An initiative called Naija Girls in Tech (NGiT) was started to address the ongoing gender gap in technology and digital careers in Nigeria and throughout the continent after it was noted that there is a growing demand for digital and technology skills throughout Africa and that many girls and young women have limited access to high-quality, practical tech education, mentorship, and clear employment pathways.
Olufunmilayo Ogunwo-Adesanya, the NGiT’s founder and CEO, stated that the launch intends to concentrate on developing girls’ and young women’s confidence, career preparedness, and long-term economic empowerment in addition to training.
“The belief that women can significantly contribute to national development, innovation, and economic growth when they are equipped with relevant digital skills and opportunities” is the driving force behind NGiT, according to Ogunwo-Adesanya.
The initiator, a leader in technology and social impact, stated, “Our vision is to build a future where Nigerian and African girls and women are active creators, leaders, and decision-makers in the technology ecosystem, contributing meaningfully to local and global digital economies.”
According to the NGiT leader, the project also seeks to develop inclusiveness, confidence, and leadership while equipping Nigerian girls and young women with in-demand digital, technology, and cybersecurity skills through affordable training, mentorship, real-world exposure, and job support.
She said, “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.”
“We want to have young women and girls within ages 16 to 35; students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals; women from underserved, low-income, and marginalized communities; women seeking to transition from non-technical careers into tech-related roles; and persons living with disabilities who are interested in technology careers,” Ogunwo-Adesanya stated regarding NGiT’s target demographic.
The partners are expected to support curriculum delivery, mentorship, internship placements, certifications, and employment pathways. According to her, collaboration has been organized with technology companies, training providers, industry professionals, educational institutions, development-focused organizations, and the media.
She added, “We also target strong opportunities for partnership with the Nigerian government in infrastructure and access, employment and placement, funding and grants, policy alignment and advocacy, and capacity building and skills development.”
NGiT prioritizes measurable impact, accountability, and long-term transformation that differs from one-time interventions. In addition to training, NGiT incorporates mentorship, career coaching, job placement assistance, school outreach campaigns, and community building into its programs to ensure sustainable outcomes.
With years of practical experience working at the nexus of technology, data protection, governance, risk, cybersecurity, and digital transformation, Ogunwo-Adesanya has continuously supported programs that close opportunity gaps, especially for women, youth, underprivileged communities, and ultimately empowering the next generation of African women in the tech industry.
