Douala to host Women Shine for Africa Digital Empowerment workshop.

The project is spearheaded by the Africa New Generation Leaders, ANGEL association. The initiative coordinated by Rachel Tchougwa has been scheduled to run from September 26 to 27, 2025. 

It was officially launched on August 29 in Nkongsamba and runs in a hybrid format—online training already underway, with face-to-face workshops scheduled every last weekend of the month until December 6, 2025.

According to organisers, the initiative seeks to promote female role models in digital sectors, bridge the gender gap in technology, and support the creation of women-led tech enterprises.

Despite Africa’s rapid digital transformation, women remain largely excluded from digital sphere. 

World Bank data shows only 13 percent of African women work in the ICT sector, compared to 87 percent of men, while sub-Saharan Africa records a digital gender gap of 33 percent, among the highest in the world.

Explaining the scope of the initiative, Rachel Tchougwa, told reporters that “For this second edition, we have selected 54 participants from 16 African countries. Online training is ongoing, and the first in-person workshop will take place in Douala”.

She added that the overall goal is “to contribute to reducing gender inequalities by strengthening African women and providing them with the tools necessary to achieve their full potential”.

The programme targets vulnerable groups including stay-at-home mothers, young girls affected by teenage pregnancies, women in precarious financial situations, digitally illiterate women, rural women and internally displaced persons.

ANGEL, a non-profit organisation, has a track record of social impact. In 2022, it launched the “Gate Open” digital platform, which today serves users in more than 70 countries worldwide.

By choosing Douala for the September training, organisers say they are not only responding to local realities but also reinforcing their commitment to Cameroon’s development. 

The workshop will enable participants to acquire practical digital skills, build support networks and contribute to a more inclusive African digital economy.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3555 of Friday September 05, 2025