LAGOS (SUNDIATA POST)- Glovo, a pioneering multi-category app, has partnered the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, and She Code Africa, to equip 100 women with essential digital skills to excel in the dynamic technology industry.
Mrs Lamide Akinola, the General Manager, Glovo Nigeria, on Thursday in Lagos, said the partnership which launched a transformative women in tech bootcamp was a fully funded scholarship.
Akinola said the development was in line with Glovo’s commitment to driving gender equality in technology and reducing gender tech gap to create equal opportunities for women in the tech industry.
“These bootcamps are a key part of Glovo’s global mission to drive gender equality and create a more diverse and innovative tech ecosystem.
“This initiative builds on Glovo’s broader efforts across various countries, including Spain, Ghana, and Morocco where similar programs have been implemented to address the gender imbalance in tech.
“In Spain and Ghana, over 100 women have benefited from hands-on training, access to industry mentors, and career placement opportunities whilst Morocco is set to kickoff in November as well.
“The tangible impact of these initiatives reinforces Glovo’s commitment to creating long-term change in the tech industry and fostering an inclusive digital economy,” she said.
Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, the Commissioner, Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, said Lagos State involvement in the partnership was to engender a more inclusive economic growth.
Ambrose-Medebem said the initiatives aligned with the Governor of Lagos, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, T.H.E.M.E.S+ Development Agenda, particularly its Fourth Pillar, which emphasised making Lagos a 21st century economy.
She noted that the United Nations Sustainable Development Report 2023 predicts it would take 300 years to close the gender equality gap.
She quoted that McKinsey 2022 reported that empowering women globally could add $28 trillion to the global Gross Domestic Product.
She said the partnership showed that women’s empowerment was not just a social imperative but a critical economic driver.
“We are excited to partner with Glovo and She Code Africa to deliver a programme that empowers women to excel, innovate, and lead in the dynamic tech industry.
“The programme is committed to driving inclusive economic growth by empowering underrepresented groups, especially women, to seize opportunities in the tech sector.
“This strategic partnership reinforces Lagos’s commitment to leveraging technology for women’s empowerment, driving economic growth, and positioning Lagos as a hub of technological advancement and inclusive development.
“By equipping women with critical digital skills, we are building more diverse leadership in tech and positioning Lagos as a hub of innovation and enterprise,” she said.
In her remarks, Ms Chidera Akwuba, Regional Head Government and Public Relations, sub-Saharan Africa, Glovo, said the partnership would support the building of a strong technology ecosystem in the country.
Akwuba said the impact-driven initiative spearheaded by Glovo was set to provide women with the skills and support needed to succeed in the tech industry.
“The bootcamp will also offer networking opportunities, mentorship, and insights from seasoned professionals, empowering women to lead in the tech space and contribute to Lagos and Nigeria’s economic growth,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that She Code Africa is a registered non-profit organisation empowering girls and women in tech across Africa, with technical skills to improve their career path.
The body identifies as the largest women in tech community in Africa with members from across 20+ African countries, and local chapters presence in 30 cities & tertiary campuses across Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa and Cameroon.(NAN)
