ALX, a leading talent accelerator focused on tech and AI skills development across Africa, says it is intensifying efforts to close the gender gap in the continent’s rapidly expanding digital workforce, where women are increasingly taking up roles in software engineering, data science, product management, and AI-related fields.
According to the organisation, women currently make up more than half of its graduates, reflecting a steady push toward gender inclusion in technology-driven careers.
Ruby Igwe, Country General Manager of ALX Nigeria, said the organisation is deliberately building systems that ensure women are not excluded from the digital economy.
“We’re seeing a decisive push toward gender inclusion, with women increasingly carving out impactful roles in data science, software engineering, product management, and beyond,” Igwe said.
She noted that while progress is being made, structural challenges still limit women’s full participation in tech ecosystems across Africa.
“Systemic barriers such as access to funding, unconscious bias, and limited representation in leadership continue to persist,” she added.
ALX says its model combines mentorship, affordable training, and employer partnerships to improve access to opportunity for young Africans, particularly women. The organisation also highlights that its learning ecosystem is designed to support flexible participation, enabling more women to balance training with other responsibilities.
Igwe emphasised that AI and digital transformation are reshaping the nature of work, making inclusion even more urgent.
“Proficiency in generative AI, prompt design, and cloud-based deployments is no longer confined to strictly technical roles; these skills are becoming mandatory across marketing, operations, human resources, and product strategy,” she said.
She added that equipping women with such skills is essential for ensuring they are not left behind as AI adoption accelerates across industries.
ALX also highlighted its broader impact, noting that thousands of women have transitioned from training to employment and entrepreneurship through its ecosystem. The organisation says its partnerships with global employers are helping bridge the gap between training and real job opportunities in the tech sector.
A graduate of the programme, Valentine Muriuki from Kenya, described how the training shaped her career path into a remote tech role serving international clients.
“The foundation courses gave me not just the basics, but also the belief that I belong in tech too,” she said. “My journey hasn’t just been about finding my place, but also making space for others.”
ALX says it remains committed to its long-term goal of developing millions of ethical tech leaders across Africa, with a strong emphasis on inclusion and equal access to opportunity in the AI-driven economy.
Senior AI Writer
Bio: Okikiola is a writer and AI enthusiast with a background in Office Technology and Management from the Federal Polytechnic Offa. She went further to study an MSc in International Business at De Montfort University (DMU). With extensive work experience across administrative and business roles, she now focuses on exploring how artificial intelligence can transform work, innovation, and everyday life.