In December 2025, UNESCO delivered a nine-session online quantum computing course and mentorship program for women scientists from fifteen African countries. According to UNESCO, the forty participants joined from Ghana, Nigeria, Mauritania, Tunisia, South Africa, Kenya, Togo, Gambia, Namibia, Algeria, Morocco, Burkina Faso, Benin, Cameroon, and Ethiopia. Namibian women scientists were among those selected for the program, which was designed as an entry-level capacity-building initiative under the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ 2025).
Dr. Maria Longobardi from the University of Basel and Dr. James Wootton from Moth Quantum led the course, which progressed from core quantum computing concepts to selected applications. According to the UNESCO program report, participant feedback indicated strengthened understanding of quantum concepts and increased confidence in engaging with emerging technologies. Many participants expressed interest in continued capacity-building and future mentorship roles.
UNESCO stated that the course directly addressed persistent regional and gender disparities in global quantum development. Insights from the program will inform the ongoing development of UNESCO’s Global Quantum Initiative (2026-2028), which aims to expand learning pathways and research engagement across the Global South.