The tech industry in Nigeria is seen as a promising field for young individuals seeking financial independence and global opportunities. Various training programs, both in-person and virtual, offer coding and non-coding tech skills. However, biases against marginalized groups like gender and sexuality persist in the industry.
To address the unique challenges faced by queer individuals in tech, initiatives like Tech4Pride have been introduced. This fellowship exclusively trains queer people in high-demand tech skills and aims to empower them economically by providing job placement opportunities. The program also focuses on mentorship and project development to cater to the specific needs of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Increasing inclusivity within the tech ecosystem is another goal of initiatives like Tech4Pride. By having more queer individuals as tech operators and founders, a diverse perspective can be brought to the table to develop solutions that address LGBTQIA+ community challenges effectively.
While physical and virtual tech training spaces exist, queer individuals often face discrimination and harassment, affecting their learning experience. Initiatives like Tech4Pride aim to create a safer environment for queer individuals to enhance their tech skills and career opportunities.
Sustainability of such initiatives relies heavily on external funding, with a call for more commercial models to ensure longevity. The tech ecosystem in Nigeria, while relatively open-minded, still has room for improvement in catering to the specific needs of LGBTQIA+ groups.
Overall, the focus is on empowering queer individuals in tech, providing them with the skills and support needed to thrive in the industry.