A decade of dedication has yielded remarkable results as Ani Akpe, founder of African Women in Technology, surpassed a milestone on February 2, 2026: training over 20,000 African women in vital tech skills. This achievement underscores a growing commitment to bridging the digital gender gap across our continent and empowering a new generation of female innovators. For us, this isn’t just about numbers; it’s about unlocking potential and building a more inclusive future for African technology.
A Decade of Focused Skill Development
Akpe’s work, spanning over ten years, has focused on equipping women with the technical expertise needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital economy. While specific curriculum details remain undisclosed, the scale of the initiative – reaching over 20,000 women – signals a comprehensive approach. This mirrors similar successful programs like the Moringa School in Kenya and Decagon in Nigeria, which have demonstrated the power of intensive, skills-focused training in boosting employability and fostering entrepreneurship.
Addressing the Digital Gender Gap
The initiative directly confronts the persistent digital gender gap that hinders Africa’s tech progress. Women remain underrepresented in STEM fields, limiting our continent’s ability to fully leverage its talent pool. Increased access to tech skills empowers women to participate in high-growth sectors like fintech – where companies like Flutterwave and Paystack are leading the charge – and contribute to innovative solutions tailored to our unique African challenges.
The Ripple Effect on African Economies
Empowering women with tech skills isn’t solely a matter of equity; it’s an economic imperative. These newly skilled women are poised to launch their own ventures, contribute to existing businesses, and drive economic growth within their communities. We’ve seen this play out with the rise of female-led startups attracting investment from firms like TLcom and Partech, demonstrating the commercial viability of supporting women entrepreneurs. The impact extends beyond direct employment, fostering a more dynamic and innovative tech ecosystem.
Building Africa’s Tech Future Through Inclusive Training
Akpe’s achievement is a powerful signal to investors and policymakers alike. Increased funding for similar initiatives, coupled with supportive policies, will be crucial to scaling these efforts and reaching even more women. We anticipate a surge in female participation in areas like AI, data science, and blockchain, positioning Africa as a global hub for inclusive technological advancement. The future of our tech sector depends on harnessing the full potential of all African talent, and initiatives like this are paving the way.
