One such success story is that of Afolashade Adebowale, a graduate of the Data Science track, who now works as a Business Intelligence/Data Analyst at a leading financial services firm in Lagos.

Afolashade was one of 400 young women selected to participate in TecHERdemy, TD Africa’s landmark CSR initiative designed to bridge the gender gap in tech. TecHERdemy provided intensive six-month training in Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Software Development, and Data Science.

Today, Afolashade is no longer just learning tech; she’s shaping business strategy with it.

Her journey is a testament to the program’s mission: to equip young women with future-ready skills and empower them to lead in Africa’s digital economy.

In this exclusive interview, Afolashade reflects on her TecHERdemy experience and how it launched her into a new chapter of personal and professional growth.

Tell us where you were before TecHERdemy and what made you apply for the program.

Afolashade: Before TecHERdemy, I was a curious learner with a passion for numbers but no formal tech background. I had heard about data science but didn’t know where to start.

When I saw the TecHERdemy application, I just knew it was my chance. The idea that it was created specifically to empower women like me gave me the confidence to apply. Looking back, that single decision changed everything.

You majored in Data Science during the program. What was that experience like?

Afolashade: Intense and empowering. The Data Science course was hands-on and practical. We worked on real datasets, built models, and learned Python, SQL, and Power BI. I remember how excited I was the first time I visualised data and saw patterns come to life. The tutors made complex topics accessible and encouraged us to ask questions and work together collaboratively. I always felt seen, challenged, and supported.

What did you find most valuable about TecHERdemy?

Afolashade: Honestly, it was the ecosystem. Access to quality learning, global certifications, mentorship, and a community of women all worked together. But most of all, it gave me a mindset shift.

I stopped seeing tech as something out of reach and started seeing it as a space I could own. That self-belief was the most valuable thing I gained.

Tell us about your current role. How did TecHERdemy help you get to this point?

Afolashade: I now work as a Business Intelligence/Data Analyst for a bank (name withheld). My job involves translating complex data into actionable insights that drive business decisions.

During TecHERdemy, I built a portfolio of mini projects that I used in my interviews. I was able to confidently speak about data pipelines, storytelling with dashboards, and predictive analytics, all thanks to the training. I got the job a few weeks after graduation.

If there is going to be another TecHERdemy 2.0, what advice would you give to future TecHERdemy participants or women aspiring to join tech?

Afolashade: Don’t wait to feel ready, start. I almost didn’t apply because I thought I wasn’t technical enough. However, TecHERdemy is designed to take you from zero to job-ready. And more importantly, never underestimate how far you can go once you have the right tools and the right people to cheer you on.

Afolashade’s story is one of hundreds unfolding across Nigeria, proving that TecHERdemy is not just a training program, it’s a launchpad.

As TD Africa continues to monitor and support its graduates, plans are already underway to expand TecHERdemy into a sustained platform for tech inclusion, mentorship, and job placement for African women.

With every graduate like Afolashade, the message is clear: the future of tech in Africa is female, and it’s already here.

Over the past six months, these incredible women immersed themselves in rigorous, hands-on training in Cybersecurity, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Software Development.

They are now confidently stepping into the tech world, ready to make their mark.

The event brought together top voices in the industry, including Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, chairman of the Zinox Group, who commended the graduates for their resilience and brilliance.

In his keynote speech, he shared a hopeful vision for Africa’s future, calling these young women “the pioneers of a new, inclusive era of tech leadership on the continent.”

Mrs. Chioma Ekeh, CEO of TD Africa, also delivered a heartfelt message, urging the graduates to let their values guide them as they navigate their careers.

“Hold tightly to your values. Let integrity guide your work, let innovation fuel your dreams, and let your impact speak louder than your résumé,” she encouraged.

Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, chairman of the Zinox Group presenting certificates to some of the Graduands:

The ceremony was filled with emotion as graduates shared their personal stories of transformation. One of them, Yetunde Kayode, now a certified data scientist, summed it up beautifully:

“This program changed my life. I’m walking away empowered, skilled, and deeply grateful to Mrs. Ekeh and the TecHERdemy team for believing in us.”

