World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2026
@ITU / Anne-Laure Lechat
Technology for Social Change and Development Initiative (Tech4Dev) has been named a WSIS Prizes 2026 Champion by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for its flagship Women Techsters programme, making it the only Nigerian private organisation to receive recognition at this year’s awards.
The recognition, presented during the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland, was awarded in the ICT Applications: E-Employment category for the Women Techsters programme, which equips women and girls with digital skills and connects them to employment, entrepreneurship and leadership opportunities.
According to Tech4Dev, the Women Techsters programme is Africa’s largest women-in-technology initiative and is currently implemented in 30 African countries.
A total of 72 champions were recognised across 18 WSIS Action Line categories at the 2026 edition of the awards.
Commenting on the recognition, Diwura Oladepo, co-founder and executive director of Tech4Dev, said technology’s greatest impact lies in the economic opportunities it creates for women and young people.
“Technology is transforming every aspect of our lives, but its greatest value lies in the economic opportunities it creates for young people especially women.”
She described the award as validation of the organisation’s belief that digital skills can drive inclusive economic growth.
“This recognition reinforces what we have always believed, digital skills are a pathway to economic opportunity, and shared prosperity. Women Techsters was built on the conviction that every woman, regardless of where she lives or the barriers she faces, should have the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the digital economy. We are proud to see that vision recognized on a global stage, and we remain committed to expanding access so that many more women and girls can shape the future of technology.”
The award follows Tech4Dev’s recognition by the ITU in 2025 at the WSIS+20 High-Level Event, where the Women Techsters programme was honoured under the Capacity Building Action Line. The organisation said the latest recognition reflects the programme’s continued success in translating digital skills into employment and economic opportunities for women across Africa.
The award was received by Tech4Dev’s Co-founder and President, Joel Ogunsola, alongside Co-founder and Executive Director, Oladiwura Oladepo, during the WSIS Prizes 2026 Champions Ceremony in Geneva.
The recognition comes as Tech4Dev prepares to mark its 10th anniversary. Over the past decade, the organisation said it has empowered more than 300,000 people through digital skills development, workforce readiness programmes, research, policy engagement and strategic partnerships aimed at expanding economic opportunities and promoting digital inclusion.
Tech4Dev said it will continue to expand access to digital skills and economic opportunities for women, young people and underserved communities as it enters its second decade of operations.
