In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, empowering underserved communities with the tools to thrive is more urgent than ever. Few understand this better than Uzoma Gift Onyinyechi, the visionary founder of the Centre for Digital Skills Acquisition for Women and Youths in Africa (CDS-AWYA). From tackling youth unemployment and bridging the digital gender divide to scaling international collaborations, Onyinyechi has dedicated her life to making sure no one is left behind in the global digital economy.

In this interview, Onyinyechi shared the personal journey that sparked her mission, the challenges and triumphs of running CDS-AWYA, and how innovative strategies like the GSMESKILL project are transforming lives across Africa. She also offered a powerful perspective on influencing global policy, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals, and inspiring young women to break into the tech space despite societal and financial barriers. Join us as we explore the passion, purpose, and pioneering impact of a leader shaping the future of digital inclusion across the continent and beyond.

What global challenges motivated you to establish CDS-AWYA, and how do you envision your work contributing on an international scale?

The Centre for Digital Skills Acquisition for Women and Youths in Africa (CDS-AWYA) was established in response to global challenges such as rising youth unemployment, the digital gender divide, and unequal access to quality digital education—particularly across low-income and marginalised communities in Africa. These issues are not just local but part of a broader global inequality in the digital economy. CDSAWYA envisions contributing internationally by creating scalable, inclusive training models that can be adapted across regions facing similar challenges. Through strategic partnerships, cross-border knowledge exchange, and alignment with global development goals, we aim to help build a more equitable digital future worldwide.

The GSMESKILL project is quite ambitious. How has the partnership with international organisations influenced the way CDS-AWYA operates?

The GSMESKILL project has indeed been a transformative initiative, and our partnerships with international organisqations have played a pivotal role in shaping its success and expanding its reach. Collaborating with global partners has brought invaluable resources—both technical and strategic—that have elevated our operations in several key ways.

Firstly, these partnerships have exposed us to best practices and global standards in digital skills training, entrepreneurship, and programme management. By learning from established organisations, we’ve been able to enhance the quality of our curriculum, ensuring that the skills we teach are relevant not just locally but also in the broader international digital economy.

Secondly, international collaborations have provided us with access to advanced technologies and tools that we might not have been able to acquire independently. This has allowed us to offer more hands-on, practical training and stay at the forefront of digital innovation.

Moreover, these partnerships have amplified our advocacy and visibility efforts, giving us a stronger voice in policy discussions and helping us secure additional funding and resources. They have also opened doors for exchange programmes, mentorships, and global networking opportunities for our participants, allowing them to gain international exposure and build cross-border collaborations.

Finally, working with international organisations has strengthened our monitoring, evaluation, and accountability frameworks, ensuring that our programmes are impactful and continuously improving.

Overall, these collaborations have helped us think bigger, act more strategically, and extend our impact to more women and youths across Africa, aligning local aspirations with global opportunities.

Can you share examples of international collaborations that have strengthened CDS-AWYA’s impact and how you plan to expand these globally?

The Centre for Digital Skills Acquisition for Women and Youths in Africa has significantly expanded its impact through international collaborations such as the GSMESKILL project. This initiative connects Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa to strengthen vocational education and training (VET) systems, aligning them with local labour market needs. In partnership with organisations across Italy, Germany, Slovenia, Greece, and Africa, GSMESKILL enhances the capacity of VET providers in governance, innovation, and inclusion. Moving forward, we aim to scale globally by forging alliances with international stakeholders, replicating this model in other regions, and promoting inclusive, skill-based education through shared expertise and digital innovation.

What innovative strategies have you introduced that set CDS-AWYA apart in global conversations about digital inclusion and empowerment?

The Centre for Digital Skills Acquisition for Women and Youths in Africa stands out globally through several innovative strategies: Localised Digital Curricula – We design training tailored to local contexts, integrating indigenous knowledge with global tech trends to ensure relevance and accessibility.

