A New Call for Dev Sisters
The African tech ecosystem is booming—and women are no longer waiting for permission to take up space. From front-end developers in Lagos to data scientists in Kigali, women across the continent are rewriting the tech narrative. And now, one of the most impactful platforms for supporting that movement is back with another opportunity.
She Code Africa has officially opened applications for its 2025 Mentorship Cohort, and if you’re a woman looking to break into tech or level up your skills, this could be the turning point you’ve been waiting for.
But let’s be clear: this isn’t just a “feel-good” program. The She Code Africa mentorship is rigorous, practical, and rooted in real results. Past mentees have gone on to work at Amazon, Flutterwave, Paystack, Microsoft, and many more top companies. Some have even returned to become mentors themselves.
In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the 2025 cohort: how it works, who it’s for, how to apply, and how to position yourself to get in—and make the most of it if you do.
What is the She Code Africa Mentorship Program?
The She Code Africa mentorship program is a free, structured 3-month mentorship experience designed for African women and girls looking to grow in technical career paths. Launched in 2020 by the non-profit She Code Africa (founded by Ada Nduka Oyom), this program connects mentees with experienced women in tech who guide them through focused learning tracks.
Each cohort runs remotely, with support from industry partners. It’s not just about having access to tutorials—it’s about personalized, one-on-one guidance, goal setting, accountability, and community.
Key Features:
– 100% remote and free – Open to African women and girls aged 18 and above – Offers multiple tracks: Frontend, Backend, UI/UX Design, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Cloud Engineering – Includes a dedicated mentor assigned to each mentee – Weekly deliverables and skill assessments – Real-world project building – Peer-to-peer learning and cohort bonding – Access to exclusive tech resources, certification vouchers, and job opportunities
Mission:
To provide African women with not just access to information, but personalized mentorship, industry exposure, and the confidence needed to excel in male-dominated tech spaces.
“The goal is not just to teach tech—it’s to build women who will thrive in it.”
Who Can Apply for the 2025 Cohort?
The 2025 cohort is open to African women and girls aged 18+, residing in any African country or the diaspora. However, this is not a beginner bootcamp—it’s a mentorship program, and SCA expects you to have basic foundational knowledge in your chosen track.
Ideal Mentee Profile:
– A woman or girl of African descent – 18 years or older – Has some prior exposure to her chosen tech area (e.g., knows how to use Figma, write basic Python, or build HTML/CSS pages) – Willing and able to commit at least 6–8 hours per week for 12 weeks – Has access to a reliable internet connection and a laptop
Not Sure If You Qualify?
If you’ve taken beginner courses (via YouTube, Coursera, freeCodeCamp), built a mini-project, or participated in other communities like ForLoop Africa or Ingressive for Good, you’re likely a strong candidate.
This is not for: – Absolute beginners with no exposure – Those looking for quick certification without effort – People who can’t commit to deadlines or structured programs
Available Learning Tracks in the 2025 Cohort
She Code Africa’s mentorship is known for its track-based model—each mentee picks a single focus area and is matched with a mentor who works in that exact field. This ensures depth, not just breadth.
Frontend Development
Focus: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, frameworks like React or Vue Tools: VS Code, GitHub, Netlify Projects: Landing pages, SPAs, portfolio sites
Backend Development
Focus: Python, Node.js, APIs, database management Tools: Postman, MongoDB/MySQL, Docker Projects: REST APIs, authentication systems
Data Science
Focus: Python, pandas, data wrangling, visualization Tools: Jupyter Notebook, Tableau, SQL Projects: Data storytelling, dashboards, analysis reports
UI/UX Design
Focus: Design principles, Figma, prototyping, usability testing Tools: Figma, Notion, Maze Projects: App mockups, wireframes, user flow studies
Cloud Engineering
Focus: Cloud basics (AWS, GCP), deployment, containers Tools: AWS Console, CLI tools, Terraform Projects: Deploying scalable apps, setting up CI/CD
Cybersecurity
Focus: Threat modeling, OWASP, basic scripting, ethical hacking Tools: Burp Suite, Wireshark, Kali Linux Projects: Vulnerability testing, security audits
Each mentee works on a real-world project by the end of the program. These aren’t just portfolio pieces—they’re often reviewed and sometimes co-developed with the mentor.
Why the She Code Africa Mentorship Program Matters
Across Africa, the gender gap in tech remains one of the biggest barriers to inclusive innovation. According to multiple regional studies, women still make up less than 30% of the tech workforce in most African countries. And in specialized roles like software engineering, cloud, and cybersecurity, that percentage is often below 10%.
What She Code Africa does is create a pipeline of confident, capable women who can build, lead, and innovate at the highest levels. The mentorship program is not only about teaching code—it’s about helping African women see themselves as creators of technology, not just users.
Many mentees have gone on to win scholarships, join bootcamps like ALX and Andela, land remote jobs, and even launch tech startups. It’s a ripple effect that transforms communities, not just individuals.
How to Apply for the 2025 Cohort
Applications for the She Code Africa 2025 mentorship cohort opened in early June and will remain open for several weeks. The process is straightforward but competitive, so putting effort into your application matters.
Application Process:
– Visit the official She Code Africa website – Fill out the application form with your bio, country, skill level, and chosen track – Submit links to past projects, GitHub, portfolio, or LinkedIn (where applicable) – Answer a few short essay questions about your motivation, availability, and goals
Tip: Use the essay questions to tell your story—what you’ve tried so far, what obstacles you’ve faced, and why mentorship is your next step. Don’t just list tools. Talk about your journey and passion.
Selection Criteria:
– Clarity of goals – Technical foundation in chosen track – Commitment to complete the program – Thoughtfulness in your responses – Diversity of region and background (they try to select women from all over Africa)
If selected, you’ll be contacted via email and added to the SCA platform. You’ll get an onboarding guide, your mentor match, and the kickoff schedule.
Tips to Succeed as a Mentee
Getting in is one thing—maximizing the opportunity is another. Here’s how past mentees recommend getting the most from the program.
Be Coachable
You’re here to learn. Listen, take feedback seriously, and don’t let pride block your growth. Your mentor is a guide, not a boss.
Track Your Progress
Use Notion, Google Docs, or a bullet journal to track weekly deliverables, questions, blockers, and wins. This also helps when applying for jobs later.
Participate in the Community
There’s a Telegram group for every cohort. Show up for check-ins, help your peers, and celebrate each other’s growth. That’s where the long-term network begins.
Don’t Just Consume—Create
By the end of the program, aim to have at least one real project. This will become your anchor when applying for jobs, internships, or gigs.
Life After Mentorship: What’s Next?
Graduates of the She Code Africa mentorship often continue their journeys with a clear roadmap. You’re not left hanging—SCA stays invested in its alumni.
Post-Mentorship Benefits:
– Access to exclusive hiring partner opportunities – Scholarships to advanced certifications and bootcamps – Mentorship extension for top-performing mentees – Priority invitations to SCA programs like Hackathons and Conferences
Some mentees become mentors in future cohorts. Others return to give tech talks, host community events, or start chapters in their local cities. One of the core values at She Code Africa is “lift as you climb.”
The Bigger Picture: More Than Just Mentorship
She Code Africa is building more than careers—it’s building a movement. With chapters across 15+ African countries and a growing diaspora network, this is one of the most powerful grassroots forces in African tech.
The mentorship program is just one piece. There are also:
- Annual summits
- Hackathons and open-source programs
- Campus ambassador networks
- Partner programs with tech companies like Google, GitHub, and Intel
If you’re serious about your future in tech, this is your signal to move. Don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Apply now, and let the process grow you.
