This handpicked selection showcases 15 African women who are boldly leading the charge and driving innovation through their startups and skills, aligning with the mission of International Women’s Day 2022. Each of these women is uniquely shaping the tech ecosystem, playing pivotal roles as founders, co-founders, venture capitalists, top executives, and CEOs. These trailblazers are at the forefront of some of the most exciting and transformative developments in technology, pushing boundaries and creating lasting impact across the industry.

We hope their journeys will inspire you to take action, explore their stories, and consider your own path in the tech world. Now, let’s dive into the remarkable achievements of these 15 exceptional African women in tech!

1. Jihan Abass (Kenya)
Founder of Lamilnsurtech

Jihan Abass is a pioneering entrepreneur from Kenya and the founder of Lami Insurtech, a groundbreaking company transforming the insurance landscape across Africa. Established in 2018, Lami Insurtech was created with the mission to democratize access to insurance by offering affordable, transparent, and accessible insurance products, initially focusing on Kenya and expanding to other African markets.

Under her leadership, Lami Insurtech has developed an innovative API insurance service platform that fully digitizes the insurance process, making it easier for businesses and customers to access and manage insurance policies online.

In May 2021, Lami Insurtech successfully raised $1.8 million in seed funding, a significant milestone that has enabled the startup to scale its operations and further expand its product offerings. The funding is being used to enhance its technology infrastructure, enter new markets across Africa, and form strategic partnerships with various insurers and tech companies.

2. Esther Ninsiima Nyinamwiru (Uganda)
Product Manager/Project Manager

Esther Nyinamwiru is an experienced Product Owner and Tech Talent Manager with a strong track record of success in the internet industry. Esther’s expertise lies in managing software developers, recruitment, problem-solving, negotiation, cost control without compromising quality, and project management.

Before her tech career, Esther worked in the construction industry as a Quantity Surveyor. She developed her skills in managing costs and ensuring projects were completed on time and within budget. Her experience in construction has given her a unique perspective on project management, which she brings to her work in the tech industry.

Esther is a highly skilled professional who is dedicated to delivering quality outcomes. Her ability to manage teams, solve problems, and negotiate effectively makes her a valuable asset to any organization.

3. Olayinka Ugwu (Nigeria)
Lead Data Scientist, WalNG Limited

Olayinka Ugwu is a highly skilled data scientist from Nigeria, currently serving as the Lead Data Scientist at WalNG Limited, a leading fintech company. With a strong background in data analytics and machine learning, Olayinka has been instrumental in developing innovative data-driven solutions that have transformed the company’s financial products and services. Her expertise in predictive modeling, data mining, and algorithm development has enabled WalNG to streamline its operations, enhance customer experiences, and optimize financial decision-making processes.

Olayinka leads a team of data professionals, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to build robust
analytics platforms that empower the company to provide personalized financial products to its diverse customer base.

Her contributions have significantly improved the accuracy of credit risk assessments, fraud detection mechanisms, and customer segmentation strategies, leading to increased operational efficiency and revenue growth.

4. Angela Semwogerere (Uganda)
Spidd Africa/Founder – Coding In Heels

Angela Mirembe Semwogerere is a dynamic leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for technology education and empowerment in Uganda. She currently serves as the General Manager of Spidd Africa Ltd., where she oversees operations, business growth, and strategic initiatives to drive technological innovation across the region.

With a strong passion for fostering digital literacy and inclusion, Angela is also the Founder of Coding In Heels, a groundbreaking social enterprise dedicated to inspiring girls and women to embrace careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), with a particular focus on technology. Through Coding In Heels, Angela empowers young women to pursue opportunities in coding, software development, and other tech fields, helping to bridge the gender gap in these traditionally male-dominated industries.

In addition to her entrepreneurial efforts, Angela is a consultant with expertise in emerging technologies. Her influence extends to Uganda’s National Taskforce on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), where she plays a key role in shaping the country’s policies and strategies around cutting-edge advancements like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and robotics.

