NEWS
Airtel Africa Foundation launches Tech For Her programme to upskill African women
The programme aligns with the Foundation’ s mission to empower Africa through Digital Inclusion. Participants will complete over 100 hours of intensive training via a flexible learning model, with weekend classes for working professionals and weekday sessions for nonworking participants.
Chair of Airtel Africa Foundation,
Dr Segun Ogunsanya
Airtel Africa Foundation has announced the launch of its‘ Tech
For Her’ programme, targeting young women across Zambia, Uganda and Kenya.
The initiative is a five-week intensive online programme aimed at equipping participants with high-demand digital skills including Linux administration, cybersecurity and data analytics, preparing them for tech-related job opportunities globally.
To be eligible, candidates must have basic digital literacy and a minimum education of a national diploma or equivalent in Science and Technology or higher qualifications. Graduates will receive 12 months of continuous skill development support, with top performers achieving scores of 90 % or higher qualifying for internships at Airtel Africa and structured mentorship from technology industry leaders.
Chair of Airtel Africa Foundation, Dr Segun Ogunsanya, said:“ Africa’ s digital revolution cannot reach its full potential without gender equity. The Tech For Her programme helps to level the playing field by providing women with industry-relevant skills, mentorship and pathways to high-growth tech roles around the world. By investing in Africa’ s women, we are investing in sustainable economic transformation.
“ The Foundation will reserve 30 % of training participant slots for women in rural and underserved communities, while 40 % of training seats will prioritise applicants from low-income households.”
Esri, Microsoft and Space42 to deliver highresolution geospatial data for Africa’ s growth
The Map Africa Initiative, a five-year partnership between Esri,
Microsoft and Space42, will deliver the most comprehensive basemap of Africa to date, providing high-resolution, scalable geospatial data across all 54 African countries to benefit more than 1.4 billion people.
Esri, a global leader in location intelligence, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding( MoU) with Space42 and Microsoft to drive the project, which aims to support economic growth, infrastructure planning and sustainable development. The agreement was formalised in July during the 2025 Esri User Conference in San Diego, California, where the partners outlined how their combined capabilities will address Africa’ s mapping challenges.
Many of Africa’ s official maps are fragmented, outdated or difficult to access, leaving governments, businesses and communities to make critical decisions with incomplete data. This has hindered progress in areas such as infrastructure investment, public services and environmental management. By providing accurate, locally managed geospatial data, the Map Africa Initiative will give decision-makers the tools they need to plan, invest and innovate more effectively.
“ We are proud to support the Map Africa Initiative in partnership with Space42,” said Jack Dangermond, Esri President.“ Transforming satellite imagery into detailed, accurate basemaps at continental scale requires advanced geospatial technology and professional production workflows. With Map Africa, we are helping to establish a foundational resource that will drive infrastructure planning, economic growth and sustainable development across the continent.”
10 INTELLIGENTCIO AFRICA www. intelligentcio. com