In Morogoro, Tanzania, Annagrace Malamsha developed an early interest in science. While many of her peers avoided science subjects, she pursued them with curiosity, leading to a degree in Pharmacy. In 2023, she joined the African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI) coding camp in Dar es Salaam, reigniting her passion for technology.
“The AGCCI Coding Camp has been a life changer, and a core part of shaping my perception on pursuing careers within the Tech space,” Malamsha said.
She is one of 100 young women benefiting from the AGCCI “Binti Dijitali” programme in Tanzania. The initiative, led by UN Women in collaboration with government agencies and international partners, provides training in coding and digital literacy to young women aged 17 to 25.
Read also: FG announces strategic collaboration with Google to boost AI and digital innovation
Expanding opportunities in technology
Since its launch in 2018, AGCCI has trained over 600 participants from 32 African countries in ICT skills. The second phase, supported by the Government of Belgium, expanded its reach across 11 countries, including Tanzania, and trained more than 1,000 girls in programming and digital skills.
The programme collaborates with schools, NGOs, private organisations, and government agencies to address the digital gender gap. UN Women Programme Specialist for Women’s Economic Empowerment, Ms. Lilian Mwamdanga, highlighted the importance of digital skills for women’s economic participation.
“Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is emerging as a powerful tool for economic empowerment, creating opportunities in employment, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Yet, despite rapid digital advancements, women remain underrepresented in the tech sector,” she said. “By empowering them with the skills they need, we can help bridge this gap and create a more inclusive digital economy, where women and girls can contribute towards driving innovation and economic growth.”
New career pathways
Malamsha applied the skills gained from the coding camp to transition from pharmacy to digital marketing.
“I was able to use what I learned from the coding camp to work as a freelance graphics designer, brand manager and social media manager.”
Beyond her career shift, she has initiated projects to support young women in technology. As the co-founder of SHEWORKS in Tech, she is working to establish digital clubs in secondary schools, helping girls develop ICT skills.
“I want girls to know that coding and working in the ICT sector is not reserved for men,” she said. “We must challenge the status quo and address the gender divide, one training session at a time.”
Read also: SMEDAN commits to entrepreneurship development, empowers 100 youths in bag-making training
Technology for real-world impact
Flora Kagoma, a 24-year-old electronics engineer from the University of Dar es Salaam, attended the Binti Dijitali coding camp in 2023. She sought practical skills to apply technology in Tanzania’s agriculture and energy sectors.
“I have always been intrigued by how technology can solve everyday issues. But the camp gave me hands-on experience in building practical solutions, and I realised I could channel my passion for electronics toward improving people’s lives,” she said.
During the camp, she assembled a robot and worked on a project to address farmers’ challenges. Her experience led to further initiatives, including the Smart Energy System showcased at TAWECE 2024 and an AI-powered drone for early crop disease detection, which won second place in the Mama Samia Award for Best Agriculture Idea.
Inspired by her experience, Kagoma now mentors secondary school students through Smart Girls in ICT in Arusha, Manyara, Tanga, and Kilimanjaro, encouraging young women to engage in technological innovation.
Expanding access to digital skills
As digital skills become essential for modern economies, AGCCI continues to provide training to young women in Tanzania. The programme, now in its third phase, will host additional coding camps in 2025 to expand opportunities and promote inclusive growth.
“Technology is a powerful tool for change; if we don’t bring young women on board, we’re missing half the country’s potential,” Kagoma said.
