The Helpline Social Support Initiative has selected more than 100 women and young girls from across Africa to take part in the first-ever Africa Women Conference (AWC) Women and Girls Digital Technology Hub.
Arome Ibrahim, Programme Director of the AWC Digital Tech Hub, announced this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, noting that the training will centre on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science.
According to him, the organisation collaborated with DataCamp Donates (USA) to launch the AWC Women and Girls Digital Technology Hub AI and Data Science Programme.
The 2025 edition of the Africa Women Conference is scheduled to hold from November 19 to 21 in Accra, Ghana, with the theme, “Legacy Meets Innovation: Women Forging New Pathways for Africa’s Sustainable Development.”
Ibrahim explained that the initiative will offer about 100 DataCamp course licenses to selected participants.
He described the AI and Data Analytics Programme as an impact-driven project designed to equip 100 women and girls across the continent with future-ready skills in AI and data science.
The programme, he said, was inspired by resolutions from the 2024 AWC held in Zambia, which called for stronger efforts to close the gender gap in technology access and innovation.
Participants will take part in a three-month structured training phase, followed by six months of self-paced learning, leading to globally recognised certifications and practical competencies in AI, data analysis, and data science.
The initiative aligns with AWC’s mission to reduce the digital divide and empower African women through technology-driven opportunities.
Ibrahim further explained that the programme aims to foster employment, entrepreneurship, and community-based tech solutions for women.
“This programme represents more than just training—it is a commitment to building an inclusive digital future for African women and girls,” he said. “We’re proud to collaborate with DataCamp Donates to broaden access and representation in the digital space.”
In addition to technical training, participants will benefit from bi-weekly live sessions, mentorship opportunities, and a peer-support community.
Applicants were required to be women or girls aged 15–45, residing in Africa, with access to a laptop and internet connection.
Nigeria led with 25 selected participants, followed by Ghana with nine, Cameroon and Somalia with five each, while Ethiopia, Egypt, South Africa, and Benin had four participants apiece. Togo, Zimbabwe, and Senegal each had three participants, and several other African countries had one or two representatives.
The inaugural training session will begin on October 25, and the first cohort is expected to graduate in May 2026.
From over 3,500 applications, 100 women and girls were selected based on their interest, commitment, and potential to create positive impact in their communities.