In the rapidly evolving world of technology, African women are increasingly making their mark. However, pursuing a tech career often requires substantial financial investment. Fortunately, numerous scholarships and grants are available for African women looking to enter or advance in the tech industry. These opportunities help alleviate financial burdens and empower women to achieve their educational and professional goals. Here, we explore top scholarships and grants for African women pursuing tech careers.
Women Techmakers Scholars Program
Overview: Sponsored by Google, the Women Techmakers Scholars Program (formerly the Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship) aims to encourage women to excel in computing and technology.
Eligibility:
- Must be a female student enrolled in a computer science or related field
- Demonstrated leadership and academic excellence
Learn More: Women Techmakers Scholars Program
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Overview: The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides comprehensive support for academically talented but economically disadvantaged African women. This program includes financial, academic, and social support throughout their education.
Eligibility:
- Must be a young woman from Africa
- Demonstrated academic talent and leadership potential
- Financial need
Learn More: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Adobe Research Women-in-Technology Scholarship
Overview: This scholarship aims to recognize outstanding female undergraduate and master’s students in North America studying artificial intelligence, data science, computer science, and mobile/web development.
Eligibility:
- Female students currently enrolled in an undergraduate or master’s program
- Major in computer science, computer engineering, or a closely related technical field
Learn More: Adobe Research Women-in-Technology Scholarship
African Women in Technology (AWIT) Scholarship
Overview: The AWIT Scholarship aims to support African women pursuing degrees in technology-related fields. This scholarship provides financial assistance for tuition, books, and other educational expenses.
Eligibility:
- Must be a female student of African descent
- Enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program in a tech-related field
Learn More: AWIT Scholarship
Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future
Overview: This program provides fellowships to women from developing and emerging economies to pursue PhD or post-doctoral studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
Eligibility:
- Must be a woman from a developing or emerging economy
- Enrolled in or applying to a PhD or post-doctoral program in a STEM field
Learn More: Faculty for the Future
The PEO International Peace Scholarship Fund
Overview: The PEO International Peace Scholarship Fund provides scholarships for women from other countries to study graduate studies in the United States and Canada.
Eligibility:
- Must be a woman from an international country, including African nations
- Graduate student enrolled in a university in the USA or Canada
Learn More: PEO International Peace Scholarship
African Girls Code Initiative
Overview: This initiative provides scholarships and grants to young African women and girls to pursue education and careers in coding and software development.
Eligibility:
- Must be a young African woman or girl
- Interested in coding, software development, or related fields
Learn More: African Girls Code Initiative
African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) Fellowship
Overview: While focused on agriculture, the AWARD Fellowship supports women in agricultural research, including technology applications in agriculture, making it relevant for tech careers related to agriculture.
Eligibility:
- African women engaged in agricultural research and development
- Demonstrated leadership potential and commitment to improving agriculture in Africa
Learn More: AWARD Fellowship
OWSD PhD Fellowships for Women Scientists from Science and Technology Lagging Countries
Overview: This fellowship program offers PhD fellowships to women scientists from science and technology lagging countries (STLCs) to undertake PhD research in the natural, engineering, and information technology sciences.
Eligibility:
- Must be a woman from a STLC, including several African countries
- Enrolled in or applying for a PhD program in a STEM field
Learn More: OWSD PhD Fellowships
Women in Technology Africa (WiTA) Scholarships
Overview: WiTA offers various scholarships to support African women pursuing careers in technology. These scholarships are designed to help women gain the skills and education needed to thrive in the tech industry.
Eligibility:
- Must be a female student of African descent
- Enrolled in or planning to enroll in a technology-related degree program
Learn More: Women in Technology Africa
Conclusion
Pursuing a career in technology can be financially challenging, but numerous scholarships and grants are available to support African women in their educational and professional journeys. By taking advantage of these opportunities, you can overcome financial barriers and gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the tech industry. Explore these scholarships and grants, apply for those that match your needs, and take the next step towards a fulfilling career in technology.
