By Motunrayo Akintunde
A pioneering multi-category app, Glovo, in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, and She Code Africa, has launched Women in Tech Bootcamp.
This initiative is designed to equip 100 women with essential digital skills to excel in the dynamic tech industry by providing fully funded scholarships for the bootcamp.
The partnership is a reflection of Glovo’s commitment to driving gender parity in the tech space in the country.
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 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 kick-off 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.
Speaking on the initiative, General Manager of Glovo Nigeria, Lamide Akinola, said: “At Glovo, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. By creating opportunities like this bootcamp, we aim to unlock a wealth of untapped talent and drive long-term change in the tech ecosystem.”
He said the collaboration with Lagos State government for inclusive economic growth.
Also speaking on the collaboration, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, expressed delight at the partnership, saying its aligned with Mr Governor’s development agenda for the state.
She said: “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. 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.”
Regional Head Government and Public Relations, Sub-Saharan Africa at Glovo, Chidera Akwuba, said the company is helping to build 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. 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.
For more information and updates on the Women in Tech Bootcamp, visit the official Instagram pages of Glovo Nigeria and She Code Africa.
Glovo is a pioneering multi-category app that connects users with businesses and couriers, offering on-demand services from local restaurants, grocers, supermarkets, and high street retail stores. Founded in 2015 in Barcelona, Glovo operates across 23 countries in Europe, Central Asia, and Africa, with a vision to build the largest online marketplace, giving everyone access to anything in their city within minutes.
