African Scientific Research and Innovation Council (AU-ASRIC), in partnership with International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) and Microsoft, has inaugurated the second edition of Women Elevate Programme.
The Executive Director of AU-ASRIC, Engr. Dr Ahmed Hamdy, said this in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday.
Hamdy said the initiative aimed to address the gender gap in Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills by providing 5,000 women across 61 countries with crucial skills in AI fundamentals, cloud computing, and ethics.
“ The program, which is fully aligned with the AU-STRC and ASRIC’s goal of enhancing women’s participation in scientific research, is designed to accelerate Africa’s transition to an innovation-led, knowledge-based economy.
“ Building on the success of the first edition, which certified 1,000 women in 2024, this new cohort offers 26 hours of comprehensive, free training,’’ he said.
He said participants would gain cutting-edge skills and receive a Microsoft AI-900 certification voucher.
“The program also features interactive workshops, personalized mentorship, and access to a global network of professionals, with an exclusive offer specifically for African women,’’ he said.
He said that equipping women with high-demand tech skills would help accelerate Africa’s transition to a knowledge-based economy.
He said the partnership would ensure the skills taught were relevant and in high demand, making the program a valuable investment in human capital.
He said by training women from a diverse range of African countries, the programme would ensure that the future of AI was not only technologically advanced but also culturally sensitive and equitable.
“ The launch of the Women Elevate Program is more than just a training course; it is a strategic move with significant implications for Africa’s future.
“ The free Microsoft AI-900 certification voucher is a powerful incentive, as it provides a globally recognised credential that can open doors to new career opportunities.
“By focusing specifically on women the programme directly addresses a critical imbalance in the tech sector.
“This is not just a matter of fairness, but of economic necessity, as a diverse workforce leads to more innovative and robust solutions,’’ he said.
The ASRIC chief urged African scientists to encourage women within their fields and professional networks to apply for the programme. (https://elevate.icaire.org/).
