Elegbede Abiodun
The Airtel Africa Foundation, in partnership with Airtel Nigeria, is targeting 200 underserved young women in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State to provide industry-standard technical training at no cost.
According to a statement released by the organisation on Wednesday, the initiative will be executed through the “DigiLeap Tech Drive”, an intensive digital literacy programme designed to bridge the gender gap in the technology sector. The project is a strategic collaboration between the Airtel Africa Foundation, the ISHK Tolaram Foundation, and Co-Creation Hub, with implementation led by the SAIL Innovation Lab.
The Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, Segun Ogunsanya, emphasised that the project extends beyond basic classroom instruction.
“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.
The programme is engineered to transform high-potential individuals into workforce-ready professionals by providing a blend of technical instruction, mentorship, and direct job-placement linkages. This holistic approach aims to tackle regional unemployment while increasing female representation in the global tech economy.
Highlighting the broader economic impact during the flag-off event, the Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, noted, “We believe that 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 sidelines of the digital economy into the heart of the tech workforce.”
The foundation reaffirmed its commitment to long-term societal transformation, maintaining that technology remains the most effective tool for unlocking opportunities across the continent. “When women lead in technology, entire communities thrive,” the foundation concluded.
The application portal is currently live and will remain open until 8 May 2026. Prospective trainees between the ages of 18 and 35 living in Ikorodu, Lagos, are encouraged to apply via the official portal at bit.ly/DigiLeap to secure their spot in this high-impact professional pipeline.
