Tech4Dev Graduates its biggest fellowship cohort of 1,602 Women from over 22 African countries

Technology for Social Change and Development Initiative (Tech4Dev) has graduated 1,602 women beneficiaries from over 22 African countries from its Women Techsters Fellowship Class of 2024.

The Women Techsters Program is a free digital skills-to-employability program designed to support girls and women (between the ages of 10-40) from low-income and marginalized African communities with digital knowledge and skills, to access decent jobs and entrepreneurship, as a pathway to improved economic livelihood. It is a blended model of advocacy, community-centered learning structure, technical and soft skills multi-competence training, mentorship, job matching, and business incubation.

The first six months of the fellowship program focus on intensive training in essential technology skills, while the subsequent six months provide hands-on experience through a structured industry internship, tech jobs, volunteering, and entrepreneurship.

In 2024, from a highly competitive pool of 7,846 applicants across 22 African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, D.R Congo, Ethiopia, Morocco, Madagascar, Mozambique, Uganda, Tanzania, Algeria, Angola, South Sudan, etc., 1,612 beneficiaries were trained, and 1,602 were certified at the end of the program.

Speaking at the ceremony, Micheal John, Country Manager, Nigeria at Tech4Dev, celebrated the milestone, saying, “The Women Techsters Fellowship represents a pivotal step towards enabling women to excel and lead in the technology landscape across Africa. As we celebrate the graduation of 1,602 fellows from the Class of 2024, we honor their determination and achievements.

“By equipping these talented individuals with the skills and resources needed to succeed, we are transforming lives and paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative future in technology. As an organization, we are rooting for their success and are excited to see how they will shape the future of technology in Africa and beyond. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners, Purple Academy and Taltrix whose support has been instrumental in making this journey possible. Together, we are fostering a brighter future for women in tech.”

Blessing Ashi, Head of Programs at Tech4Dev, echoed this sentiment, adding, “Seeing 1,602 women in tech step forward as graduates of the Women Techsters Fellowship Class of 2024 is deeply inspiring. Each journey represents courage, resilience, and a commitment to redefine what’s possible. This isn’t just a graduation; it’s the start of lasting change and a testament to the power of investing in women’s potential, especially in tech.”

The best-graduating student and valedictorian, Gabriella Echebiri, shared her excitement and pride: “Graduating as the best is more than an accomplishment; it’s a commitment to carry forward the strength, courage, and knowledge of every incredible woman who dares to rise in tech and beyond.” Towards the end of her Fellowship year, Gabriella landed a job that paid five times her previous salary as a result of the skills she acquired from the Women Techsters Fellowship.