Three months after its last edition, TD Africa’s TecHERdemy program continues to demonstrate its profound impact, not only through certifications but also through the transformed lives and burgeoning careers of its graduates. A notable success story is that of Afolashade Adebowale, a Data Science track alumna, who has successfully transitioned into a role as a Business Intelligence/Data Analyst at a prominent financial services firm in Lagos.
Afolashade was among 400 young women selected for TecHERdemy, TD Africa’s significant Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at narrowing the gender disparity within the technology sector. The program provided rigorous six-month training across key tech domains, including Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Software Development, and Data Science. Today, Afolashade is actively leveraging her newly acquired tech skills to shape business strategy.
Her journey stands as a powerful testament to the program’s core mission: to equip young women with essential future-ready skills and empower them to assume leadership roles in Africa’s burgeoning digital economy. In an exclusive interview, Afolashade shared insights into her TecHERdemy experience and how it served as a catalyst for her personal and professional advancement.
Prior to joining TecHERdemy, Afolashade described herself as “a curious learner with a passion for numbers but no formal tech background.” She recognized the potential of data science but lacked a clear entry point. “When I saw the TecHERdemy application, I just knew it was my chance,” she recounted. “The idea that it was created specifically to empower women like me gave me the confidence to apply. Looking back, that single decision changed everything.”
Her experience in the Data Science track was both “intense and empowering.” The curriculum was highly practical and hands-on, involving work with real datasets, model building, and proficiency in Python, SQL, and Power BI. “I remember how excited I was the first time I visualised data and saw patterns come to life,” Afolashade shared. She lauded the tutors for making complex topics accessible and fostering a collaborative learning environment, noting, “I always felt seen, challenged, and supported.”
When asked about the most valuable aspect of TecHERdemy, Afolashade highlighted the comprehensive “ecosystem” it provided. “Access to quality learning, global certifications, mentorship, and a community of women all worked together,” she explained. Beyond the technical skills, she emphasized a crucial “mindset shift.” “I stopped seeing tech as something out of reach and started seeing it as a space I could own. That self-belief was the most valuable thing I gained.”
This newfound confidence and practical experience directly propelled her into her current role as a Business Intelligence/Data Analyst. “My job involves translating complex data into actionable insights that drive business decisions,” she explained. Afolashade credits TecHERdemy for equipping her with a portfolio of mini-projects that proved invaluable during her interviews. “I was able to confidently speak about data pipelines, storytelling with dashboards, and predictive analytics, all thanks to the training. I got the job a few weeks after graduation.”
For prospective TecHERdemy participants or women aspiring to enter the tech industry, Afolashade offers a clear piece of advice: “Don’t wait to feel ready, start.” She admitted to almost not applying due to self-doubt about her technical background. “However, TecHERdemy is designed to take you from zero to job-ready,” she affirmed. “And more importantly, never underestimate how far you can go once you have the right tools and the right people to cheer you on.”
Afolashade’s journey is one of many success stories emerging across Nigeria, underscoring TecHERdemy’s role as a launchpad for careers in technology. As TD Africa continues to monitor and support its graduates, plans are in motion to expand TecHERdemy into a sustained platform dedicated to tech inclusion, mentorship, and job placement opportunities for African women.
With every graduate like Afolashade, the message resonates clearly: the future of technology in Africa is increasingly female, and it is already taking shape.
