Top 10 Inspiring Women in Tech in Nigeria 2024

The Nigerian technology landscape is experiencing an exciting transformation. The rise of women in tech is breaking stereotypes and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. However, despite this progress, the global technology sector remains imbalanced. Women are still significantly underrepresented, facing challenges such as unconscious bias and a lack of female role models.

In Nigeria, for example, while the number of women pursuing careers in technology is growing, there remains a significant gap to bridge. However, the remarkable achievements of the few pioneering women in the Nigerian tech industry serve as powerful inspiration, paving the way and empowering the next generation, especially young Nigerian girls, to invest in and pursue their tech aspirations.

This article introduces you to 10 such inspiring women in tech who are leading the way in Nigeria. From coding prodigies to tech entrepreneurs, these women represent the diverse and growing talent pool shaping Nigerian technology’s future. The article also provides a step-by-step guide on how to get into the tech industry as a woman in Nigeria and possible scholarship opportunities to explore as an aspiring Nigerian woman in tech. 

Top 10 Inspiring Women in Tech 2024

10. Blessing Iyare

Blessing Iyare is significant in driving The Visiola Foundation. This non-profit organization empowers African girls from underserved communities to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). As the Operations Manager, she is instrumental in creating and executing programs that offer girls access to quality STEM education, mentorship, and career pathways.

Blessing’s impact extends far beyond her work at The Visiola Foundation. She fervently advocates for STEM education and actively participates in initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion within the tech sector. Her exceptional leadership and dedication to empowering women make her a role model for future female tech leaders in Nigeria.

9. Tina Okonkwo

Tina Okonkwo excels as a data analyst at FanBants, where her expertise in data-driven decision-making has significantly advanced the company. Her exceptional skills earned her the ‘Data Analyst of the Year’ title at the No Code Tech Awards. 

Tina’s analytical approach enhances business strategies and fosters a culture of innovation and precision within her team. Her dedication and innovative methods have set high standards in the tech field, and she actively mentors aspiring data analysts, helping to shape the next generation of tech leaders in Nigeria.

8. Elizabeth Boluwatife Rotimi

Elizabeth Boluwatife Rotimi is reshaping the average student experience in today’s era. As an emerging thought leader, she harnesses LinkedIn’s influence to motivate and empower aspiring tech professionals. She is the mind behind Techies on LinkedIn, where she has built a community that encourages sharing knowledge, networking, and advancing careers for technology enthusiasts on the platform.

Being a Student herself, she has left a mark on the tech landscape in Nigeria. Her talent in leveraging media to establish a thriving community and motivate others showcases her drive and steadfast dedication to creating an impact. Undoubtedly, she is someone to watch in the tech industry.

7. Ife Durosinmi Etti

Ife Durosinmi Etti holds a prominent position in Nigeria’s technology sector and is recognized for her founding role at Herconomy. Herconomy is one of Nigeria’s pioneering Fintech companies devoted to empowering women by equipping them with the tools and resources for independence and growth.

Through her leadership and dedication to promoting women’s participation in technology, Ife has made an impact, creating an environment conducive to women’s success in both technology and business. Within Herconomy, Ife’s initiatives not only assist women but also focus on enhancing their educational and professional development, establishing it as a comprehensive platform for empowering women.

6. Blessing Abeng

Blessing Abeng is another influential figure in Nigeria’s tech and branding industry. As the co-founder and communications director at Ingressive for Good, she utilizes her branding and communication expertise to empower brands by crafting narratives and building strong brand identities. She focuses on developing communication strategies that boost visibility and engagement for tech products and services.

Among other honours, she has received recognition as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, the UK Africa Achievers Awards, YNaija’s 100 Most Powerful Youths in Nigeria, the UN 100 Most Influential People of African Descent Under 40, and PR Power List top 50. Blessing’s endeavors go beyond business strategies; her efforts focus on bringing about tangible change in the tech industry.

5. Damilola Olokesusi

Damilola Olokesusi, co-founder and CEO of Shuttlers, is known for her innovation and advocacy in Nigeria’s tech industry. She started Shuttlers to improve the commutes for professionals in Lagos after her sister had an unpleasant experience with public transport. The establishment of Shuttlers has significantly improved urban transportation, enhancing mobility within the city. 

Damilola’s commitment extends beyond transportation; she passionately advocates for women’s rights and equality. As one of the founders of the Feminist Coalition, she champions women’s independence and increased representation in public leadership roles. Her contributions to technology and activism provide practical solutions and inspire many to become more engaged and innovative in their fields.

4. Chisom Nwokwu

Chisom Nwokwu is a Software Engineer at Microsoft’s Lagos office in Nigeria. She plays a role in the sustainability team, working towards Microsoft’s goal of achieving carbon negativity by 2030. Her responsibilities include developing customer-facing interfaces, services, developer tools, and dashboards that improve efficiency and performance metrics.

She engages in other admirable activities in the tech ecosystem outside of engineering, such as sharing opportunities, providing mentorship, and always keeping doors open for others.

She was nominated in October 2022 by She Code Africa and the Women Tech Network as a “RISING STAR OF THE YEAR,” both organisations recognising her for her rapid advancement.

3. Ifeoluwa Dare Johnson

Ifeoluwa Dare Johnson, the founder and CEO of Healthtracka, is deeply passionate about healthcare in Africa. Her innovative approach has resulted in developing a platform that makes lab testing more accessible to the public. This simplifies the process of getting health tests and ensures that more people can receive timely care without barriers.

