Unlike traditional “coding bootcamps,” the PalmPay Purple Woman program recognises that a thriving fintech ecosystem requires diverse talent
LAGOS, Nigeria, March 17, 2026/ —
In Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital economy, where fintech companies have seen 70% growth in just one year, a shift is underway that goes beyond mobile wallets and transaction volumes.
At the center of this transformation is the PalmPay Purple Woman program, designed to address a critical gap — women currently represent only 17% of Nigeria’s tech workforce.
For many, the barrier to entering technology is as much psychological as it is technical.
“I’d seen the tweets, heard the buzz, but to me, tech just meant ‘hacking and coding,’” said one participant.
“I never imagined it was a space I could truly belong in.”
She was among 100 women selected for a competitive three-day masterclass in the 2025 cohort.
What began as a hesitant step turned into a career shift, leading her to become one of ten women selected for a six-month internship within PalmPay’s internal teams.
Unlike traditional coding bootcamps, the PalmPay Purple Woman program takes a broader approach to building talent across the fintech ecosystem.
The program offers specialised training in:
Technical Tracks: Software Engineering, Data Analysis, and UI/UX Design
Operational Excellence: Product Management, Digital Marketing, and Human Resources
Economic Resilience: Personal Financial Management and Workplace Policy
For this participant, the journey led to a role in Human Resources, where she now manages hiring, onboarding, and payroll.
“Interning in HR was more than I ever imagined. I am learning aspiration, resilience, and responsibility.”
Now in its third year, the program continues to drive meaningful impact:
Cumulative Reach: Over the past three years, approximately 250 young women have been empowered
Direct Employment: 20 internships have been facilitated, transitioning participants into real-world fintech roles
Knowledge-Driven Masterclass: Each year, shortlisted candidates receive practical training for both professional and personal growth
A defining aspect of the program is PalmPay’s corporate culture, which challenges traditional workplace hierarchies.
Through a “no door” policy, interns can directly approach senior leadership, including the Managing Director, to share ideas.
“It completely shifted the vibe — less hierarchy, more collaboration,” the intern shared.
“It makes the workplace feel open, empowering, and far from toxic.”
As Nigeria strengthens its position as a leading emerging tech hub, the Purple Woman program offers a model for inclusive growth.
By combining technical expertise with leadership and workplace skills, PalmPay is helping ensure that the future of fintech reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of PalmPay.
About PalmPay
PalmPay is a fintech platform focused on financial inclusion and economic empowerment across emerging markets.
It offers a range of services including mobile payments, embedded credit, savings, and micro-insurance through its app and agent network.
Since launching in Nigeria in 2019, the platform has grown to over 35 million users and connects more than one million businesses across Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, and Bangladesh.
For more information, visit www.PalmPay.com
Source: PalmPay
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