Airtel Africa Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Airtel Africa plc, has announced the launch of its Tech For Her Program, a five-week online initiative designed to empower young women in Zambia, Uganda, and Kenya with in-demand digital skills.
In partnership with Tertiary DNS, the program aims to train participants in Linux Administration, Cybersecurity, and Data Analytics, and prepare them for tech-related job opportunities globally.
The program is part of the Foundation’s broader mission to advance digital inclusion across Africa. Participants will complete more than 100 hours of intensive instruction through a flexible schedule that accommodates both working professionals (weekend classes) and non-working participants (weekday sessions).
Eligibility requires participants to have basic digital literacy and hold at least a national diploma (or equivalent) in Science and Technology or higher.
Upon completion, graduates will receive 12 months of ongoing skills development support. Top performers achieving 90% or higher scores will qualify for internship opportunities at Airtel Africa and receive structured mentorship from technology industry leaders.
Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, Chair of the Airtel Africa Foundation, emphasized the program’s role in promoting gender equity in Africa’s tech sector.
“Africa’s digital revolution cannot reach its full potential without gender equity. The Tech For Her program helps to level the playing field by providing women with industry-relevant skills, mentorship, and pathways to high-growth tech roles around the world. By investing in Africa’s women, we are investing in sustainable economic transformation,” he said.
The Foundation has committed to reserving 30% of training slots for women in rural and underserved communities, and prioritizing 40% of seats for applicants from low-income households.
UNESCO data cited by the Foundation highlights the gender gap in tech: only 30% of tech professionals in sub-Saharan Africa are women, and women hold just 2-8% of software development roles.
Annika Poutiainen, a committee member of the Foundation, added that Airtel Africa seeks to build a pipeline of female tech leaders who can drive innovation at home and abroad. “We are actively advancing women in technology roles and envision a future where young women lead in digital opportunities across Africa and beyond,” Poutiainen stated.
Applications open on August 7, 2025, through country-specific portals on Airtel websites. Interested applicants can access the Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia portals via the following links: