She Code Africa Opens Mentor Applications for Cycle 3, Deadline Dec  19  2025

The mentorship program, now entering its third iteration, invites seasoned professionals to show up, share experiences, and help someone navigate their journey with greater clarity While the program has traditionally focused on recruiting mentees, Cycle 3 places a renewed emphasis on expanding the mentor pool, reflecting a broader industry push to retain and grow female expertise beyond entry‑level roles.

Since its launch, She Code Africa has facilitated over 300 mentorship matches, contributing to a measurable increase in women’s representation in tech roles at partner startups and multinational firms operating in Lagos, Nairobi, Accra and beyond. The organization’s alumni network includes engineers who have moved into senior positions at companies such as Andela, Flutterwave and Google, underscoring the program’s role as a talent incubator within the continent’s burgeoning digital economy.

Industry analysts note that mentorship schemes like She Code Africa’s are becoming a critical lever for addressing the gender gap in technology. A 2024 report by the African Development Bank highlighted that women occupy just 24 % of tech jobs in sub‑Saharan Africa, a figure that has shown only modest improvement over the past five years. By pairing mentees with mentors who have “walked the road,” the program seeks to provide the social capital and practical guidance often missing from formal education pathways.

Funding for the mentorship cycles has been bolstered by a mix of corporate sponsorships and grant support. Recent collaborations with fintech incubators and multinational tech firms have enabled She Code Africa to expand its virtual workshop series, covering topics from product development lifecycle to inclusive leadership. The organization also leverages its partnership with the African Women in Technology (AWIT) network to broaden outreach to under‑served regions.

Prospective mentors can apply through the program’s online portal. The application process asks candidates to detail their professional background, mentorship philosophy and availability for a six‑month engagement. Successful mentors are matched with mentees based on skill set, career goals and geographic considerations, with most interactions taking place via video calls and collaborative project work.

The timing aligns with a surge in tech talent development initiatives across Africa, as governments and private investors pour capital into startup ecosystems. According to a 2025 PitchBook analysis, venture funding in African tech startups reached a record $9 billion last year, creating a heightened demand for skilled professionals who can sustain growth. Programs that nurture talent pipelines, especially for women, are increasingly viewed as strategic assets for both talent acquisition and corporate social responsibility.

She Code Africa’s call for mentors underscores a growing recognition that mentorship is not merely a charitable add‑on but a core component of building resilient, inclusive tech ecosystems. As Cycle 3 ramps up, the organization hopes to double its mentor roster, thereby amplifying the reach and impact of its mentorship model across the continent.

Source: here