Airtel targets 200 Lagos women in free tech skills drive

By: Amarachi Okonkwo 

The Airtel Africa Foundation, in partnership with Airtel Nigeria, has launched a targeted digital empowerment initiative aimed at training 200 underserved young women in Ikorodu, Lagos State, as part of efforts to bridge the gender gap in Nigeria’s technology sector.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the foundation disclosed that the programme tagged DigiLeap Tech Drive will deliver intensive, industry-standard digital skills training at no cost to participants. The initiative is being executed in collaboration with the ISHK Tolaram Foundation and Co-Creation Hub, with implementation led by the SAIL Innovation Lab.

Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, Segun Ogunsanya, said the programme is structured to go beyond basic digital literacy, positioning participants for long-term career opportunities in the tech ecosystem.

“This initiative ensures the digital revolution is truly inclusive; it isn’t merely a training session but a professional pipeline designed to transition these women directly into internships and sustainable careers,” Ogunsanya stated.

According to the foundation, the DigiLeap Tech Drive integrates technical training, mentorship, and direct job placement pathways, creating a holistic development model aimed at transforming participants into workforce-ready professionals. The programme is also expected to address youth unemployment while boosting female participation in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital economy.

Speaking at the programme’s flag-off, Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, highlighted the broader economic implications of digital inclusion.

“Empowering women with digital skills is a fundamental catalyst for national economic growth. With the DigiLeap tech training, we are creating a sustainable pathway for young women in underserved communities to move from the margins into the core of the tech workforce,” he said.

The initiative aligns with broader private-sector efforts to deepen digital capacity across Africa, particularly among underrepresented groups, as technology continues to shape economic productivity and global competitiveness.

The Airtel Africa Foundation reiterated its long-term commitment to social impact, noting that increased female representation in technology has multiplier effects on communities and economic development.

Applications for the programme are currently open and will close on May 8, 2026. Eligible candidates women aged 18 to 35 residing in Ikorodu are encouraged to apply through the designated online portal.