MTN, Digital Realty, others, push to close Nigeria’s female AI skills gap

Telecoms and technology firms including MTN Nigeria, Digital Realty Nigeria, are backing a new campaign aimed at closing Nigeria’s female AI and digital skills gap, as the country faces growing demand for technology talent in artificial intelligence, broadband and digital infrastructure.

The companies, alongside VDT Communications and Zoracom, are supporting the 2026 International Girls in ICT Day campaign organised by eBusiness Life Communication Limited.

The campaign, organised by eBusiness Life Communication Limited, will hold on June 25 in Lagos, under the theme, “AI For Development: Girls Shaping The Digital Future.”

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The initiative comes at a time when Nigeria is pushing deeper into artificial intelligence, data centres, broadband expansion and digital services, while women remain underrepresented in many technology and engineering roles.

According to the organisers, the event is aimed at encouraging secondary school girls to consider careers in information and communication technology (ICT), science and other technical fields traditionally dominated by men.

Ufuoma Emuophedaro, the chief executive officer of eBusiness Life Communication Limited, said the campaign was designed to expose young girls to future career opportunities and prepare them for the changing global economy.

Emuophedaro affirmed that many girls still face social and cultural barriers that discourage them from pursuing careers in technology, engineering and innovation.

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“We need to equip the girls with transferable and lifelong skills such as critical thinking, creativity and digital awareness,” she said.

The event will feature STEM quiz competitions, practical technology contests, students’ roundtable discussions and mentorship sessions led by women professionals in the ICT industry.

Industry analysts say the involvement of major telecoms, broadband and data infrastructure firms reflects growing recognition that Nigeria’s digital transformation could face a talent shortage if more women are not included in the technology workforce.

MTN Nigeria, which serves more than 87 million subscribers, has increasingly expanded its investments beyond telecom services into digital platforms, fintech and technology skills development.

Digital Realty Nigeria’s participation also highlights the rising importance of data centres and AI infrastructure in West Africa, especially as businesses and governments accelerate digital adoption.

The International Girls in ICT Day initiative was created by the International Telecommunication Union to encourage girls and young women globally to pursue careers in technology and innovation.

Organisers said this year’s event is expected to attract government officials, private sector executives, educators and technology leaders focused on improving gender inclusion in Nigeria’s digital economy.