Women in Tech & AI
1,000+ women.
12 weeks.
One mission.
The Empowering Women in Tech programme is closing the digital gender gap in one of Nigeria's most conflict-affected regions — training women in software development, data analytics, and artificial intelligence since 2021.
1,000+
women trained
8
cohorts completed
3
states in 2026
82%
employment rate post-graduation
Fatimah Zannah Mustapha
Co-Director · Software Engineer · UN ECOSOC Youth Delegate
Women in Tech Global Awards Nominee 2025
The woman behind the mission
Built to last. Designed for Northeast Nigeria.
Fatimah Zannah Mustapha did not design the Women in Tech programme for women in ideal conditions. She designed it for women in Maiduguri — where conflict, displacement, and poverty have compounded for a decade.
She brought together her experience as a software engineer, her platform as a UN ECOSOC Youth Forum Delegate, and her family's two-decade legacy in humanitarian education to build something the region had never seen: a free, high-quality, 12-week tech training programme that graduates women into the digital economy.
Nominated for the Women in Tech Global Awards in 2025, Fatimah continues to expand the programme — building pathways into employment, freelancing, and entrepreneurship for women who have been excluded from the global technology conversation for far too long.
The curriculum
12 weeks that change the trajectory
Every module is designed for real-world application. No abstract theory — only skills that translate directly to employment, freelance income, or a business.
Digital Foundations
Computer literacy, internet navigation, productivity tools (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365), and digital safety essentials.
Web Development
HTML, CSS, and JavaScript fundamentals. By end of week 5, every trainee has deployed a live personal portfolio.
Data & Analytics
Excel, Google Sheets, Power BI basics, and data storytelling — practical tools for entrepreneurship and employment.
AI Literacy & Tools
How large language models work, prompt engineering, and hands-on applications with AI tools across design, writing, and automation.
Project & Career Readiness
Capstone project, CV writing, LinkedIn setup, mock interviews, and connections to the wider tech ecosystem and partner employers.
Graduate stories
What happens after 12 weeks
After completing the programme, Aisha launched a virtual assistant business serving clients across Abuja and Lagos. She now employs two junior graduates from a later cohort.
Aisha Mohammed
Founder, Aisha VA Services
Cohort 3, 2023
Zara joined with no computer experience. Twelve weeks later she secured a data entry contract with a Maiduguri NGO. She is now studying for her CISCO certification.
Zara Baba-Gana
Data Associate, Borno NGO sector
Cohort 5, 2024
A single mother of three, Hafsat used her web development skills to build sites for local traders. Her income tripled within six months of graduation.
Hafsat Umar
Freelance Web Developer
Cohort 2, 2022
Partners & supporters
The coalition making it possible
Women in Tech Global Network
Awards & visibility
UN ECOSOC
Youth advocacy platform
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation
Programme funding
UNICEF Nigeria
Child-safe digital training
University of Maiduguri
Certification pathway
Common questions
Everything you need to know
Who can apply?
Any woman aged 16 and above residing in Borno, Adamawa, or Yobe State. No prior education requirement. Women with children are especially encouraged to apply — we provide flexible session times and, where possible, crèche support.
Is there a cost?
The programme is fully funded. Participants receive training, materials, and device access at no cost. Travel stipends are available for participants from outlying LGAs.
How long is each cohort?
12 weeks, running three times per year. Sessions are scheduled to accommodate domestic responsibilities — typically 4-hour morning or afternoon blocks, Monday to Friday.
What certification do graduates receive?
Graduates receive a Future Prowess Foundation certificate co-signed by the University of Maiduguri. Select graduates are nominated for Google Career Certificates and AWS re/Start pathways.
How can I support or partner with the programme?
We welcome tech companies, foundations, and individuals who want to sponsor seats, provide mentors, offer internship slots, or donate equipment. Use the contact form below or email [email protected].
Apply now
The next cohort is open for applications
If you are a woman based in Northeast Nigeria who is ready to learn technology skills, we want to hear from you. Places are limited — apply early. If you are a partner or funder who wants to sponsor seats, reach out directly.