BTA2023 As Africa’s digital economy accelerates, the demand for artificial intelligence and digital skills is rising sharply across the continent.
Yet women remain significantly underrepresented in technology-driven careers — a gap that banks, technology firms and development partners are increasingly seeking to close.
In response, Absa, in partnership with Microsoft Elevate and Women in Tech (WiT), has announced the expansion of its ElevateHer AI Programme across nine African countries, extending the initiative beyond its initial rollout in South Africa in September 2025.
The move marks a major step in strengthening AI literacy, employability and digital readiness among women, at a time when global leaders are calling for stronger participation from the Global South in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.
Aligning Africa with the global AI economy
The programme’s expansion comes against the backdrop of growing international concern about widening AI skills gaps, an issue highlighted during discussions at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this year.
By combining Absa’s pan-African footprint, Microsoft’s AI skilling infrastructure and Women in Tech’s grassroots networks, ElevateHer is designed to equip women with practical, job-relevant AI capabilities, enabling them to apply AI tools within businesses, workplaces and entrepreneurial ventures.
The initiative focuses on employability, entrepreneurship and economic participation, positioning women not only as users of AI but as contributors to how the technology is adopted across African industries.
Practical AI skills, free and accessible
Powered by Microsoft Elevate, the programme provides free AI training tailored to different career stages — from students and employees to founders and small business owners.
Participants are trained to generate ideas, write reports, automate routine tasks and apply AI responsibly, using tools such as Microsoft Copilot. Upon completion, learners receive Microsoft digital badges, which can be shared online and used to demonstrate newly acquired skills.
Since its launch in South Africa, more than 10,000 learners have already completed the training.
Microsoft Elevate forms part of the tech giant’s broader commitment to place people at the centre of AI innovation. Globally, Microsoft has pledged over $4 billion in cash and technology over five years and aims to credential 20 million learners within two years, working with schools, non-profits, governments and workforce partners.
Driving inclusion through digital confidence
Tamu Dutuma, Head of Strategy and Transformation Technology for Africa Regions at Absa, said digital capability is becoming as essential as financial literacy.
“Digital confidence is becoming just as important as financial literacy, and it can transform how people work and lead,” she said. “This partnership allows us to equip our employees and communities across the continent with the AI skills they need to thrive. Diversity and inclusion remain core to Absa’s purpose, and programmes like ElevateHer help ensure that no one is left behind as technology advances.”
Microsoft echoed the importance of deliberate investment in women’s AI skills across emerging markets.
“As highlighted during the World Economic Forum in Davos, inclusive economic growth in the age of AI depends on building skills at scale in emerging markets,” said Tiara Pathon, AI Skills Director for Microsoft Elevate at Microsoft South Africa. “By equipping women across Africa with practical, job-relevant AI skills, we are strengthening the continent’s participation in the digital economy.”
Women in Tech pushes continental reach
Women in Tech, which aims to empower five million women and girls in STEAM fields by 2030, sees ElevateHer as a powerful tool for confidence-building and leadership development.
“Many women are eager to engage with AI but don’t always know where to start,” said Melissa Slaymaker, Africa Regional Director at Women in Tech Global. “ElevateHer AI gives participants the practical skills and confidence to use AI in their work, studies and businesses.”
The expansion of ElevateHer to nine African markets reflects a shared commitment by Absa, Microsoft and Women in Tech to ensure women are not left on the margins of Africa’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
