Gitega is hosting the second edition of a coding camp under the African Girls Can Code Initiative, as efforts intensify to equip young women with digital skills and expand their participation in the technology sector.
The training programme, running from March 16 to 27 at the Rusi training centre, is being implemented by UN Women in Burundi with support from the Belgium.
The initiative targets young Burundian women, offering them hands-on training in coding and digital technologies as part of a broader push to bridge the gender gap in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Building skills for the digital economy
Organisers say the camp is designed to provide participants with practical programming skills while also exposing them to career opportunities in the fast-growing digital economy.
Through workshops, mentorship and collaborative projects, trainees are introduced to key areas such as software development, problem-solving and digital innovation. The programme also aims to build confidence and encourage more young women to pursue careers traditionally dominated by men.
The African Girls Can Code Initiative is a continental programme that seeks to empower girls and young women by equipping them with coding and digital literacy skills, thereby enhancing their employability and entrepreneurial potential.
Addressing gender gaps in technology
Despite growing demand for digital skills across Africa, women remain underrepresented in the technology sector. Structural barriers—including limited access to education, social norms and lack of mentorship—continue to restrict opportunities for many young women.
Initiatives such as this coding camp aim to tackle these challenges by providing targeted training and creating supportive learning environments.
By focusing on early exposure and skills development, organisers hope to build a pipeline of female talent capable of contributing to innovation and economic growth.
International support and local impact
The involvement of international partners highlights the importance of collaboration in advancing digital inclusion. Support from Belgium complements ongoing efforts by UN agencies and local stakeholders to strengthen Burundi’s digital ecosystem.
Participants are expected to benefit not only from technical training but also from networking opportunities and guidance from industry professionals.
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Looking ahead
As digital transformation accelerates across Africa, the need for skilled talent continues to grow. Programmes like the African Girls Can Code Initiative are increasingly seen as critical to ensuring that women are not left behind in this transition.
By equipping young women with relevant skills and fostering interest in technology careers, the initiative aims to contribute to more inclusive growth and a more diverse tech workforce in Burundi and beyond.
Organisers say the long-term goal is to scale such programmes across the continent, helping to close the digital gender gap and unlock new opportunities for the next generation of African women in technology.
