Airtel Africa Foundation has launched its ‘Tech for Her’ Programme that targets young women aged 18-40 years in Kenya, Zambia and Uganda to equip them with high-demand digital skills.

The skills include Linux administration, cybersecurity and Data Analytics that will prepare the young women for tech-related job opportunities across the world.

The five-week intensive online programme, to be delivered in partnership with Tertiary DNS, aligns with the foundation’s mission to empower Africa through digital inclusion.

Participants will complete over 100 hours of intensive training through a flexible learning model that includes weekend classes for working professionals and weekday sessions for non-working participants.

To be eligible for the training, candidates are required to have basic digital literacy, a minimum education of a national diploma or its equivalent in science and technology, or higher qualifications.

In addition, graduates of the programme will receive 12 months of continuous skill development support, with top performers achieving scores of 90 per cent or higher qualifying for internship opportunities at Airtel Africa and structured mentorship from technology industry leaders.

Airtel Africa Foundation Chair Segun Ogunsanya maintained that Africa’s digital revolution cannot reach its full potential without gender equity. He explained that the Tech for Her programme 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,” Ogunsanya said at the press statement.

He pointed out that the foundation would reserve 30 per cent of training participant slots for women in rural and underserved communities, while 40 per cent of training seats would prioritize applicants from low-income households.

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) only 30 per cent of tech professionals in sub-Saharan Africa are women and notably, the women hold just 2-8 per cent of software development roles.

Considering the above, Annika Poutiainen, one of the foundation’s committee members stated: “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.”

She revealed that in running this programme, Airtel Africa Foundation is creating a pipeline of female tech leaders who would help unlock the vast digital opportunities both at home, in Africa, and further afield.

Meanwhile, applications close on August 21, 2025, and participants are welcome to apply via country-specific portals on their respective Airtel websites or by following the links below.

 Kenya: https://premium.dspyder.uk/kenya/kenya.php

Uganda: https://premium.dspyder.uk/uganda/uganda.php

Zambia: https://premium.dspyder.uk/zambia/zambia.php

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Michael Omondi