The Airtel Africa Foundation, through Airtel Nigeria, has opened applications for the DigiLeap Tech Drive, a flagship initiative under its digital inclusion agenda, with the portal set to close on 8 May 2026.
Targeted at 200 underserved young women in Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State, the programme is structured to address the widening gender gap in the digital economy. It offers intensive, industry-standard training in technical and digital literacy at no cost to participants, positioning beneficiaries for entry into the tech workforce.
The initiative is being delivered through a multi-partner collaboration involving the ISHK Tolaram Foundation and Co-Creation Hub (CcHub), with implementation led by the SAIL Innovation Lab. The programme design integrates technical instruction, mentorship, and job placement pathways, aligning with broader efforts to reduce unemployment and increase female participation in technology-driven sectors.
Chairman of the Foundation, Segun Ogunsanya, said the collaboration reflects a deliberate strategy to scale both digital and gender inclusion across Africa.
“Our mission at the Airtel Africa Foundation is to accelerate digital inclusion across the continent,” he said. “By bringing the DigiLeap Tech Drive to the women of Ikorodu alongside Ishk Tolaram and CcHub, we are providing 200 young women with a definitive competitive advantage in the modern economy. 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.”
Also commenting, Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, described the initiative as a critical investment in human capital development, particularly for women in underserved communities.
“At Airtel Nigeria, 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. This initiative reflects our deep-rooted commitment to social impact and our belief that when women lead in technology, entire communities thrive,” he said.
The DigiLeap Tech Drive will focus on building competencies that support both employability and entrepreneurship readiness, with a structured pathway into internships and entry-level roles. Applications are currently open to women aged 18–35 residing in Ikorodu, with interested candidates expected to apply via the programme portal at https://form.typeform.com/to/uuc4KUfM.