Ifeoluwa’s commitment is evident in her search for solutions that meet immediate healthcare needs and bring lasting change to the industry. Her work showcases how technology can revolutionize sectors and improve lives. Her vision for a  healthier Africa serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that significant changes are achievable with determination and the right tools.

2. Oluwatosin Olaseinde

Since 2018, Oluwatosin Olaseinde, the founder of Money Africa and Ladda, has been a driving force in promoting financial literacy in Nigeria. Her dedication to empowering Nigerians with business finance courses has made her an influential advocate in the fintech industry.

With her platforms, Oluwatosin aims to continuously equip individuals with the information and resources necessary for economic independence and success. Her platforms have experienced significant growth and provided valuable resources and education to a community eager to improve their financial knowledge. 

1. Solape Akinpelu

Solape Akinpelu promotes diversity and inclusion within Nigeria’s tech industry. She has been dedicated to narrowing the gender gap in tech, creating an environment that empowers many women to pursue historically male-dominated roles. Her initiatives focus on giving women access to resources, mentorship, and platforms where they can thrive and contribute to the tech community.

Solapes’ work is instrumental in reshaping the technology landscape in Nigeria and ensuring that it becomes more accessible and fair for women. This is particularly significant since women constitute over 70% of Nigeria’s economy. Yet, an alarming 98% of them lack access to formal credit. This stark disparity highlights the importance of her efforts in creating opportunities that were previously unavailable to many.

Read also: Top 10 Most Successful Women in Tech in Nigeria

How to Become a Woman in Tech

Embarking on a career in tech as a woman in Nigeria is a fulfilling journey, albeit filled with challenges and abundant prospects. For aspiring female tech enthusiasts, grasping the industry’s dynamics and arming oneself with the skills are essential for carving out a path. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get into the tech industry as a woman in Nigeria:

1. Invest in Education and Skill Development

Formal education is a reliable pathway into the tech industry. A computer science, engineering, or related field degree is highly recommended. Many Nigerian universities offer these programs, some providing scholarships specifically designed for women.

Another effective method to learn and enhance your skills is through coding boot camps. Consider exploring options such as Decagon or AltSchool Africa, which provide intensive learning and hands-on skill development in coding.

Additionally, platforms like Coursera, Udacity, and Udemy offer a diverse range of courses across various technical fields. Many of the successful women in tech are self-taught, complementing their formal education with independent study through these platforms. You, too, can take advantage of these resources to expand your knowledge and stay updated with advancements in the industry.  

2. Expand Your Professional Network

Forge connections with mentors who can offer valuable advice and insights. Organizations like Women in Technology in Nigeria (WITIN) and She Leads Africa provide excellent mentorship opportunities. Additionally, attending tech events such as conferences, meetups, and workshops allows you to network with women in tech, potential employers, and industry experts. 

Also, engage actively in forums and groups like Women Techmakers and TechCabal to join discussions, seek guidance, and build relationships with fellow women in the tech industry. These interactions are invaluable for career growth and professional development.

3. Address the Challenges

Building a career in male-dominated fields like tech can be challenging, forcing many women to face self-doubt. Overcome this syndrome by acknowledging your achievements and focusing on growth. Educate yourself on bias at work and develop strategies to navigate it effectively. Also, strive for a work-life routine to maintain well-being amidst the demands of a tech career.

4. Explore Opportunities

Utilize job portals like LinkedIn and Jobberman to uncover tech job openings and explore career sections of admired tech companies for potential opportunities. Many companies are actively enhancing diversity within their teams, with specific initiatives aimed at attracting women to the tech industry; take advantage of these initiatives. Networking is crucial; leverage your connections to discover job opportunities, as rewarding positions often arise through professional contacts.

Read also: Nigeria Women in Tech: Breaking Barriers and Making Strides

Tech Scholarships for Females in Nigeria

Financial challenges often hinder aspiring females from pursuing careers in technology. However, recognizing the importance of education and financial support in empowering women in tech, several organizations and educational institutions in Nigeria have introduced scholarships and grants tailored specifically for women pursuing tech-related studies. These programs alleviate the financial burden of education and serve as powerful incentives for women to enter and thrive in the tech sector. Here are some prominent scholarships for women in tech in Nigeria:

• Decagon Software Engineering Training Scholarship for Women: This scholarship covers the tuition costs for Decagon’s software engineering training program, equipping women with the skills and knowledge essential to launch successful careers in the tech industry.
• IBT Learning African Women in Tech Scholarship Program: This program provides expert-led training in tech disciplines such as DevOps, Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Full Stack Software Engineering. It also includes job placement assistance, offering a comprehensive pathway for women entering the tech industry.
• The SheCodes Foundation for Nigeria Women: This initiative provides coding workshops and mentorship tailored to empower women from marginalized communities to enter tech.
• The Moniepoint Women in Tech Internship Program: This program offers women across Africa the chance to gain practical experience in tech roles such as System Administration, Quality Assurance, Front End Engineering, and Product Management.

Read Also: 10 Nigerian Scholarship Opportunities Every Nigerian Student Should Know

Conclusion

Women’s progress in the tech industry is reshaping norms, breaking barriers, and fostering innovation. This surge of leadership is noticeable across fields, including fintech, healthcare, transportation, and education. These female tech professionals are establishing careers and developing solutions to tackle critical issues and uplift communities. Their accomplishments serve as an inspiration to the next generation.

By supporting women in tech through education, mentorship, and career progression, the country can tap into a pool of drive economic development. Despite existing challenges, the outlook for women in tech in Nigeria appears promising, with a cohort of leaders poised to leave their mark on the stage.

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