Building Kenya’s next generation of tech leaders through the African Girls Can Code Initiative

The African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI) wrapped up its Phase 3 coding camps at the CEMASTEA Centre in Karen, marking a significant milestone for a new generation of tech leaders. The occasion was the result of a rigorous programme that has given 100 young women advanced skills in civic technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and the digital platform economy.

The AGCCI, a collaborative effort by Siemens, the African Union Commission (AUC), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), GoMyCode and UN Women, aims to close the gender digital divide and empower girls aged 14–25 to become innovators and leaders. In Kenya, 113 girls have benefitted from the initiative since its launch in 2022. Many graduates have secured jobs with prominent companies such as Siemens and Safaricom, while others have launched impactful community initiatives.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dan Bazira, Deputy Country Representative for UN Women Kenya, emphasized that the initiative is more than just teaching code, “It is about building confidence, breaking barriers, and creating movements,” he said.

He highlighted the programme’s unique approach of bringing back AGCCI alumni as junior trainers, a model that not only fosters youth employment but also ensures sustainability by creating a cycle of mentorship.

“Kenya has been ranked the best in the AGCCI programme. You are our ambassadors. Your solutions are transforming society. Let the sky be the limit.” Bazira added. 

The impact of the programme was brought to life through the personal stories of its graduates.

In 2024, Linet Githii, alongside Sumaiyya Nyansige and Maria Muneeni, represented Kenya in Germany at the Bürgerfest Citizens’ Festival hosted at Bellevue Palace. They met the German Federal President and showcased how AGCCI is shaping Africa’s digital future.

“AGCCI isn’t just a phase; it’s a way of life,” said Githii. “With effort, you can stand out. I joined with doubt, but today I have spoken on global stages. This programme has given me courage to dream big.”

Her story mirrors that of dozens of other girls who walked into the camps shy and uncertain but left as confident coders, mentors, and innovators.

While programmes like AGCCI are transforming lives, the data tells a sobering story of the work still to be done.

Across Africa, women account for 47 per cent of STEM graduates, the highest proportion globally, higher than Europe (42 per cent), Asia (41 per cent), and North America (39 per cent). Yet, this educational progress does not translate into equal participation in the workforce.

Only 23–30 per cent of tech roles in sub-Saharan Africa are held by women. Women occupy less than 12 per cent of leadership positions in African tech companies. Fewer than 3 per cent of firms generating over $1 billion in revenue have women in top tech roles. In 2024, women-led startups received just 1 per cent of all tech funding, compared to 94 per cent for male-led ventures.

According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, women make up only 30 per cent of STEM professionals in the country. Female enrolment in university STEM programs is also below 30 per cent, with the lowest participation in engineering and ICT courses.

AGCCI is attempting to bridge the gap, intervening early, building confidence, and giving girls a sense of belonging in the digital world.

The Government of Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to advancing digital inclusion for women and girls, emphasizing the importance of partnerships that empower young women with the skills to thrive in the digital economy. 

Yvonne Ndanu, Senior Gender Officer at the State Department of Gender, noted, “The future of tech is brighter with girls in it. AGCCI is a strong approach to advancing women’s ambitions. The government, through the State Department of Gender, will continue to support this programme. Together, we can build a more inclusive digital world.”

Echoing this, Esther Moloyce, Senior ICT Officer at the Ministry of ICT, added, “The African Girls Can Code Initiative is a testament to the power of partnerships. By nurturing girls in tech, we are investing in a future where innovation knows no gender.”

The AGCCI camps align with key national frameworks, including the Kenya National ICT Policy (2019) and the National Digital Master Plan (2022–2032), ensuring that the skills gained are relevant to the country’s digital transformation goals.

The programme’s success has been fueled by international and private sector partnerships. Dan Bazira extended gratitude to the Governments of Belgium, Finland, Germany, and Denmark, alongside companies such as Siemens AG and GoMyCode, for their continued support.

Sylvia Musalagani, Meta’s Head of Safety Policy for Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey, spoke about the responsibility of shaping technology that uplifts women, “At Meta, we are pioneering the use of AI, not as a tool of abuse against women, but as a force for solutions that advance the innovations young women are venturing into. Safe and inclusive AI will shape a better future.”

The Programme Analyst for Women’s Economic Empowerment at the UN Women Eastern and Southern African Regional Office, Valentine Weronga, reinforced the programme’s transformative nature, “AGCCI is a powerful initiative unlocking the untapped potential of young girls and women. We have witnessed them driving real change in tech and breaking barriers once thought impossible. The future is brighter with their voices leading.”

The ceremony showcased graduates’ innovative projects designed to address pressing community issues. Among them were Shield Maidens, a digital platform championing safer online spaces for women, and the Space Shift Initiative, which tackles technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV).

These projects reflect the camps’ philosophy: technology should not only advance skills but also provide solutions to real problems in society.

One of AGCCI’s most notable features is its alumni engagement model. Former participants are invited back as junior trainers and consultants, giving them practical work experience while strengthening the mentorship pipeline for new girls entering the programme.

Elizabeth Obanda, UN Women Kenya’s Women’s Economic Empowerment Team Lead, noted how the model is creating a ripple effect, “You are trailblazers, proving that girls in tech can lead change, shape innovation, and transform the future. By returning as mentors, AGCCI alumni are passing the torch, ensuring the next generation climbs even higher.”

In a major highlight, 10 scholarships, in collaboration with GoMyCode, will be awarded to graduates for further training in advanced technology fields.

The alumni are also stepping onto international platforms. From 3 – 6 November 2025, five Kenyan graduates will attend the One Young World Summit in Munich, co-leading a workshop with Siemens EmpowerHER. This follows last year’s milestone, when Kenyan AGCCI girls showcased their work in Germany at the Bürgerfest Citizens’ Festival.

The ceremony closed with an announcement that AGCCI will return for another camp next year, reaffirming Kenya’s position as the top-performing country in the initiative.