KAMPALA, Uganda — The Airtel Africa Foundation has launched a new initiative, the “Tech For Her” program, aimed at providing young women in Uganda, Zambia, and Kenya with high-demand digital skills. The program is a partnership with Tertiary DNS and is designed to boost female participation in the technology sector.
The five-week online program will offer over 100 hours of intensive training in areas such as Linux administration, cybersecurity, and data analytics. It will feature a flexible learning model with weekend classes for working professionals and weekday sessions for other participants.
In Uganda, the program was unveiled at a function at Kawempe Public Library. Resty Ayona, Head of Performance and Rewards at Airtel Uganda, demonstrated how to access the online training to some of the women in attendance.
“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 performers in the program will receive certificates, along with internship opportunities at Airtel Uganda and mentorship from global tech leaders.
Today at Kawempe Public Library, we kicked off the #TechForHer program by @AirtelAfrica Foundation!
This initiative will upskill young women in Uganda with world-class training in Cybersecurity, Linux & Data Analytics.
Link to Apply – ·#AirtelCares pic.twitter.com/8hs9nZZ432
— Airtel Uganda (@Airtel_Ug) August 7, 2025
According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), women make up only 30% of tech professionals in sub-Saharan Africa. The “Tech For Her” program is designed to address this gap.
Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, chair of the Airtel Africa Foundation, said the initiative is crucial for the continent’s progress. “Africa’s digital revolution cannot reach its full potential without gender equity,” he said. “By investing in Africa’s women, we are investing in sustainable economic transformation.”
He added that the foundation will reserve 30% of training slots for women in rural and underserved communities, and 40% will prioritize applicants from low-income households.
Annika Poutiainen, a foundation committee member, said the program will create “a pipeline of female tech leaders who will help unlock the vast digital opportunities both at home, in Africa, and further afield.”
To be eligible, candidates need basic digital literacy and at least a national diploma in science and technology. Applications opened on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, on the respective country-specific Airtel websites. Graduates will receive 12 months of continued skill development support.
