Photo by panumas nikhomkhai from pexel
Airtel Africa Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Airtel Africa plc, has officially launched the ‘Tech For Her’ program, an initiative designed to provide young women across Zambia, Uganda, and Kenya with critical digital skills.
The program aims to address gender disparities in the technology sector by equipping participants with practical, industry-relevant training in high-demand areas such as Linux Administration, Cybersecurity, and Data Analytics.
The five-week intensive online program will be delivered in partnership with Tertiary DNS and aligns with Airtel Africa Foundation’s broader mission to drive Digital Inclusion across the continent.
With a flexible learning structure, the program is designed to accommodate various lifestyles and commitments.
Weekday classes are available for non-working participants, while working professionals can opt for weekend sessions.
Across the program, participants will engage in over 100 hours of structured training.
In launching the program, Airtel Africa Foundation is responding to a stark gender gap in Africa’s technology landscape.
According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), only 30% of tech professionals in sub-Saharan Africa are women, and women hold just 2–8% of software development roles.
The Foundation believes that addressing this imbalance is essential for inclusive economic growth.
To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate basic digital literacy and possess a national diploma or equivalent in Science and Technology, or a higher academic qualification.
This ensures that participants have the foundational knowledge necessary to benefit from the advanced technical curriculum.
Graduates of the ‘Tech For Her’ program will receive 12 months of continuous skill development support after completing the initial training.
In addition, top-performing participants, those who score 90% or higher, will be eligible for internship opportunities at Airtel Africa and access to a structured mentorship program with experienced leaders in the technology industry.
These additional support systems are designed to create a clear pathway from learning to career growth.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, Chair of Airtel Africa Foundation, emphasized the importance of gender equity in technology, stating:
“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 worldwide. We are investing in sustainable economic transformation by investing in Africa’s women.”
The program also includes specific measures to promote inclusivity among traditionally underserved populations.
Airtel Africa Foundation has reserved 30% of training slots for women in rural and underserved communities, and is committed to prioritizing 40% of training seats for applicants from low-income households.
This approach reflects the Foundation’s dedication to fostering broad-based access to the opportunities created by the digital economy.
Annika Poutiainen, a committee member of the Foundation, also commented on the initiative’s long-term goals:
“At Airtel Africa, we are actively working to advance women in technology roles, and we are committed to a future where young women can be at the forefront of innovation. In running this program, Airtel Africa Foundation is creating a pipeline of female tech leaders who will help unlock the vast digital opportunities both at home, in Africa, and further afield.”
Applications open on 7th August 2025.
Prospective candidates can apply through country-specific portals available on their respective Airtel websites.
The direct application links are:
- Kenya: https://premium.dspyder.uk/
kenya/kenya.php - Uganda: https://premium.dspyder.uk/
uganda/uganda.php - Zambia: https://premium.dspyder.uk/
zambia/zambia.php
Through the ‘Tech For Her’ initiative, Airtel Africa Foundation is taking a meaningful step toward closing the gender gap in technology and ensuring that African women are not left behind in the continent’s digital future.
About Airtel Africa Foundation
Airtel Africa Foundation is the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of Airtel Africa plc, a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services across 14 countries in Africa.
The Foundation focuses on promoting sustainable development and digital inclusion through investments in education, health, and community empowerment initiatives.
It works to bridge the digital divide by supporting programs that improve access to technology, build digital skills, and create economic opportunities for underserved populations.
The Foundation aligns its initiatives with Airtel Africa’s broader commitment to connecting people and driving inclusive growth across the continent.