5. Betelhem Dessie (Ethiopia)
Youth Technology Education Entrepreneur

Born and raised in Harar, Ethiopia, Betelhem Dessie displayed a remarkable interest in technology from an early age. By the age of 7, she was already fascinated by computers, and just three years later, at the age of 10, she began coding. Her passion for technology only grew, and through self-learning and dedication, she mastered key aspects of computer science, robotics, and software development by her mid-teens.

In pursuit of greater opportunities, Betelhem moved to Addis Ababa, where she received mentorship from the Information Network Security Agency (INSA), a government agency focused on cyber security. The experience further honed her technical skills and gave her insight into the emerging tech landscape in Ethiopia.

Betelhem’s contributions extend beyond her personal ventures; she has made a significant impact on youth education in technology. A passionate advocate for tech education, she has been teaching children the fundamentals of computing, coding, and robotics, inspiring the next generation of African innovators.

6. Roina Ochieng (Kenya)
Lead Technical Product Manager at Food for Education

Roina Ochieng is an accomplished product manager with a strong background in driving impactful initiatives at Food For Education.

As the Lead Technical Product Manager, she plays a pivotal role in the development and optimization of the innovative Tap2Eat product, which simplifies meal access for students across Kenya. In addition to her product management responsibilities, Roina co-leads the tech and product teams, ensuring seamless collaboration to scale the feeding program.

Her efforts enable the integration of technology into the feeding platform, allowing internal stakeholders to leverage data-driven insights for improved decision-making. Roina’s work is instrumental in enhancing operational efficiency and maximizing the reach of the program, ensuring that more children receive nutritious meals daily.

7. Thato Schermer (South Africa)
Founder of Zoie Health Technologies

Thato Schermer is the visionary founder of Zoie Health Technologies, a health-tech platform dedicated to improving women’s healthcare across Africa. With roots in Pretoria, South Africa, and Wisconsin, USA, Thato combines her diverse cultural experiences to address healthcare disparities in women’s health.

Zoie Health offers virtual consultations with healthcare professionals specializing in women’s health, as well as a subscription service for contraceptives, making essential health services more accessible to women throughout the continent.

Thato’s mission is to leverage technology to provide affordable, high-quality healthcare solutions, ensuring that millions of African women can easily access the care they need. Her leadership has positioned Zoie Health as a transformative force in digital health innovation.

8. Velda Kiara (Kenya)
Software Developer

Velda Kiara is a dynamic software engineer, technical writer, and open-source contributor who specializes in building robust web applications using Django and React.

Her passion for technology extends beyond coding, as she is also deeply involved in technical writing, contributing to various online platforms, and sharing her knowledge with the broader tech community. Velda actively leads in several tech communities, fostering collaboration and mentorship among developers.

Outside of her professional work, Velda enjoys writing insightful blogs on a range of topics, engaging in recreational activities like swimming, and diving into captivating books and films. Her creativity and commitment to learning continue to make her a valuable asset in the tech ecosystem.

9. Dr. Nonhlanhla Sitole (South Africa)
Co-Founder of Zoie Health

Dr. Nonhlanhla Sitole is a molecular and cellular biology expert with a Ph.D., who co-founded Zoie Health to address women’s healthcare challenges across Africa. Her academic background has given her a scientific approach to problem-solving, which she applies to the tech-health interface at Zoie Health.

The platform, a digital women’s health clinic, offers virtual consultations, contraceptive delivery, and community engagement for African women. Nonhlanhla’s passion for science is evident in her work, and she aspires to one day explore new frontiers as an astronaut.

Through Zoie Health, she aims to ensure that millions of women across Africa have access to high-quality, tech-driven healthcare solutions that address their unique health needs.

10. Ivy Barley (Ghana)
Co-Founder of Developers in Vogue

Ivy Barley is a trailblazer in the African tech industry, co-founding Developers in Vogue to empower African women with the skills and opportunities to thrive in technology.

As an entrepreneur, program manager, and advocate for women in tech, Ivy is committed to fostering a more inclusive tech ecosystem. Developers in Vogue provides training, mentorship, and job placement opportunities for women, ensuring that they are well-positioned to succeed in the fast-evolving tech world.

