What happens when digital skills training is designed not just to share knowledge, but to build confidence and open pathways to income?
That question drives ROTAGI's SHE Tech Skills Programme, an online, cohort based learning pathway equipping African girls and young women with practical skills in AI, technology, design, business, leadership and career readiness. In 2026 we expanded the programme and deepened our partnerships, because closing the digital participation gap takes more than good intentions.
Across Cohorts 1 and 2, SHE Tech Skills reached 1,090 learners in 20 African countries. Both cohorts closed with a virtual graduation and project showcase.
Building Practical Digital Capability
Every SHE Tech Skills track pairs live online instruction with weekly assignments and ends in a project participants can show to employers, clients and collaborators. Facilitators and coordinators guide each cohort from first class to final presentation.
Across both cohorts, participants chose from five tracks: Vibe Coding, UI/UX Design Foundations, AI Video Creation, Canva Design and Pricing for Profit. Each one supports freelance work, entrepreneurship and future careers.
What we changed in Cohort 2
Cohort 1 showed us how learners engaged with the programme and where more support could improve outcomes. In Cohort 2, we made two changes:
- A capstone challenge: Particiapants had to build and deploy a complete project.
- Monetisation and portfolios. We helped participants present their work and explore how to turn new skills into income.
The shift: from getting familiar with tools to proving what you can do with them.
Vibe Coding projects that went live
Learners in the Vibe Coding capstone deployed working applications. Four met the project requirements so well that they were awarded their own custom domains:
Work across the other tracks was just as original. UI/UX learners developed product concepts and interactive prototypes, and AI Video Creation learners produced original video content
- Watch the AI Video projects
- Explore the Selected UI/UX project
- Explore the Selected Vibe Coding Project
What Our Learners Say
“Before this scholarship, I couldn't create an AI video or edit a video. AI video creation felt like something other people could do, not me. Through the program, I learned how to actually create and edit videos using AI, step by step, until it clicked. But honestly, the bigger gift was confidence. I stopped seeing new skills as things I'd ‘never get’ and started believing I could learn anything I set my mind to.” Ogiji Comfort Ochanya, AI Video Creation
“Coming in with just some interest in design, I've since built full mobile app flows in Figma, from wireframes to linked, working prototypes, and learned to think beyond ‘does this look good’ to actually considering the user's journey and the small details that make a design feel professional. Beyond the technical skills, this program has given me real hands-on confidence.” Loise Wairimu Karoki,UI/UX Design track
“I joined the program with zero knowledge of vibe coding, and I honestly didn't know what to expect. The training has shown me that you don't necessarily need to be a professional programmer to start creating and exploring with technology. Through vibe coding, I have gained the confidence to experiment, learn, and build things that I once thought were beyond me.” Charity Chiziko · Vibe Coding
"ROTAGI was the bridge between where I was and where I needed to be… I'm graduating not just with polished skills, but with the strategic mindset and confidence to land top roles and shape the future of digital experience." Sharon Wambui · UI/UX Design
What the Data Shows
Our baseline and endline surveys give an early picture of progress, and of what still holds learners back.
The findings also revealed a key barrier: 59% of respondents reported that limited AI credits or lack of Pro access affected their ability to practise or complete their projects
Learners ran out of credits mid-project, waited for daily resets and rationed their prompts. Training builds the skill, but sustained access to tools, data and devices is what lets learners keep using it. For ROTAGI, that is the next gap to close.
What SHE Tech Skills delivers
Portfolio evidence: a finished project to show employers and clients, not just a certificate.
Industry standard tools: hands on experience with the AI, design and creative tools professionals use every day.
Confidence: proof, to themselves and others, that young African women can build with technology. A path to income: skills they can use for freelancing, entrepreneurship and employment
What sponsors and partners gain
Measurable impact: baseline and endline data, deployed projects and named outcomes.
Early access to talent: meet African women who can already design, build and ship.
Visible reach: a programme active in 20 African countries.
Cohort 3 is taking shape
The next stage of the SHE Tech Skills journey is already taking shape. Applications for Cohort 3 will open soon. African girls and young women interested in developing practical digital skills can join the waitlist here:
Join the next cohort → rotagif.com/cohort
Partner With Us to Expand Opportunity for African Women
Sponsors: Fund scholarships, AI credits, data or devices, and help remove the barriers that stop talent from turning into opportunity → www.rotagif.com/donate
Partners: Create stronger pathways from skills development to work, enterprise and income. → www.rotagif.com/partner
Questions? Email communication@rotagif.com
Let's build a confident, skilled and digitally included generation of African women, together.
ROTAGI Communications Team