In December 2025, UNESCO launched a nine-session online quantum computing course paired with a mentorship programme targeting women PhD students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics across Africa. According to UNESCO, the programme brought together 40 women scientists from 15 African countries, including Mauritania, Ghana, Nigeria, Tunisia, South Africa, Kenya, Togo, The Gambia, Namibia, Algeria, Morocco, Burkina Faso, Benin, Cameroon, and Ethiopia.
UNESCO designed the course to provide an accessible foundation in quantum computing and help participants identify pathways into the field. Led by Dr. Maria Longobardi from the University of Basel and Dr. James Wootton from Moth Quantum, the programme was based on the open-source textbook Learn Quantum Computation using Qiskit. Sessions progressed from core concepts to selected applications, combining technical instruction with interactive discussion.
As described in the UNESCO outcome report, participants represented diverse scientific disciplines and varying levels of prior exposure to quantum science. Mauritanian representation in the cohort marked the country’s first documented participation in a structured international quantum workforce development initiative. The programme formed part of UNESCO’s broader activities during the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ 2025).