The Federal Government of Nigeria has said it will mainstream women tech entrepreneurs into the nation’s digital innovation and technology development in amove aimed at bridge the gender gap in the fast-growing sector.
Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Inuwa, who made this known while speaking at the opening ceremony of the Female Tech Founders Training programme in Abuja, said NITDA, in conjunction with the NCAIR have packaged some programmes across the country in alignment with the 8 Pillars identified by the Federal Government to boost women participation in technology innovation, acquisition and development.
Represented at the event by the Acting Director, Digital Literacy and Capacity Development of NITDA, Dr Amina Samba Magaji, the NITDA boss said the programme was designed to advance women in technology, as well as create platforms for them to network and pool resources together to improve their businesses.
Inuwa was particularly thrilled by the response to the call for registration for the programme, which he said was a good take-off point in the desire to make more women techpreneurs in Nigeria.
“In just two weeks, our call for the Female Founders Training resonated across our great nation, yielding an extraordinary response with a staggering 7,151 applications pouring in from all 36 states. This overwhelming interest underscores the untapped potential and enthusiasm that exists among our women in the field of technology,” he said.
He explained that the programme would go beyond the training to focus on how wealth and employment opportunities could be created in the technology industry with the full participation of women technology entrepreneurs in the ventures.
According to him, those who were successful in the selection process from the six geopolitical zones of the country, would be empowered to also pass the knowledge acquired to others in the overall interest of the country.
“Over the next two weeks, our mission encompasses identifying and showcasing innovative tech-based ideas and solutions developed by Nigerian females.
“We aim to promote and support these tech-based ventures founded by women, contributing to the closing of gender gaps within the tech ecosystem. Furthermore, our commitment extends to promoting and supporting digital job creation for females, a crucial step towards fostering inclusivity and equality.
“This program aligns seamlessly with two priority areas of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda: the investment in the digital economy to empower Nigerians with new skills and sustain jobs, and the drive for women empowerment to champion equity and parity across every facet of our lives,” he said.
