Abayomi Susan
The Airtel Africa Foundation, through Airtel Nigeria in collaboration with the Ishk Tolaram Foundation, Co-Creation Hub (CcHub), and SAIL Innovation Lab, has launched the DigiLeap Women in Tech Programme, a capacity-building initiative aimed at equipping 200 young women from underserved communities in Ikorodu, Lagos, with in-demand digital skills and pathways into Nigeria’s fast-growing technology sector.
Hosted at the SAIL Innovation Lab in Ikorodu, the 12-week intensive programme, running from June to September 2026, is designed to provide participants with hands-on training in key tech fields, including Product Design, Software Development, Digital Marketing, and Data Analytics.
Beyond technical competencies, the initiative also integrates leadership development, structured mentorship from professionals at Airtel Nigeria, and internship placements that offer real-world exposure and practical workplace experience within the tech industry.
Speaking at the launch of the programme, Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, Segun Ogunsanya, described the empowerment of young women through digital education as one of the most impactful and sustainable investments in Africa’s future.
He noted that the DigiLeap initiative reflects the Foundation’s continued commitment to expanding access to digital learning opportunities while enabling young Africans to actively participate in the continent’s ongoing digital transformation.
Ogunsanya encouraged participants to fully engage with the programme, stressing that the knowledge, mentorship, and networks they acquire would not only transform their personal futures but also positively impact their families, communities, and future generations of young women.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, said the initiative aligns with the company’s broader vision of building a more inclusive digital economy where young Nigerians, particularly women, are adequately prepared for future job opportunities.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s digital economy holds vast potential, but inclusivity remains key to unlocking its full benefits. According to him, Airtel Africa Foundation is deliberately investing in young women due to their growing importance in driving innovation, technological advancement, and economic development.
Balsingh added that the DigiLeap programme is structured to provide participants with practical, industry-relevant skills, while also building their confidence through mentorship, career guidance, and professional exposure needed to succeed in the tech ecosystem.
The programme curriculum combines classroom instruction, hands-on projects, mentorship sessions, and internship opportunities, all designed to bridge the gap between learning and employment.
Airtel Nigeria professionals will also serve as mentors, offering participants career guidance and sharing real-world insights to support their transition into the technology workforce.
The DigiLeap Women in Tech Programme underscores the Airtel Africa Foundation’s expanding commitment to digital inclusion and youth empowerment across the continent. By creating structured pathways for women to enter technology careers, the Foundation continues to contribute to Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda while fostering a diverse pipeline of talent capable of driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic growth.
