African Women’s Congress Celebrates First Graduating Class of Digital Tech Hub Program
The African Women’s Congress (AWC), in collaboration with the Helpline Social Support Initiative and DataCamp Donates USA, hosted a virtual graduation ceremony for the inaugural class of its Women and Girls Digital Tech Hub AI and Data Science program.
Program Established to Bridge the Digital Divide
This six-month virtual program was conceived following a resolution at the 2024 African Women’s Conference in Zambia, where stakeholders highlighted the pressing need to bridge the digital divide and create more opportunities for African women and girls in the realms of technology and innovation.
Recognition of Outstanding Achievements
At the graduation ceremony, Dr. Jumay Ahmadu, Convener of the African Women’s Congress and Chair of the Helpline Social Support Initiative, described the event as a “celebration of the courage, resilience, and limitless potential of African women and girls in technology.” She congratulated the nine researchers from Algeria, Tanzania, Senegal, South Africa, Niger, Rwanda, Madagascar, Namibia, and Botswana who earned globally recognized certifications from DataCamp.
Competitive Selection Process Highlights Diversity
Statistics shared during the ceremony revealed that approximately 3,500 applications were submitted from across Africa, with only 100 participants selected after a rigorous vetting process. Of these, around 40 to 50 advanced to the second phase, culminating in nine fellows successfully completing all program tracks.
Career-Enhancing Skills Acquired
The graduates have trained in several professional tracks, including Associate AI Engineer in Data Science, Associate Data Scientist in Python, Associate Data Analyst in SQL, and Data Analyst in Power BI. Beneficiaries expressed that the program significantly enhanced their technical skills and self-confidence, ultimately elevating their startups and careers while empowering them to become mentors within their communities.
Gratitude and Future Aspirations
Dr. Ahmadu extended her thanks to DataCamp for providing 100 free licenses to support African women in technology, and praised the Helpline Social Support Initiative for its contributions to the project. She encouraged the graduates to leverage their newfound knowledge to mentor young girls and make meaningful contributions to Africa’s burgeoning digital economy.
Commitment to Future Graduating Classes
Organizers announced that preparations are already underway for the next cohort of graduates, aimed at expanding opportunities for more African women and girls interested in artificial intelligence, data science, and emerging technologies. The African Council for Women reaffirmed its dedication to advancing digital inclusion, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development across Africa through strategic partnerships and technology-driven initiatives.
