AfrotechXcel Trains 200 Girls in Coding to Bridge Gender Gap

AfrotechXcel has successfully trained 200 girls in coding and software development, marking a significant step in bridging the gender gap in technology. The initiative, which took place in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Wednesday, is part of a larger plan to train 1,000 schoolgirls by 2026.

Emerald Akhaumer, the Executive Director of AfrotechXcel, revealed that the organization trained 850 girls across Nigeria last year and aims to expand its reach. The program coincided with the 2026 International Women's Day, highlighting the need for more women in technology leadership roles, where currently, women occupy less than 12% of such positions in Nigeria.

Fatima Babba, Director of the FCT Secondary Education Board, emphasized the importance of empowering girls with digital skills to contribute to Nigeria's economic development, particularly as the ICT sector contributes nearly 18% to the nation's GDP. The initiative also aims to address the funding gap faced by women-led startups, which receive only 2% of global funding.