Naija Girls in Tech targets 100,000 young women for digital careers by 2030

Olufunmilayo Ogunwo-Adesanya, a technology and social impact leader, has launched Naija Girls in Tech (NGiT), an initiative to tackle the gender gap in technology and digital careers in Nigeria and across Africa.

Ogunwo-Adesanya said NGiT was founded in response to a widening mismatch between Africa’s fast-growing digital economy and the barriers preventing girls and women from accessing quality, practical tech education, mentorship and clear employment pathways.

In a press statement to announce the launch, Ogunwo-Adesanya said the initiative goes beyond technical training to focus on confidence-building, career readiness and long-term economic empowerment.

She noted that the approach is designed to ensure sustainable outcomes and measurable impact, rather than one-off interventions.

“The motivation for NGiT is rooted in the belief that when women are equipped with relevant digital skills and opportunities, they can significantly contribute to national development, innovation and economic growth,” Ogunwo-Adesanya said.

She said the organisation’s vision is to build a future in which African girls and women are not only participants in the technology sector but active creators, leaders and decision-makers within local and global digital economies.

According to her, NGiT will empower girls and young women with in-demand digital, technology and cybersecurity skills through accessible training programmes, mentorship, real-world exposure and employment support, while also fostering inclusion, confidence and leadership.

“Our mission is guided by #Vision2030, with a commitment to train, mentor and create job opportunities and career pathways for a minimum of 100,000 girls and young women in tech by the year 2030,” she said.

The initiative targets a diverse audience, including girls and young women between the ages of 16 and 35, students, recent graduates and early-career professionals.

NGiT also aims to reach women from underserved, low-income and marginalised communities, those seeking to transition from non-technical careers into technology-related roles, as well as persons living with disabilities who are interested in pursuing tech careers.

To achieve its goals, NGiT said it has structured collaborations with technology companies, training providers, industry professionals, educational institutions, development-focused organisations and the media.

These partnerships are expected to support curriculum delivery, mentorship, internship placements, professional certifications and employment pathways.

The organisation is also seeking collaboration with the Nigerian government in areas such as capacity building and skills development, policy alignment and advocacy, funding and grants, infrastructure and access, as well as job placement and employment opportunities.

Ogunwo-Adesanya added that accountability and long-term transformation are central to the initiative’s strategy, particularly in addressing structural barriers that have historically excluded women from technology and digital careers.