From a young age, girls are often discouraged—implicitly or explicitly—from pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Tech is still seen in many societies as a “male” field, which limits early interest and confidence in pursuing tech-related careers. Gender disparity in tech robs the industry of diverse perspectives, limits innovation, and hinders economic growth by excluding half of the population from fully participating in shaping the digital future.
The World Economic Forum’s 2024 Global Gender Gap Report, ranks Nigeria 125th out of 146 countries, a slight improvement from previous years but still reflecting a significant gap to fill. By closing the gender gap, Nigeria will be able to unlock the full potential of its talent pool, boosting productivity and competitiveness.
Glovo, a leading multi-category app, is taking bold steps to change that narrative. Through its Women in Tech (WIT) Bootcamp—launched in partnership with She Code Africa and the Lagos State Government—Glovo is equipping Nigerian women with the skills, tools, and support they need to thrive in the digital economy. The program goes beyond coding; it’s about creating career pathways, fostering innovation, and reshaping the future of tech through inclusion.
In an interview with Lamide Akinola, General Manager, Glovo Nigeria, Akinola spoke about the inspiration behind the initiative, its impact so far, and what the future holds for the BootCamp and its growing community of women technologists. “Despite funding challenges in the African tech sector, increasing the participation of women presents a strategic advantage for fostering resilience and innovation,” Akinola said
What inspired the creation of Glovo’s Women in Tech Bootcamp (WIT)?
Glovo launched the Women in Tech Bootcamp to address Nigeria’s gender gap in tech by providing women with technical skills, mentorship, and career support. As part of its global mission for inclusivity, Glovo partnered with She Code Africa and the Lagos State Government to deliver this 12-week program.
Over 100 women completed the Bootcamp, which included hands-on projects tackling real-world issues like food waste and financial literacy. Beyond training, it opened career pathways and empowered women to contribute to Nigeria’s tech future.
With the global economic downturn and reduced investor funding, how can including more women in tech be beneficial?
Despite funding challenges, increasing women’s participation in tech strengthens innovation and resilience. Diverse teams perform better and bring broader perspectives, making inclusivity a strategic advantage.
Programs like WIT help close both gender and tech talent gaps. Graduates have already developed impactful solutions, such as a food waste management app. Empowering women also boosts entrepreneurship and economic growth, benefiting not just individuals but also entire communities and the tech ecosystem.
What was the WIT Bootcamp experience like for participants, and how did the program’s structure and content empower them?
The Women in Tech Bootcamp was a 12-week intensive program covering three key areas: front-end development, backend development, and mobile development. Participants received specialised training on programming languages and frameworks such as Flutter, React, and Node.js, ensuring they gained industry-relevant technical expertise.
Beyond technical training, the program incorporated career coaching, soft skills workshops, and projects to prepare participants for real-world careers in tech. The Top 2 Capstone Project Winners developed innovative applications addressing challenges like food waste reduction, financial literacy, and academic productivity.
How did participants progress, and what feedback have you received?
The participants demonstrated remarkable progress throughout the Bootcamp, transitioning from foundational learners to building functional applications and collaborative projects. Feedback from graduates has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing newfound confidence in their technical abilities and career prospects. For example, Abisola Odusanwo, one of the program’s top graduates, shared that before the Bootcamp, she said she never imagined myself writing code or building applications. Now, she has the skills, mentorship, and network to thrive in the industry. The support from Glovo, She Code Africa, and my peers has been incredible, and I am excited for what’s next.” The Capstone Project competition was also a key highlight, with the winning team developing a Food Waste Management App that connects surplus food from restaurants and grocery stores to charities. This not only showcased their technical skills but also their ability to develop impactful solutions.
What does the future of the WIT Bootcamp look like?
The success of the inaugural Women in Tech Bootcamp has laid the groundwork for future editions and a long-term commitment to gender inclusivity in tech. Glovo plans to scale the program to reach more women while introducing advanced courses and specialised tracks to meet evolving industry demands.
What can the industry expect from the program in the next few months to a year?
Over the coming months, the focus will be on strengthening industry partnerships to facilitate job placements, internships, and networking for alumni. The goal is to build a sustainable talent pipeline that supports women transitioning into full-time tech roles or launching entrepreneurial ventures. Through continued collaboration with She Code Africa and the Lagos State Government, Glovo remains committed to expanding access to digital skills and driving inclusivity in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.
Will there be support for alumni of the Bootcamp?
Yes. Alumni will receive continued mentorship, networking opportunities, access to learning resources, and job placement support. They will also join a dedicated community platform for collaboration and be celebrated through success stories that inspire others.
This support ensures the impact of the Bootcamp endures, fostering a vibrant community of women leaders in tech. This alumni support system is designed to ensure that the impact of the Women in Tech Bootcamp extends beyond the program, creating lasting career pathways and fostering a community of women innovators in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.
