In Nigeria, where the tech industry offers a promising career path to financial freedom and a more equitable future, a fellowship program is making a significant impact by providing a safe space for queer individuals to acquire in-demand tech skills. Tech4Pride, launched by the Center for Health Education and Vulnerable Support (CHEVS), a human rights organisation focused on queer people, is one of the few initiatives in the country teaching queer individuals coding and non-coding skills.

The cohort-based fellowship has trained over 100 people and placed 76% of them in jobs, according to Kenny Owen, who heads the program. The initiative is not only providing economic empowerment but also working to include mentorship opportunities to connect tech talent to established queer founders or tech executives for career development. During their training, Tech4Pride fellowship members develop tech projects presented at graduation, which often address unique challenges faced by the queer community that are typically overlooked due to their specific nature.

The need for a queer-focused fellowship was identified through the lived experiences of queer Nigerians. Conversations with queer communities, key informants, and focused groups show that there is a low completion rate of physical and virtual tech skills training among queer people. Marginalised groups often feel uncomfortable in diverse learning spaces, which can negatively impact their performance. Similar dynamics exist among women and even religious groups who have created their communities for learning and support.

In diverse tech skills acquisition programmes that require physical attendance, the unconventional fashion choices of queer people often lead to assumptions about their sexual orientation, shaping social interactions. Individuals who express themselves in ways that challenge traditional gender norms—including dressing in masculine clothing—face heightened risks of physical violence. Homophobic remarks, slurs, or physical harassment can create a climate of fear and intimidation, making it difficult for queer people to focus on their studies.

Virtual learning spaces can offer physical distance, but they are not immune to discrimination. Online activities required by virtual classes can expose students' digital footprints, making them vulnerable to harassment. Sometimes, fellow students find their digital footprint on social media where they are more expressive of their sexuality, and that has often led to outing, attacks, doxxing, and cyberstalking.

While initiatives like Tech4Pride play a crucial role in promoting inclusivity, their sustainability often hinges on the availability of external funding. This reliance on grants and donations can be risky. Throughout 2024, Tech4Pride paused enrollment to focus on fundraising. The initiative did not run any cohort training this year—the third cohort has been deferred to 2025.

A commercial model would be more sustainable. Edtech startups and skills acquisition initiatives by for-profit businesses should consider the unique needs of queer trainees. However, one tech boot camp founder explained that the tech ecosystem, while more open-minded than many other sectors, hardly prioritises the specific needs of LGBTQIA+ groups.

The immediate goal of increasing tech skills among queer people is economic empowerment unrestricted by location. With globally in-demand tech skills, queer people can increase their potential for migration to countries with more favourable LGBTQIA+ laws. Another goal is to increase inclusivity within the tech ecosystem, providing a unique perspective that allows for the development of solutions that address the specific challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community.

While there is extensive research on the experiences of women in education and tech, little to no research exists on the experiences of queer people in these fields in Africa. The need for more research and initiatives like Tech4Pride is clear, and their impact could be significant in promoting a more inclusive and diverse tech industry in Nigeria and beyond.