The high-level event, held in Lagos brought together industry leaders, government officials, the European diplomatic community in Nigeria and tech advocates to reinforce Glovo’s commitment to bridging the gender gap in the tech industry and making a lasting impact in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.

In her opening remarks, Lamide Akinola, general manager of Glovo Nigeria, highlighted the company’s commitment to advancing gender diversity and creating pathways for women to thrive in tech-driven roles.

“At Glovo, we believe in a future where women are integral drivers of innovation, especially in tech. We recognize that the challenges women face in tech go beyond technical skills; they include barriers rooted in access, opportunity, and sometimes, the confidence to take bold steps. Today’s event is our way of saying – We see those barriers, and we’re here to help break them down with you. As the leading multicategory app with a vision to build the largest online marketplace to give everyone access to anything in their city within minutes; we believe that empowering women with digital skills is essential—not only for driving innovation and growth but for building communities where everyone can thrive,” she shared.

Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, the commissioner, Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, Lagos State (LSMCCTI) delivered a powerful keynote address which underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in unlocking opportunities for women.

“Today’s gathering signifies more than just advocacy; it is a rallying cry to reimagine the future of innovation by ensuring no one is left behind, particularly women, who represent half of our population. Studies reveal that bridging the gender gap in technology could add up to $12 trillion to global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2025. This staggering figure underscores that empowering women in tech is not just a moral imperative; it is an economic necessity. In Lagos State, a hub of innovation and economic activity, we understand that inclusion is a catalyst for sustainable growth. However, achieving this requires intentional strategies and robust partnerships. We are excited to work with Glovo and She Code Africa to deliver a program that opens doors for women to excel, innovate, and lead. This initiative also aligns with the mandate of our Ministry to foster innovation, encourage entrepreneurship, and support the development of skilled talent across industries, including technology,” said Mrs. Ambrose-Medebem.

A key highlight of the day was the Panel Discussion on “Breaking Barriers in Tech & Beyond”, featuring inspiring women leaders, including Lamide Akinola (GM, Glovo Nigeria), Ada Oyom (Founder, She Code Africa), Sonia Odije-Fajusigbe (Economic Policy Adviser, Consulate General of the Netherlands, Lagos), Wendy Okam (Director, Business Development, Ellington Bank UAE), Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji (Founder, RISE Networks), and Mojirayo Folarin-Lawal (Head, Funding and Partnerships, LSETF). The panelists shared insights on overcoming challenges, fostering community support, and building sustainable careers, with a focus on equipping more women to drive innovation across sectors.

Ada Oyom, Founder of She Code Africa, shared her enthusiasm for the partnership.

“As the technical partners of the Women in Tech Bootcamp Program, we are thrilled to collaborate with Glovo and the Lagos State Government to run this 12 week intensive program and create impactful pathways for women in tech. Glovo’s commitment to gender diversity is commendable, and we call on like-minded companies to invest in initiatives that empower the future of women in technology. Together, we can build a more inclusive and innovative tech ecosystem”.

A virtual address by Shiro Theuri, Glovo’s Chief Technology Officer, underscored the brand’s steadfast commitment to diversity in technology.

As a woman leading Glovo’s technological vision, Shiro’s role exemplifies the possibilities and impact of fostering inclusive environments.

Her address highlighted Glovo’s dedication to empowering women in leadership roles and building diverse teams that drive innovation and success in the tech industry.

Through her inspiring journey, Shiro showcased how Glovo’s focus on diversity is not just an ideal but a lived reality, paving the way for a more inclusive future in technology.

This dedication to “walking the talk” is evident in Glovo’s strategic efforts to create opportunities for women across its operations, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where it aims to set a new standard for inclusivity in tech.

Glovo’s Women in Tech initiative aims to ignite interest in tech careers by highlighting the flexibility, creativity, and impact of a modern tech environment.

To achieve this, Glovo focuses on three pillars: facilitating bootcamps for women without technical backgrounds to prepare them for junior tech roles; breaking gender stereotypes through community engagement, such as office visits that inspire young girls with female role models; and acting as a career catalyst by offering internships to top bootcamp participants.

A major highlight was the announcement of a mentorship program for the participants of the Women in Tech Bootcamp, facilitated by Glovo and She Code Africa.

This initiative ensures that, even after completing the bootcamp, participants will have ongoing access to mentorship, supporting their journey toward careers in technology.

This mentorship aligns closely with the broader goals of Glovo’s Women in Tech initiative across the globe, which aims to make an impact by empowering the next generation of women in tech.

Chidera Akwuba, regional head, Government & Public Relations, Sub-Saharan Africa at Glovo, highlighted the transformative impact of Glovo’s Women in Tech initiative, stating,

“When you empower a woman, you empower a community, a nation, and ultimately, the world. This initiative is made possible through the invaluable partnership of the Lagos State Government via the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, and our technical partner She Code Africa. Together, we are building an inclusive tech ecosystem that values diversity, fosters innovation, and inspires the next generation of female leaders to drive meaningful change in technology and beyond.”

The ceremony concluded with special remarks from William Benthall, Global Director Government Relations, Glovo; Laura Mensah-Oniru, Executive Secretary of Eurocham; and Sherifah Balogun, Director of Strategy, Funding, and Stakeholder Management at the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), who emphasized the importance of a supportive digital ecosystem for women and how private-public sector partnerships can be structured to drive sustainable economic growth, foster innovation, and bridge the gender gap in technology.

Through programs like the Women in Tech Bootcamp initiative, Glovo, in partnership with Lagos State government remains dedicated to creating pathways for women in tech and building an ecosystem where women’s contributions drive meaningful change.

This groundbreaking initiative aims to equip 100 women with essential digital skills to excel in the dynamic tech industry by providing fully funded scholarships for the bootcamp.

Glovo’s Commitment to Driving Gender Equality in Tech

Glovo is deeply committed to reducing the gender tech gap as part of its long-term strategy to create equal opportunities for women in the tech industry.

By actively developing and leading initiatives like this Women in Tech Bootcamp, through strategic collaborations with She Code Africa and Government stakeholders, Glovo is working to empower women with the technical skills, mentorship, and professional development needed to succeed in the digital space.

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.

“At Glovo, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce,” said Lamide Akinola, General Manager of Glovo Nigeria. “By creating opportunities like this bootcamp, we aim to unlock a wealth of untapped talent and drive long-term change in the tech ecosystem.”

Collaborating with Lagos State Government for Inclusive Economic Growth

“We are excited to partner with Glovo and She Code Africa to deliver a program that empowers women to excel, innovate, and lead in the dynamic tech industry,” said Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem. “This initiative aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ Development Agenda, particularly its Fourth Pillar, which emphasizes ‘Making Lagos State a 21st Century Economy.’ The program is committed to driving inclusive economic growth by empowering underrepresented groups, especially women, to seize opportunities in the tech sector.

“The United Nations Sustainable Development Report 2023 predicts it will take 300 years to close the gender equality gap, yet McKinsey 2022 reports that empowering women globally could add $28 trillion to the global GDP. This partnership shows that women’s empowerment is not just a social imperative but a critical economic driver.

“I am also pleased to announce we are bringing onboard the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, led by Dr. Tubuson, to further bolster this initiative. 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. I am also pleased to see this initiative contribute to the long-term prosperity of our state.”

Building a Strong Tech Ecosystem

“This impact-driven initiative spearheaded by Glovo is set to provide women with the skills and support needed to succeed in the tech industry,” said Chidera Akwuba, regional head government and public relations, Sub-Saharan Africa at Glovo. “This initiative underscores Glovo’s long-term commitment to fostering innovation and inclusive development in Nigeria.”

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.