In Kampala, a new wave of digital ambition is taking shape as young women respond to the rise of artificial intelligence with enthusiasm and intent. Through Educating The Children’s Code Queen programme, participants are embracing AI as a tool for growth, innovation, and inclusion.
The global conversation around AI has recently intensified, particularly following statements from Microsoft AI leadership regarding the pace of automation in professional environments. While these projections have sparked wide discussion, Code Queen graduates are demonstrating how preparation and education can transform uncertainty into opportunity.
Founded in 2009, Educating The Children has reached more than 6,000 young women across East Africa. Its Code Queen initiative, launched in 2019, was created to bridge the gap between education systems and the realities of the technology workforce. The programme has since produced nearly 1,000 graduates, with over 80% moving into employment or entrepreneurial ventures. 
The addition of an AI-focused course in 2025 marked a pivotal moment. The curriculum now includes prompt engineering, automation workflows, AI-assisted design, strategic thinking, and digital entrepreneurship. This combination ensures that graduates are equipped to work alongside AI in meaningful and impactful ways.
The response has been striking. Applications to the programme have doubled since the introduction of AI training, signalling a strong interest in future-focused skills.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Code Queen stands as an example of how targeted education can empower individuals to lead within emerging industries, shaping not just their own futures, but the broader narrative of technological progress.
