In Africa, particularly in Nigeria, the gender gap in technology continues to raise significant concerns around inclusivity, innovation, and sustainable economic growth. While the continent is experiencing rapid digital transformation, women remain notably underrepresented in the tech sector.
Data from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics reveals that women make up only 30 percent of science and technology professionals across Sub-Saharan Africa. In Nigeria, the figures are even more concerning, with women holding just about 22 percent of tech jobs, according to a 2021 report by the ONE Campaign and Briter Bridges.
This disparity is not solely the result of limited opportunities. It is deeply rooted in longstanding cultural and societal norms. From an early age, Nigerian girls are often discouraged from pursuing careers in technology, with the field commonly perceived as male-dominated and technically demanding.
This perception not only restricts the aspirations of young girls but also undermines the innovative capacity of the industry as a whole. When women are excluded from the tech ecosystem, the sector loses the benefit of diverse perspectives which is an essential ingredient for designing inclusive products and solutions that reflect the needs of a broader society.
CVSpan, a multi-service technology company, is taking strategic action to shift this narrative. In collaboration with Women Tech Makers Gwarimpa, the company launched the Women in Tech (WIT) Scholarship Program to equip young Nigerian girls with practical UI/UX design skills. The program provides access to essential tools, mentorship, and real-world exposure, enabling participants to thrive in the evolving digital product space.
More than a skills-based initiative, the Scholarship Program aims to build a resilient and inclusive tech community. It seeks to create a space where young women can learn, grow, and collaborate while being supported by mentors who are committed to equity and innovation. The program fosters leadership, amplifies the voices of women, and helps shape a tech industry that is more reflective of society’s diversity.
In a recent interview, Moses Arfo, Co-Founder and Design Leader at CVSpan, shared insights into the motivation behind the program, its impact to date, and the broader vision for inclusion in Nigeria’s tech landscape. He spoke frankly about the challenges that continue to affect women-led initiatives, particularly around funding.
However, he also highlighted the determination and resilience of a growing community of women tech leaders who are not only creating impact but also inspiring a new generation to reimagine what is possible.
Moses Arfo, Co-Founder & Design Leader, CVSpan
1. What inspired the CVSpan UI/UX Scholarship Program for young girls?
What inspired us was the clear gender gap in the tech space, especially within design and product teams in Nigeria. UI/UX happens to be one of the most accessible areas in tech for women, and we’re seeing more female creatives around the world thriving in this field. Women naturally bring empathy and a strong focus on user needs, which are both essential to great design. At CVSpan, we noticed that many young girls in Nigeria either hadn’t heard of UI/UX or didn’t see a place for themselves in it. We wanted to change that. So we created a scholarship program for university students and young women who are exploring their career options. The fact that over 50 girls signed up showed us that the interest is already there. They just need the right opportunity.
2. What was the experience like for the participants, and how did the program help them?
The energy on the first day was incredible. The girls showed up excited and ready to learn. It felt like more than just a class, it felt like something special was starting. The program lasted five weeks. For the first three weeks, we focused on lessons. In the last two weeks, they worked on real projects they could add to their portfolios. They learned the basics like how to understand users, create wireframes and user flows, and use design tools like Figma. More importantly, they also learned why design is important. This helped them gain not just skills but also confidence and a deeper understanding of the field.
3. How did participants progress, and what feedback have you received?
The progress was amazing. Many of the girls started with no background in tech, but they quickly picked up important ideas like making designs easy to use, organizing information clearly, and thinking about all types of users. One of the biggest moments for them was learning how design thinking is used in both digital tools and real-life products. One girl said she never thought she could be part of tech because it seemed too hard. But after just a few sessions, she was using Figma with confidence, understanding design systems, and speaking like a real designer. That shows what the right support and exposure can do.
4. What is next for the students now that their program is over?
Most of them are university students, some just beginning and others getting ready to graduate. They came from both tech and non-tech courses. We are helping some of them join a six-month internship program where they will work with real product teams, build useful skills, and learn from professionals. This next phase is focused on practice and helping them move from classroom learning to real-world work.
5. Will there be support for participants of the scholarship?
Absolutely. We’ve set up the CVSpan Tech Community, a support system where participants can stay connected, ask questions, share projects, and receive continuous mentorship. We’ll also be sharing curated resources, tools, and occasional masterclasses from experts in the ecosystem. Beyond that, any job or internship opportunity that emerges within the CVSpan ecosystem will prioritize graduates from this program. We believe in long-term empowerment, not just one-off training.
6. How do you see programs like this shaping the future of tech for African women?
Programs like this are truly important. We are not just teaching skills; we are changing the story. When girls see other girls succeeding in tech, it changes how they see themselves and what they believe is possible. It opens doors. It also ensures that the products and services built in Africa reflect the diversity of the people they’re meant to serve. Inclusion is no longer something extra. It is a smart and necessary part of building strong, successful teams. The future of African tech will be built by women as much as men. And that future starts now, with initiatives like this.
7. Do you think the tech industry in Africa is becoming more inclusive for women?
There’s progress, but there’s still a long road ahead. We’ve seen more visibility for women in product roles, design, engineering, and leadership, and their presence is becoming more visible. However, access to opportunities and funding remains a big challenge. Many women-led initiatives still don’t receive the attention or support they truly deserve. That said, there is a growing sense of community among African women in tech. They are building their own spaces, starting companies, mentoring others, and staying determined despite the obstacles. That kind of resilience is inspiring. With the right support and structure, Africa has the potential to become a global example of what inclusive innovation can look like.
See also: MTN Nigeria launches $150m Dabengwa Data Centre in Lagos
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