Fifteen exceptional participants were also honoured for their outstanding performance and leadership during the program, reminding everyone that excellence comes in many forms.

TecHERdemy, which launched in November 2024, was built with a simple but powerful mission: to equip young Nigerian women with globally relevant digital skills and open doors to a tech career. But what happened over those six months went beyond just skills; it sparked a movement.

This graduation wasn’t just the end of a program. It was the beginning of a brighter, more inclusive future for tech in Africa.

The launch event, held in the Yudala Height Building of the company and co-sponsored by global brands like Huawei, Microsoft and Cisco, brought together participants who had completed a series of online assessments to secure a spot in this highly anticipated program.

Mrs. Chioma Ekeh, the CEO of TD Africa, expressed her enthusiasm for the TecHERdemy program, emphasizing how closely it aligns with TD Africa’s mission of “Empowering You.”

She reiterated that the training would offer the participants invaluable skills and insights to help them thrive in the technology sector.

“TecHERdemy is not just a training program; it’s a launchpad to a brighter future for each of you. I encourage you to seize this opportunity, as it is a chance to bring positive change, not only in your lives but also to empower others in your communities and beyond,” Mrs Ekeh remarked.

As the co-sponsor of the program, Huawei was represented by Gary Li, channel director, who expressed Huawei’s commitment to partnering with TD Africa to make this initiative a success.

“Huawei is proud to be part of TecHERdemy, a program that mirrors our commitment to innovation and equality in the tech sector. We are dedicated to supporting each participant’s journey, ensuring they gain industry-relevant skills to meet global standards,” said Mr. Li.

Participants were introduced to the core courses they will undertake over the next six months, which include Cybersecurity, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Software Development. Each course will be delivered by industry experts to ensure hands-on, practical learning that meets international standards. Successful graduates of TecHERdemy will receive certificates and job placement validating their new skills and expanding their career prospects in the fast-growing tech sector.

The launch of TecHERdemy underscores TD Africa’s commitment to bridging the gender gap in the tech industry by fostering a more inclusive and equitable landscape for all.

By investing in the next generation of female tech leaders, TD Africa and its partners are contributing to a more empowered and digitally savvy Nigeria, paving the way for a brighter future for women in technology.

TecHERdemy is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative designed by Sub-Saharan Africa’s leading distributor of tech solutions, TD Africa, to empower young Nigerian women with the requisite skills to thrive in the dynamic digital age.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, TecHERdemy will provide 400 women the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive six-month training program focused on in-demand tech fields like cybersecurity, data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and software development.

The move, which is in tandem with the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) annual “Girls in ICT” awareness program, provides a launchpad for fresh graduates, especially serving Corps members, to kickstart their careers in the tech space by helping the young women further understand what a career in tech today really means.

The minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Uju Kennedy, in a tweet said:

“Another great opportunity from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs for our women in Nigeria to benefit from in collaboration with TD Africa. This is an opportunity for young women interested in tech skills such as Cybersecurity, Data Science, AI and Software Development. Kindly take hold of this opportunity and apply.”

According to Mrs. Chioma Chimere, coordinating managing director of TD Africa, women need to be aware of what is most important for their future.

Her words: “At TD Africa, we believe that technology is a powerful tool for social and economic progress. However, we also recognise the glaring gender gap in the tech industry. By investing in the education and empowerment of young Nigerian women, we are nurturing future tech leaders who will contribute to a more equitable and prosperous society.”

Beyond the comprehensive training, TecHERdemy offers participants unique opportunities for growth and career advancement with exposure to global brands like Cisco, Microsoft, and Huawei.

Trainees will have the chance to secure instant job placements or internships after completion of the program through a high-level engagement with the hundreds of corporates within TD Africa’s ecosystem.

This initiative is a testament to TD Africa’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable tech landscape.

It aims to help bridge the gender gap in the dynamic tech sector and create a brighter future for generations to come.

How to participate:

Interested participants can apply and learn more here.