From Access to Advancement: She Code Africa Charts New Course

For a decade, She Code Africa has been instrumental in expanding women’s access to technology across the continent. Now, as it marks its 10th anniversary, the organization is strategically shifting its focus toward ensuring that women not only enter the tech industry but also progress into leadership roles, build businesses, and shape the future of digital infrastructure.

The shift was a central theme at the recent She Code Africa Summit in Lagos, where founder Ada Nduka Oyom emphasized that providing access to skills is just one piece of the puzzle. “You can train a woman, but if you don’t give her the opportunity to apply those skills and grow, it’s like building on sand,” she noted.

Addressing Systemic Barriers

Oyom’s perspective reflects a deeper understanding of the challenges women face beyond initial entry. While She Code Africa has impacted over 65,000 women and girls through various programs—from digital literacy to scholarships—the organization recognizes that sustained success requires addressing systemic barriers like:

• Limited access to mentorship and networking opportunities
• Funding gaps for female founders
• Lack of representation in decision-making roles
• Gender biases in hiring and promotion practices

Investing in the Next Generation of Tech Leaders

The organization’s new direction includes incorporating AI fundamentals into its curriculum, preparing women for emerging skill demands. Speakers at the summit echoed this call to action, emphasizing that mere presence in tech is not enough—women need pathways to power through leadership positions and ownership.

Napa Onwusah of B4B Partners challenged attendees to move beyond access toward tangible outcomes: “We’ve been talking about getting women in the room for years. Now they’re here – what are we building? What are we owning?”

By focusing on advancement, leadership development, and equitable opportunities, She Code Africa aims to ensure that its impact extends far beyond initial access—empowering African women to become true stakeholders in their digital future.