy and hold at least a national diploma in Science and Technology or an equivalent qualification. The training structure offers flexible scheduling, with weekend sessions for working professionals and weekday sessions for non-working participants.
Internship and Support Opportunities
Participants who score 90% or higher in assessments are eligible for structured mentorship by industry leaders and internship opportunities to help transition into tech careers. Graduates receive one year of post-program support for continued skill development.
The program aims to prepare participants to seek tech-related job opportunities worldwide. In fact, 40% of the training seats will prioritize applicants from low-income households, reflecting Airtel Africa Foundation's commitment to advancing women in technology roles.
According to UNESCO, women hold only 2-8% of software development roles in sub-Saharan Africa. The 'Tech For Her' program is part of Airtel Africa's efforts to unlock the vast digital opportunities in Africa and create a pipeline of female tech leaders.
Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, the Chair of Airtel Africa Foundation, emphasizes, "This initiative is part of our broader mission to promote digital inclusion and gender equity across Africa’s tech ecosystem."
The 'Tech For Her' program is yet another step forward in Airtel Africa's mission to unlock the vast digital opportunities in Africa, empowering young women and creating a more inclusive tech ecosystem.
- The comprehensive curriculum of the Tech For Her program includes Linux Administration, Cybersecurity, SQL, DevOps, Ethical Hacking, Data Analytics, and other in-demand digital skills, with over 100 hours of guided online learning.
- In line with its mission to promote digital inclusion and gender equity, Airtel Africa Foundation is reserving 30% of the training participant slots for women in rural and underserved communities, allowing them access to the digital skills necessary to increase their employability in the tech sector.
- To further support participants, the Tech For Her program offers structured mentorship by industry leaders, internship opportunities, and one year of post-program support for continued skill development, helping women in technology roles advance and seek tech-related job opportunities worldwide.
