Absa advances digital empowerment, gender equality in tech

The Absa Group said it continues to strengthen its commitment to digital innovation and community upliftment through strategic initiatives that deliver tangible, long-term impact.

A key component of this commitment, Absa noted, is its ongoing collaboration with Women in Tech South Africa, through which it proudly sponsors the Philippi Village Learning Centre, empowering women and youth with cutting-edge digital skills.

“We aim to be a catalyst for transformation, empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together… one story at a time. Our goal is to help women thrive in tech and shape a future defined by innovation, inclusivity, and shared success,” said Dr. Philile Mkhize, Chief Operations Officer at Absa.

Located in Cape Town’s Cape Flats, the Philippi Village Learning Centre provided crucial resources to over 9,600 individuals in 2023.

The centre offers free access to computers, digital skills training, and a safe environment for studying and academic support to residents from Philippi, Gugulethu, Nyanga, Crossroads, and Mandalay.

Philippi Village hosted a hands-on robotics workshop for 25 students aged 10 to 13 on 18 October 2024.

This interactive session introduced young learners to the world of programming, robotics, and sensor technology, fostering creativity and critical thinking while inspiring the next generation of technology leaders.

Through Women in Tech, Absa has also extended its partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to increase women’s access to careers in technology.

In 2023, 50 unemployed women achieved AWS Cloud Practitioner certification through this initiative.

For 2024, Absa has more than doubled its efforts, upskilling 130 women across South Africa, Zambia, and Kenya, while offering advanced certifications to past graduates seeking to deepen their expertise.

Commenting on the ongoing partnership with Absa, Melissa Slaymaker, Global Partnership Director for Women in Tech South Africa, said, “By 2030, we aim to empower five million women and girls, and Absa stands shoulder to shoulder with us in this mission, actively collaborating to turn this vision into reality.”