Kaduna State has launched a transformative initiative to train 5,000 young women in data science, artificial intelligence, and digital skills through the Arewa Ladies for Tech programme, it announced on Monday.
This ambitious project, a key pillar of the state’s women’s economic empowerment agenda, aims to bridge the gender gap in digital literacy and position women as leaders in Nigeria’s burgeoning tech-driven economy.
The programme, unveiled following a consultative session involving the Kaduna Ministry of Business, Innovation and Technology; the Kaduna Digital Economy Development Agency; and Dev-Afrique Advisors, is designed to foster innovation in high-growth sectors such as e-commerce, fintech, AI, and data analytics.
By equipping participants with critical skills, the initiative seeks to cultivate a culture of technological innovation and drive economic diversification through women-led startups and job creation.
MBIT Commissioner Patience Fakai emphasised the programme’s commitment to inclusivity, highlighting the introduction of Hausa-language educational resources to make training accessible to women across diverse backgrounds.
“Digital literacy is pivotal to Kaduna’s economic future. By breaking down language barriers, we are empowering women and girls to lead in high-tech fields,” Fakai said.
The Arewa Ladies for Tech programme reflects Kaduna’s strategic vision to integrate women into the digital economy while addressing gender disparities in technology.
KADEDA’s role underscores the importance of dedicated digital agencies in translating policy into impactful grassroots programmes, while the partnership with Dev-Afrique Advisors brings development expertise to ensure scalable, sustainable outcomes.
Kaduna’s initiative is poised to set a precedent for inclusive digital transformation across Nigeria, empowering women to drive innovation and economic growth in the digital age.
