Airtel Africa Foundation has rolled out a new initiative aimed at equipping young women in Uganda, Kenya, and Zambia with critical digital skills to boost female representation in the tech industry.
The “Tech For Her” program, launched in partnership with Tertiary DNS, offers an intensive five-week online course with over 100 hours of training in Linux administration, cybersecurity, and data analytics. Designed to accommodate both students and working professionals, the program provides weekend classes for those employed and weekday sessions for others.
The Ugandan launch took place at Kawempe Public Library, where Resty Ayona, Airtel Uganda’s Head of Performance and Rewards, demonstrated how participants can access the training.
“We live in a world where algorithms shape our lives, apps build empires, and data drives economies,” Ayona said. “Yet, for many young women in Uganda, access to this digital revolution remains out of reach, blocked by gender bias, limited access, and a lack of opportunity. This program is our key to unlocking that door.”
Top-performing participants will receive certificates, internships with Airtel Uganda, and mentorship from global technology leaders. Graduates will also benefit from 12 months of continued skills development support.
The initiative seeks to address the gender imbalance in tech, where women make up only 30% of professionals in sub-Saharan Africa, according to UNESCO.
Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, Chair of the Airtel Africa Foundation, stressed that gender equity is central to Africa’s digital transformation. “Africa’s digital revolution cannot reach its full potential without gender equity. By investing in Africa’s women, we are investing in sustainable economic transformation,” he said.
To ensure inclusivity, the program has reserved 30% of training slots for women from rural and underserved communities and 40% for applicants from low-income households.
Foundation committee member Annika Poutiainen said the program would help create “a pipeline of female tech leaders who will unlock vast digital opportunities both at home, in Africa, and beyond.”
Applicants must have basic digital literacy and at least a national diploma in science and technology. Registration opened on August 7, 2025, via Airtel’s country-specific websites.