Teen-Led SPARK Tech Africa Launches in Lagos to Connect African Girls With Global Tech Mentors

A bold new initiative to revolutionize access to technology mentorship for African girls has officially launched in Lagos. SPARK Tech Africa, a digital platform founded by teenage Nigerian tech advocate Camille Ananyi, is designed to connect young girls across Africa with world-class mentors from Silicon Valley and beyond.

Speaking at the launch, Camille, who currently studies at Menlo School in Silicon Valley, shared her motivation behind the platform.

“SPARK Tech Africa is more than a program. I know what it’s like to grow up without a mentor. Not everyone gets that guidance early, and I’ve seen firsthand how that gap can limit potential,” she said.
“SPARK is my way of building a bridge between the dreams of African girls and the possibilities in global tech.”

Camille’s journey into technology began in Lagos, where she attended The Learning Place, Lekki and Corona School, Victoria Island. She began coding at a young age through the Summer of Code at CoCreation Hub and later honed her skills at Stanford University and UC Berkeley through advanced tech programs. Her experience in the MAGIC (More Active Girls In Computing) program further solidified her belief in mentorship as a tool for empowerment.

Now, through SPARK, Camille is using her global exposure to empower girls across the continent. The platform is purpose-built to close the knowledge and mentorship gap for African girls pursuing careers in tech by:

• Matching mentees with mentors using smart algorithms that consider shared interests, skills, and goals.
• Offering a curated Learn Page where mentees can explore coding and real-world tech projects.
• Featuring a Women’s Stories section, where mentors share personal journeys to inspire the next generation.
• Tracking mentee growth through a Progress Page with weekly reports for mentors and program managers.
• Hosting a video showcase of final projects, with top-performing participants selected for a two-week summer camp in Silicon Valley.

The SPARK programme runs annually from December to April. During the mentorship cycle, mentees collaborate with tech professionals on meaningful projects. Exceptional participants are flown to the U.S. for an immersive experience visiting global tech giants and refining their innovations.

“We are investing in the next generation of African innovators,” Camille said.
“SPARK is a platform for transformation that is powered by technology and driven by purpose.”

SPARK Tech Africa is now live and currently accepting mentee applications for the 2025–2026 cohort.