Two, Mobile Learning Hubs – Deploying solar-powered digital labs in remote areas bridges infrastructure gaps and extends reach to under-served populations.
Three, Gender-Sensitive Training Models – Programmes are structured to address barriers women face, offering flexible schedules, childcare support, and mentorship.
Fourth, Public-Private Partnerships – Collaborations with global tech firms provide real-world tools, certifications, and job pathways.

Finally, Inclusive AI and Data Literacy Initiatives – Focused on preparing youth and women for emerging technologies, not just basic digital skills.

How are you positioning CDS-AWYA to influence policy and practice on a global level, especially concerning SDGs 4, 5, and 8?

The Centre for Digital Skills Acquisition for Women and Youths in Africa (CDS-AWYA) is actively influencing global policy and practice by aligning its initiatives with Sustainable Development Goals 4, 5, and 8—promoting quality education, gender equality, and decent work. Through scalable, gender-responsive digital training models, participation in international policy dialogues, and strategic collaborations like the GSMESKILL project, the Centre is embedding innovation, inclusion, and quality into vocational education systems. By sharing impact-driven data and policy briefs, CDS-AWYA is shaping decisions around digital education and employment, positioning itself as a key voice in the global conversation on digital inclusion.

You have helped 232 people in 2022 alone. What are your goals in terms of outreach and impact over the next five years?

Having supported 232 individuals in 2022, the Centre for Digital Skills Acquisition for Women and Youths in Africa is committed to scaling its impact in response to the continent’s urgent needs—where over 60% of Africa’s unemployed are youth, and women account for nearly 90% of the informal employment sector. Over the next five years, our goal is to equip 10,000 women and youth with market-relevant digital skills. We aim to reduce digital exclusion by expanding to five African countries, increasing female participation to 65%, and integrating job placement, entrepreneurship, and mentorship pathways that directly address youth unemployment.

What advice would you give to young women who want to break into the tech space but face societal or financial barriers?

My advice to young women is to believe in your potential and stay determined despite obstacles. Seek out free or low-cost online resources to build foundational skills, and don’t hesitate to join tech communities or mentorship programmes for guidance and support. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who encourage growth, and set small, achievable goals to maintain momentum. Remember, persistence is key—each step forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goals. Most importantly, challenge societal expectations confidently; your passion and skills are your strongest tools to break barriers and create meaningful impact in the tech world.

What inspired the founding of CDS-AWYA, and how did your personal journey lead you to this vision?

Growing up as a young girl in Nigeria, I witnessed firsthand the limitations that a lack of access to digital education and resources can impose, especially on women and young people. In my community, I saw many talented and ambitious individuals whose dreams were stifled, not because they lacked ability, but because they didn’t have the tools or opportunities to develop essential digital skills. This disparity struck me deeply and stayed with me as I advanced in my own education and career.
What inspired me most was the realisation that technology could be a great equaliser. I saw how digital skills opened doors for me, allowing me to compete on a global stage, work in project and data management, and contribute to impactful projects. But I also knew that so many other girls just like me were being left behind simply because they lacked exposure and access.

This experience ignited my passion to create a space where women and youths could gain the digital competencies they needed to thrive. I wanted to build something that would not only provide technical training but also instill confidence and a belief in their own potential. The Centre for Digital Skills Acquisition for Women and Youths in Africa was born out of that vision: to bridge the digital divide, break down barriers, and create opportunities for a brighter, more inclusive future.
As I progressed in my own career, working in data analysis, information governance, and digital strategy, I became increasingly aware of just how critical digital literacy is in today’s world. Whether it was through handling complex data governance projects or training teams in advanced analytical tools, I saw the transformative power that digital skills can bring not just in business, but in individual lives. I also recognised that many people, particularly women and youth, lacked the opportunities to learn and apply these skills, simply because they didn’t have access to resources or supportive environments.

My personal journey marked by perseverance, continuous learning, and a commitment to empowering others shaped the Centre’s values. We focus not only on technical training but also on mentorship and practical experience, ensuring that participants gain both confidence and competence.

