Tech for Girls founder Johanna Swaniker has called for increased financial support to expand her digital skills program in Ghana. The initiative aims to equip more young women with essential digital competencies for the future job market.
Swaniker, also the founder of the Heritage and Cultural Society of Africa (HACSA), emphasized that funding remains the primary obstacle to scaling the program. Despite growing demand for training in coding, innovation, and digital technology, the organization cannot begin new cohorts without securing necessary resources. The program has already seen significant growth in participant numbers.
This call for investment aligns with Ghana's broader economic strategy to foster a digitally literate workforce. The government has consistently highlighted the importance of technology and digital skills in driving economic growth and creating employment opportunities. Initiatives like Tech for Girls contribute directly to this national objective by empowering a key demographic.
Ambassador Swaniker stated, "We cannot begin a new cohort without securing the necessary resources. As we grow, the demand for funding also increases." She noted that the program has evolved from a rented facility to a permanent training center. However, additional investment is needed to complete critical infrastructure, such as a cafeteria for trainees.
The expansion of Tech for Girls has significant implications for Ghana's digital economy and female empowerment. By increasing the number of digitally skilled women, the program can boost innovation, entrepreneurship, and overall economic participation. Decision-makers and corporate entities will be watching to see how this crucial investment gap is addressed.
The program targets women aged 18 to 35, aligning with the United Nations' definition of youth. It offers training in front-end and back-end software development. The initiative also provides mentorship, internship placements, and career guidance to its participants.
Enrollment has increased from just 20 participants in its early years to 80 trainees currently. The program aims to increase this to between 100 and 120 participants in future cohorts. A double-shift system could potentially train up to 160 women if adequate funding becomes available.
Graduates from Tech for Girls have successfully secured employment or launched their own businesses. Swaniker highlighted the high demand for individuals with coding skills in the current job market. She noted, "It's not difficult to place them. Once they acquire coding skills, they are in high demand."
Empowering women with digital skills also has a wider social impact. Women often play a central role in knowledge sharing within their homes and communities. Equipping them with technology skills can lead to a broader transfer of knowledge to others.
The program's origins trace back to Swaniker's tenure as Ghana's Ambassador to France and UNESCO. There, she launched the Girls Can Code initiative, which introduced coding to younger girls by training teachers. That initial initiative reached about 150 girls, with teachers then passing on the knowledge in schools.
Tech for Girls has received support from family members, corporate organizations, and development partners. This includes the Australian Government through its Direct Aid Programme. Swaniker appealed to businesses, philanthropists, and development partners to help sustain and expand the initiative.
Ghanaian broadcast journalist Harriet Nartey, speaking at a graduation ceremony, urged graduates to embrace their roles as innovators and leaders. She described technology as the new language of global diplomacy. This enables young people to collaborate across borders through innovation, artificial intelligence, fintech, and digital trade. Ms. Nartey encouraged graduates to mentor others and support future participants in the program.