Ivy’s contributions have not gone unnoticed—she has been recognized as one of Ghana’s top women in tech and a leading young influencer by Avance Media. Her vision is to create a world where African women are leaders in technology and innovation.

11. Ada Nduka (Nigeria)
Founder of She Code Africa

Ada Nduka is a renowned software developer, open-source advocate, and community leader who has made significant strides in promoting gender diversity in tech. As the founder of She Code Africa, Ada has built a vibrant community of women technologists across the continent, providing them with mentorship, training, and opportunities to excel.

She also leads Developer Relations at Interswitch Group, where she fosters collaboration between developers and the company’s tech ecosystem. Beyond her role at Interswitch, Ada is the founder of Open Source Community Africa, advocating for greater participation in open-source projects.

She also hosts a podcast for forLoop Africa, where she discusses pressing tech issues and interviews influential personalities in the industry. Ada’s passion for tech and community building continues to inspire and shape the future of African technology.

12. Neema Iyer (Ugandan)
Founder of Pollicy

Neema Iyer is the visionary founder of Pollicy, a pioneering civic technology organization based in Uganda. Pollicy, which champions feminist values, focuses on using data and technology as tools for social change. As a dynamic leader, Neema drives the organization’s mission to empower Africans by fostering a deeper understanding of how data can be used to build equitable societies.

Under her leadership, Pollicy conducts in-depth research and develops innovative projects that challenge conventional paradigms around tech ownership and data sovereignty. Neema’s work addresses critical issues, such as data privacy, digital literacy, and gender equity, ensuring that marginalized voices are heard in the digital age.

Neema’s efforts have positioned her as a prominent advocate for data rights and feminist technology in Africa, making her a key figure in the global movement for digital justice.

13. Nneile Nkholise (South Africa)
Founder, iMed Tech Group

Nneile Nkholise is a pioneering South African entrepreneur and mechanical engineer who founded iMed Tech Group in 2015, focusing on CAD and Additive Manufacturing for medical solutions, particularly breast prostheses. She began her career as a mechanical engineer at the Free State’s Public Works Department in 2011, before venturing into entrepreneurship.

Nkholise’s work has earned her multiple accolades, including being listed on Forbes Africa’s Under 30 and receiving the Presidential Award for Science, Innovation, and Technology at the South African Youth Awards in 2017. Through iMed Tech, she is passionate about empowering young African women by creating opportunities for them in the tech and medical sectors.

Her vision is to bridge the gap in healthcare innovation in Africa, all while driving advancements
in medical technology and uplifting underrepresented communities.

14. Sethebe Manake (Botswana)
Tech Entrepreneur

Sethebe Manake is a dynamic tech entrepreneur from Botswana with a deep passion for e-commerce, entrepreneurship, and small-to-medium enterprise (SME) development. With a background in Property Finance and Investment.

Sethebe has founded several businesses, including those in real estate, prop-tech, and entrepreneurship development. Her career began with a specialization in real estate asset management, where she worked with various investment vehicles. Driven by a strong business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit.

Sethebe has played a pivotal role in launching multiple initiatives aimed at nurturing both the start-up ecosystem and the real estate industry in Botswana. As a mentor and advocate for innovation, she continues to inspire others through her relentless pursuit of success and commitment to fostering the growth of SMEs in Africa.

15. Chisom Nwokwu (Nigeria)
Software Engineer, Microsoft

Chisom Nwokwu is a talented software engineer based in Lagos, Nigeria, currently working at Microsoft on the sustainability team. Her role involves developing customer-facing experiences, tools, and services that align with Microsoft’s ambitious goal of becoming carbon negative by 2030.

With expertise in big data platforms, Chisom is adept at querying, manipulating, and reporting on large datasets to improve operational optics and enhance user experiences. Her technical proficiency, combined with a passion for sustainability, has allowed her to contribute meaningfully to Microsoft’s mission of environmental responsibility.

Outside her work, Chisom is a strong advocate for using technology to address global challenges and is dedicated to making a positive impact on both the tech industry and the planet.