PanAfrican Capital Foundation equips 30 young women with cybersecurity and data skills in fourth Girls Can Code cohort
PanAfrican Capital Foundation (PAC Foundation) has wrapped up the fourth edition of its Girls Can Code (GCC) initiative, a programme aimed at narrowing the gender gap in technology. The latest cohort saw 30 young women complete a 13-week intensive training course focused on Cybersecurity Fundamentals and Data Analysis, delivered in partnership with NexQuantum Academy.
Programme details and outcomes
The 13-week curriculum was designed to equip participants with in-demand digital skills, addressing a persistent imbalance in the tech sector where women remain underrepresented. The foundation reported that 25 of the 30 participants successfully graduated from the programme, marking a completion rate of over 80%.
According to a report from Nairametrics, the initiative is part of PAC Foundation’s broader effort to create pathways for women in technology fields that are traditionally male-dominated. The partnership with NexQuantum Academy provided the training infrastructure and expertise needed to deliver the specialised content.
Why this matters
Bridging the gender gap in technology is not just a matter of equity; it has direct economic implications. A more diverse tech workforce can drive innovation, improve product design, and expand the talent pool available to employers. Programmes like Girls Can Code aim to address the pipeline problem by giving young women the foundational skills and confidence to pursue careers in cybersecurity and data analysis—two of the fastest-growing fields in the global digital economy.
The focus on Cybersecurity Fundamentals and Data Analysis is particularly relevant. As businesses and governments increasingly digitise operations, the demand for professionals who can protect systems and interpret data continues to outpace supply. By training women in these areas, PAC Foundation is helping to meet a critical labour market need while also promoting gender diversity.
Context and industry perspective
The technology sector has long struggled with gender imbalance. According to industry data, women hold only about a quarter of computing-related jobs globally, and the numbers are even lower in cybersecurity. Initiatives like Girls Can Code are part of a growing ecosystem of programmes—from coding bootcamps to university scholarships—designed to change that.
PAC Foundation’s approach, which combines a structured 13-week curriculum with a partner training provider, mirrors successful models used by other non-profits and corporate foundations. The graduation of 25 women from this cohort adds to a growing pool of trained talent that could help shift the demographic makeup of the tech workforce over time.
Looking ahead
With the fourth cohort now complete, the foundation is likely to evaluate the programme’s impact and consider scaling or refining the model for future iterations. The high completion rate suggests strong engagement and effective programme design, though the long-term measure of success will be whether graduates go on to secure roles in tech or pursue further education in the field.
For the 25 graduates, the immediate benefit is a credential and skill set that can open doors in a competitive job market. For the broader ecosystem, each cohort represents a small but meaningful step toward a more inclusive technology industry.
Source: Nairametrics
Source: PAC Foundation graduates 25 young women from Girls Can Code cohort 4