Amid the web startups, cybersecurity firms and information technology consultants in the booming tech hub of Kigali, Rwanda, God’sfavour Chukwudi is methodically charting her career as a software engineer and encouraging other young women across Africa to pursue similar paths in technology.
“Most of the solutions across various sectors in Africa, whether in healthcare, government, or education, are becoming increasingly digital,” God’sfavour noted. “My goal is to be a key contributor in this ongoing digital revolution.”
God’sfavour is a second-year student in the Bachelor’s in Software Engineering Program at Africa Leadership University, which is delivered in partnership with the Holberton School. The program’s hands-on-learning approach equips students with a deep understanding of technology and innovation and prepares them for roles as entrepreneurial leaders in solving Africa’s grand challenges.
A strong believer in the power of support networks, God’sfavour jumped at the opportunity to join Infrastructure Masons and apply for an iMasons Scholarship award when a friend shared information about the program. Now as an iMasons member and scholar, God’sfavour is exploring the iMasons network in search of opportunities to apply her emerging skills in low-level programming, which is her chosen specialization at ALU.
“I’m strategically planning my next steps,” she said. “My goal is to pursue a master’s degree after graduation to further enhance my expertise in software engineering.”
The strength and support of family
God’sfavour was born and raised in Nigeria. Her family, she said, is a source of strength and support. For example, her older brother, who works in the information technology sector, played a crucial role in shaping her career path.
“He’s been my main motivator,” she explained. “He’s always there to support me when I face challenges.”
Following her brother’s encouragement, God’sfavour enrolled in online programming courses in Python. She mastered Python for data science and learned Scrum, an agile software development framework. These skills set her up for success at ALU, which has the advantage of location in Kigali – a city that has emerged as one of Africa’s key and vibrant technology hubs.
First year students at ALU build a foundation in software engineering and web development. They master essential programming languages including Python and JavaScript and learn how to work with SQL databases.
Students pick a specialty in the third trimester of the second year. God’sfavour initially considered the full stack web development track but saw greater opportunity for long-term career growth in low-level programming, which involves writing code that directly interacts with a computer’s memory and processor.
Support for women in STEM
In addition to her studies, God’sfavour is committed to empowering other young women in Africa to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. For example, she is an event manager for She Code Africa’s chapter at ALU. The non-profit organization aims to bridge the gender gap in technology by providing resources and opportunities for women in the industry.
She’s also involved with Miss Nacre Africa, a startup focused on empowering young women to join leadership and decision-making roles in Rwanda.
“We’re challenging ingrained stereotypes about gender roles,” she said. “Our goal is to open up a world of possibilities for both girls and boys.”
Her involvement in these organizations is rooted in the support she had while growing up in Nigeria and has continued to search out and lean on while mapping out a career path in Rwanda.
“I’ve been fortunate to have people that supported me at every step,” God’sfavour said, acknowledging her family, friends and the iMasons community. “Now, I want to pay it forward and be that support for others.”
You can support students like God’sfavour by donating to the Digital Infrastructure Futures Fund(DIFF), iMasons Scholarship fund.
- Make a personal donation – Tax-deductible in the U.S. and many other countries.
- Employer match programs – DIFF is eligible for most employee giving programs.
- Gifts from Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) – Simplify your charitable giving.
- Direct device donations – Partner with your company to donate essential tech to students in need.
We need your help to build a brighter, more inclusive digital future.