African Development Bank and Microsoft have begun a month-long coding class for 160 women on two Nigerian campuses under a new program to give African youths digital skills for the work force. The All-female program prioritizes women who typically have been sidelined in the technology ecosystem.

The Coding for Employment program was launched in Covenant University under the theme Think equal, Build smart, Innovate for Change. Academics, women leaders in technology and tech start up founders all advocated for a level playing ground for women in tech.

The special all-female training kicked off its pilot phase in Covenant University and Gombe State University on the 11th of March. The crash course will include topics such as digital literacy, introduction to word processing and spreadsheets. The training program will also include a Life Skills component where notable role models in the technology and digital skills space will share their stories with the cohort and act as mentors for the students throughout the program.

Notable participants at the event included the Vice Chancellor of Covenant University – Professor Aderemi Atayero; Partner Technology Lead, Microsoft, Olatomiwa Williams, Expansion Strategy Manager at Andela, Jackie Ugokwe and Cofounder/COO, Piggyvest, Odunayo Eweniyi.

The program is being piloted in 5 countries – Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal and will run in shift sessions to allow flexibility for those who have other commitments.

Photo Credit: Mohini Ufeli/Andela