Olufunmilayo Ogunwo-Adesanya, a technology and social impact leader, has launched Naija Girls in Tech (NGiT), an initiative designed to bridge the gender gap in technology and digital careers across Nigeria and Africa.
Gatekeepers News reports that Ogunwo-Adesanya explained that NGiT was created in response to the growing mismatch between Africa’s rapidly expanding digital economy and the structural barriers preventing girls and women from accessing practical tech education, mentorship, and career opportunities.
“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,” she said.
The initiative goes beyond technical training to focus on confidence-building, career readiness, and long-term economic empowerment, aiming for sustainable outcomes rather than one-off interventions.
NGiT’s vision is to empower African girls and women to become not only participants but creators, leaders, and decision-makers within local and global technology sectors. The programme will provide in-demand digital, technology, and cybersecurity skills through accessible training, mentorship, real-world exposure, and employment support, while 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,” Ogunwo-Adesanya said.
The initiative targets girls and young women aged 16–35, including students, recent graduates, early-career professionals, and those from underserved, low-income, or marginalised communities. NGiT also aims to support women transitioning from non-technical fields into tech careers, as well as persons living with disabilities interested in technology roles.
To achieve these goals, NGiT has partnered with technology companies, training providers, industry professionals, educational institutions, development organisations, and media houses to provide mentorship, internship placements, professional certifications, and employment pathways.
The organisation is also engaging the Nigerian government for collaboration on capacity building, policy alignment, skills development, funding, infrastructure, and job placements.
Ogunwo-Adesanya emphasised that accountability and long-term transformation are central to NGiT’s strategy, addressing structural barriers that have historically excluded women from technology and digital careers.
