She Code Africa, a pan-African non-profit focused on increasing women’s participation in technology, has partnered with global technology company HP to launch a digital literacy training programme in Abuja aimed at equipping up to 300 women with essential digital skills.
The initiative focuses on helping young women develop practical technology knowledge while addressing the persistent digital gender gap in Nigeria. Participants will gain foundational skills ranging from basic computer use to online productivity tools and digital business strategies.
Speaking during the launch of the training in Abuja, Oreoluwa Adetula, programmes manager of She Code Africa, said the programme was designed to ensure that women are not excluded from opportunities in an increasingly technology-driven world.
“We are in an ever-growing age of technology, and it is important that everyone is carried along. We do not want women to feel left behind,” Adetula said.
According to her, many women still lack access to basic digital tools and knowledge, despite the widespread use of smartphones and internet-enabled devices. She noted that the programme specifically targets women and girls between the ages of 16 and 35 who have had limited exposure to technology.
The training will cover a range of practical topics including computer appreciation, internet navigation, cloud-based productivity tools such as Excel and presentation software, as well as introductory exposure to artificial intelligence applications.
Participants will also learn how to use social media strategically to promote businesses, build an online presence, and create opportunities within the digital economy.
Adetula explained that the initiative is part of broader efforts to expand digital inclusion in Nigeria while ensuring women are equipped with skills that can support employment, entrepreneurship, and remote work opportunities.
“With this training in Kubwa, our target is to reach between 200 and 300 women who will gain practical digital literacy skills,” she said.
The Abuja training builds on the success of a similar programme launched in Ibadan, Oyo State, in 2025, where about 200 women received digital literacy training.
John Bassey, chief executive officer of JJV Tech Institute and one of the facilitators for the programme, said the initiative addresses a major skills gap that exists despite the widespread use of smartphones.
“Many people use smartphones but do not understand how to maximise them for productivity, education, or business,” Bassey said.
He noted that more than 80 percent of the participants initially lacked basic digital competencies such as mouse control, effective internet research, and the use of productivity software.
For many participants, the programme also represents an opportunity to transition into the digital workspace.
Phoebe Onoja Joseph, one of the trainees, said the skills gained from the programme could help women access remote work opportunities.
“I want to move into the virtual workspace and work remotely. Opportunities like this help people like us build the skills we need,” she said.
She Code Africa trained more than 4,700 people in 2025 and engaged over 8,000 women across Africa through various programmes focused on expanding access to technology skills. The organisation plans to scale similar initiatives in 2026, particularly in underserved communities, as part of its continued effort to close the digital gender gap.
