The TechMinds Girls Empowerment Foundation, widely known as TMG Empower, has reached a significant milestone by celebrating its first anniversary of operations across Nigeria and other African nations. The non-profit organization has spent the past year dedicated to equipping hundreds of young women with crucial digital skills and creating pathways into the technology sector.
Building Future Tech Leaders
Founded in 2024, TMG Empower has rapidly emerged as one of Africa's prominent advocates for gender inclusion within the technology ecosystem. The foundation's approach combines structured training programs, mentorship opportunities, and community engagement initiatives designed to dismantle systemic barriers that typically prevent girls from fully participating in tech fields.
Ndidiamaka Udeaja, the Founder and Executive Director, emphasized during the anniversary celebration that their mission extends beyond basic technical training. "We don't just train girls in tech; we build innovators, entrepreneurs, and future policymakers," Udeaja stated. "Our goal is to replace exclusion with skills, mentorship, and opportunity."
Comprehensive Training Programs
Throughout its inaugural year, TMG Empower launched several flagship programs including Tech Her Up and Power Skill Booster. These initiatives provide comprehensive training in multiple technology domains such as software development, product management, data analytics, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, digital marketing, and tech sales.
The foundation's unique mentorship model connects participants with women already established in STEM fields and global tech professionals who provide guidance for both personal and career development. Udeaja highlighted that transforming mindsets remains central to their training philosophy. "If a girl doesn't believe she belongs in tech, no amount of training will help her thrive," she explained.
Expanding Impact Through New Initiatives
As part of their anniversary celebrations, TMG Empower announced several new initiatives to expand their impact. The foundation launched a scholarship program that has already selected two exceptional beneficiaries to study at federal universities of their choice, with annual performance reviews throughout their academic journey.
In a significant move to enhance digital learning in underserved communities, the organization donated ten desktop computers to Mother of Mercy Girls Secondary School in Azuigbo, Nnewi South, Anambra State.
The foundation also revealed that more than 200 Nigerian girls and approximately 100 others from across Africa have enrolled in their newly established AI Business School. This program introduces young women to artificial intelligence, business analytics, and tech entrepreneurship.
Proven Success Stories
Since its inception, TMG Empower has organized numerous capacity-building events, including their first physical program in Lagos to commemorate ICT Day and an outreach in Anambra State during the International Day of the African Child. These events provided participants with hands-on training in coding, digital literacy, and teamwork.
The foundation's impact is demonstrated through participant testimonials. Onyekwere Nmesoma Chiamaka, a registered nurse from Enugu State, reported gaining confidence and developing her data analytics skills through the program. Another trainee, Bishe Sulei Yerima, published her first e-book after completing digital literacy training.
"What sets TMG Empower apart is our focus on mindset re-engineering," Udeaja noted. "Self-doubt is often a bigger obstacle than Python or calculus. Once girls believe they belong in tech, everything changes."
Advocacy for Systemic Change
Beyond direct training programs, TMG Empower is actively pushing for systemic reform through advocacy efforts aimed at developing policies that support women's participation in the digital economy. "We want government frameworks that protect women's inclusion in tech," Udeaja stated. "Our advocacy efforts are aimed at long-term impact."
Guided by its core values of Empowerment, Innovation, Inclusion, Excellence, and Community, the foundation envisions a future where African girls become founders, CEOs, and innovators shaping the continent's digital destiny.
As TMG Empower enters its second year, the organization is calling for increased partnerships with schools, tech companies, NGOs, and development agencies to scale its work and expand opportunities for young women in technology. "Our dream is to see Nigerian girls leading startups, building global products, and transforming Africa's innovation landscape," Udeaja added.
For more information about TMG Empower's programs or partnership opportunities, visit www.tmgempower.org or follow @tmgempower on social media platforms.
