The Airtel Africa Foundation, in partnership with Airtel Nigeria, has launched a major initiative to train 200 underserved young women in the Ikorodu area of Lagos in industry-standard digital skills at no cost.
According to a statement released on Wednesday, the programme, tagged “DigiLeap Tech Drive”, is an intensive digital literacy initiative designed to bridge the gender gap in the technology sector. The project 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 foundation, Segun Ogunsanya, said the initiative goes beyond conventional training by creating direct pathways into employment.
“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,” he said.
The DigiLeap programme is structured to equip participants with technical skills, mentorship, and access to job-placement opportunities. Organisers say the approach is aimed at producing workforce-ready professionals while addressing unemployment and boosting female participation in the tech industry.
Speaking at the flag-off event, Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, highlighted the economic significance of the initiative.
“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,” he said.
The foundation reiterated its commitment to long-term social impact, stressing that technology remains a key driver for unlocking opportunities across Africa. It added that increasing female representation in tech can lead to broader community development.
Applications for the programme are currently open and will close on May 8, 2026. Interested candidates aged between 18 and 35 residing in Ikorodu are encouraged to apply through the official portal.
