Famous African Women in Tech. African Business – The tech industry in Africa is booming, but a glaring issue needs to be addressed – the gender gap. Studies show that women constitute only 28% of professionals in the tech sector worldwide and just 30% in Sub-Saharan Africa. This disparity poses a significant challenge but is also an opportunity for change. Today, we celebrate seven of the African women who are not only breaking barriers but also elevating the tech industry on the continent. Read Also: Top 9 African countries leading in technological advancements
7 Famous African Women in Tech
1. Judith Owigar – Kenya
Judith Owigar, a pioneer in Kenya’s technology scene, inspires aspiring tech professionals across Africa. She cofounded Akirachix, a revolutionary initiative that provides training and mentorship to women in tech, to address the gender disparity head-on. Through her work, she champions software development skills among women and girls, fostering a more inclusive tech ecosystem.
Judith’s influence extends beyond education; she is also a co-founder of JuaKali, a digital platform connecting skilled manual laborers with the market, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and demonstrating her commitment to leveraging technology for socio-economic empowerment. Read Also: Rising Giants: Top 10 Africa’s Startups of 2023
2. Farida Bedwei – Ghana
Nana Efua Farida Bedwei is a testament to individuals’ profound impact on the technology landscape despite any obstacles they may face. As a software engineer in Ghana, Farida has challenged the status quo within the male-dominated tech industry. Living with cerebral palsy, she co-founded Logiciel, a software company that develops banking systems for the microfinance industry.
Moreover, her innovative work has revolutionized how financial services reach the underbanked and is a powerful example of using technology for financial inclusion. A respected figure, Bedwei’s work extends to advocating for disability rights, adding yet another dimension to her inspiring career in the tech ecosystem.
3. Eunice Baguma Ball – Uganda
Eunice Baguma Ball is a Ugandan entrepreneur whose impact on technology and gender equality is nothing short of inspiring. As the founder of the Africa Technology Business Network (ATBN), she is dedicated to fostering innovation and driving growth within Africa’s tech ecosystem. Read Also: The Surge of the Electric Vehicles in Africa
Her commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs in the tech industry led to the creation of the Her Future Africa program, an incubator focused on equipping young African women with the entrepreneurial skills necessary to launch and grow tech businesses. Eunice’s work also goes beyond empowerment; she actively contributes to shaping a tech sector that is diverse, inclusive, robust, and challenging and changing the narrative for African women in technology.
4. Rebecca Enonchong – Cameroon
Coming from Cameroon, Rebecca Enonchong has emerged as a formidable force in the African technology space. As the founder and CEO of AppsTech, a global provider of enterprise application solutions, she has shown that African companies can compete on an international stage. Enonchong is also known for her relentless advocacy for African technology.
She also serves as a board member for the African Business Angel Network (ABAN), which mobilizes investment into African startups, and is the founder of AfriLabs, a pan-African network of innovation centers that drive growth in the tech ecosystem across the continent. Her vision and leadership continue to pave the way for future generations of African women in tech.
5. Nkemdilim Begho – Nigeria
Nkemdilim Begho stands as one of Nigeria’s tech sector leaders. As the CEO of Future Software Resources Limited, an IT solutions provider focused on educational technology and enterprise solutions, Begho is an exemplar of innovation and thought leadership. Her dedication to technological advancement in Nigeria is further cemented by her advocacy for including women and girls in technology.
Begho’s endeavors in digital literacy and skill development initiatives have been instrumental in combatting the gender digital divide. She is a beacon for young female entrepreneurs in tech, championing the cause that ability is not gender-biased. With her at the top, Nkemdilim Begho continues to inspire and lead by example in the tech industry, not just in Nigeria but across the African continent.
6. Baratang Miya – South Africa
Baratang Miya is a South African pioneer, elevating the narrative around women in technology and contributing enthusiastically to the digital revolution in Africa. As the founder and CEO of GirlHype, a non-profit organization that works to empower young girls and women through tech and digital literacy, Miya is actively closing the gender gap within the STEM fields. Additionally, her initiatives aim to provide girls with coding skills and mentorship opportunities, positioning them for success in a tech-driven world.
Miya’s achievements have not gone unnoticed; receiving prestigious accolades, including the MTN Women in ICT – Community Builder Recognition, underscores her influential role in shaping a more inclusive future in the tech industry. Moreover, with her leadership, Baratang Miya is forging paths for African women and girls to venture boldly into the spaces of innovation and technology.
7. Elsie Kanza – Tanzania
A Tanzanian economist and leader, Elsie Kanza, has done her fair share in elevating the African tech landscape. As the Head of Africa at the World Economic Forum, she is critical in shaping the agenda for Africa’s economic growth and technological integration. With a profound understanding of both economic dynamics and global development, Elsie empowers tech initiatives that drive sustainable prosperity across the continent.
She also advocates for public-private technology collaboration, pushing for policies and investments that create a fertile ground for innovation and entrepreneurship. Kanza’s unwavering dedication to her country and continent positions her as a leading figure in the conversation about Africa’s technological future and a role model for women aspiring to make a difference through technology and policy leadership.
Bottom Line
These famous African women in tech are not just closing the gender gap but also creating a ripple effect, inspiring countless others to follow in their footsteps. To women who aspire to work in technology, let these formidable individuals be your guiding light. Let’s continue supporting and celebrating the women reshaping the tech industry in Africa. Their pioneering efforts are driving innovation, promoting gender equality, and also inspiring a new generation of tech leaders.