Today, seeing the impact of graduates advancing in their careers, starting their own ventures, and becoming role models reinforces my belief in the importance of this work. My vision remains to continue expanding these opportunities, creating a ripple effect of empowerment and transformation across communities.

The GSMESKILL project is quite ambitious. How has the partnership with international organisations influenced the way CDS-AWYA operates?

The GSMESKILL project has indeed been a transformative initiative, and our partnerships with international organisations have played a pivotal role in shaping its success and expanding its reach. Collaborating with global partners has brought invaluable resources—both technical and strategic—that have elevated our operations in several key ways.

Firstly, these partnerships have exposed us to best practices and global standards in digital skills training, entrepreneurship, and programme management. By learning from established organisations, we’ve been able to enhance the quality of our curriculum, ensuring that the skills we teach are relevant not just locally but also in the broader international digital economy.

Secondly, international collaborations have provided us with access to advanced technologies and tools that we might not have been able to acquire independently. This has allowed us to offer more hands-on, practical training and stay at the forefront of digital innovation.

Moreover, these partnerships have amplified our advocacy and visibility efforts, giving us a stronger voice in policy discussions and helping us secure additional funding and resources. They have also opened doors for exchange programmes, mentorships, and global networking opportunities for our participants, allowing them to gain international exposure and build cross-border collaborations.
Finally, working with international organisations has strengthened our monitoring, evaluation, and accountability frameworks, ensuring that our programmes are impactful and continuously improving.

Overall, these collaborations have helped us think bigger, act more strategically, and extend our impact to more women and youths across Africa, aligning local aspirations with global opportunities.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in implementing digital skills training in low-income communities, and how have you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced in implementing digital skills training in low-income communities is the lack of basic digital infrastructure—many areas have limited or unreliable internet access and a shortage of computers or smart devices. This makes it difficult for participants to practice the skills they are learning consistently. To overcome this, we partnered with local schools, community centers, and libraries to set up digital hubs where trainees could access resources and tools for free.

Another challenge is the low baseline of digital literacy among participants, especially women and older youths who have had limited exposure to technology. To address this, we designed foundational courses that build confidence with basic digital tools before progressing to more advanced skills. We also trained local facilitators who speak the community’s language and understand the cultural context, ensuring the learning environment feels accessible and supportive.

Additionally, social and cultural barriers such as gender stereotypes and resistance to change have sometimes hindered participation. We tackled this through community engagement and awareness campaigns, highlighting success stories to inspire trust and demonstrate the tangible benefits of digital skills. Persistence, partnerships, and a deep understanding of local needs have been key.

Can you share some impactful feedback or success stories from your digital skills training programmes?

Absolutely. Over the past few years, we’ve been privileged to witness remarkable transformations across Africa, thanks to our digital skills training. Let me share a few real-life examples that truly capture the impact.

Take Peace, for instance — an unemployed graduate from Nigeria who joined our web development programme. With no clear career direction before, she gained hands-on training and built a strong portfolio through our mentorship. Today, she works as a freelance web developer, serving international clients in Canada and South Africa. She often tells us, “The Centre gave me not just skills, but confidence and purpose.”
Then there’s Peter, who used to sell second-hand electronics in Nigeria just to make ends meet. After completing our digital marketing and entrepreneurship programme, he launched his own e-commerce platform for refurbished gadgets — and now he’s employing three other young people. Peter’s story shows how local challenges can be met with global thinking.

We also have Ncube from South Africa, who came to us with zero digital knowledge. Within months, she became proficient in project management tools. Today, she mentors young women and leads a girls-in-tech club at her local school. She says CDS-AWYA helped her “break barriers and become a change agent.”

These stories reflect more than individual growth — they highlight how CDS-AWYA’ digital skills programmes can drive economic empowerment, foster entrepreneurship, and promote social inclusion. Across Africa, we are seeing how young people, when given the right tools, become powerful engines of change for their communities.