DATAWIRED, a Zimbabwean data consultancy and training organisation, has celebrated the graduation of 34 young women from the inaugural Data Empowerment Actualisation and Leadership (DEAL) Programme.
Implemented in partnership with the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) and supported by the US embassy, the programme equips participants with practical skills in data and technology.
Launched in January 2026, the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between education and employment by providing young women with practical data skills required in today’s technology-driven workplace.
Speaking to NewsDay Weekender on the sidelines of the graduation ceremony, DataWired founder Gcinithemba Sherilyn Maphosa said the programme seeks to empower young women to secure careers in data-related fields, become entrepreneurs and contribute meaningfully to organisations through data-driven decision-making.
“We realised that in Zimbabwe there is a gap between acquiring knowledge and securing employment or pursuing entrepreneurship,” she said.
“What we wanted was to build the next generation of women equipped with the right skills so that they can access opportunities in the data industry, perform competently and even establish their own organisations, whether in training, start-ups or businesses that rely on data.”
Over the past three months, participants received mentorship from experienced women professionals, including executives and board members, who guided them in technical skills, career development, leadership and time management.
Although the programme initially targeted 50 participants, 34 successfully completed all graduation requirements, including publishing professional portfolios on GitHub to showcase their projects and newly acquired skills.
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Maphosa expressed pride in the graduates, describing their achievements as evidence of their dedication and commitment.
“I am absolutely satisfied and proud because this is a testament that these women have been learning and now have something tangible to show for it,” she said.
The free online programme is open to individuals aged 18 and above, complemented by occasional in-person events.
DataWired said its training programmes are accessible regardless of participants' financial circumstances.
Currently self-funded, the organisation hopes to expand its reach through strategic partnerships and additional resources.
Maphosa said the initiative aligns with Zimbabwe’s growing emphasis on digital skills development following the launch of the National Artificial Intelligence Policy.
“Zimbabwe has recently launched the National AI Policy, and one of its pillars focuses on skills development. Our programmes contribute directly to that objective.
“We are empowering young women with the skills to establish their own consultancies, start businesses and add value to the organisations they work for by improving productivity and return on investment.”
According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2024, artificial intelligence and data-related occupations are among the fastest-growing professions globally, with demand for data analysts and scientists expected to increase by more than 30% over the next five years.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, US embassy deputy chief of mission Phil Nervig congratulated the graduates and commended DataWired and its mentors for successfully guiding participants through the intensive 12-week programme.
He said the initiative was creating a pipeline of skilled women ready to contribute to Zimbabwe’s growing technology sector.
“What you have built here is a pipeline of women who will shape Zimbabwe’s digital future, and it reflects the positive impact of US exchange programmes and American investment in global STEM talent,” Nervig said.
Addressing the graduates, he noted that artificial intelligence and data science are among the world's fastest-growing fields, making the skills they had acquired increasingly valuable.
“The skills you have gained here are not just relevant; they are essential,” Nervig said.
“In a world increasingly shaped by AI, societies need professionals like you who can interpret data responsibly, build trustworthy systems and ensure that technology serves people.”
The embassy reaffirmed its commitment to supporting young professionals through exchange programmes, training opportunities and continued engagement with emerging technology leaders.
National University of Science and Technology (NUST) student Tatenda Murwira praised the DEAL Programme for giving her direction and confidence in pursuing a career in data science.
Murwira said she had long been interested in the field but struggled to identify a clear career path despite completing several data-related courses and certifications.
“I had no direction and no structure,” she said.
“There are so many areas in data, from analytics and engineering to artificial intelligence and machine learning, and it was difficult to know where I belonged.”
She said joining the DEAL mentorship programme, where she was paired with an experienced mentor and received one-on-one career guidance, proved transformative.
“This programme changed the way I see my future,” Murwira said.
“I now have a clearer vision of where I want to go and how to get there.”
