Rebecca Enonchong, Founder, AppsTech
Rebecca Enonchong is a tech entrepreneur, activist, and mentor who founded AppsTech, a leading global provider of enterprise application solutions. Born and raised in Cameroon, she moved to the United States for her studies, eventually founding her company in 1999.
As an advocate for women in technology, Enonchong has been recognised for her efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion. She serves on the board of the African Business Angels Network and is a mentor and advisor to various tech startups and entrepreneurs.
Enonchong has received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to the tech industry, including being named one of the 50 most influential women in Africa by Forbes. She continues to inspire and empower the next generation of tech leaders through her work and advocacy.
6. Lucy Quist, Tech Entrepreneur
Lucy Quist is a Ghanaian tech entrepreneur with a background in engineering and business. She is the former CEO of Airtel Ghana and the first Ghanaian woman to lead a multinational telecommunications company in the country.
Quist is a champion for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry and has been recognised for her efforts in empowering women and girls in STEM fields. She is also a co-founder of FreshBakery, a digital platform that connects bakers with customers, and a board member of various organisations focused on technology and innovation.
In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits, Quist is a sought-after speaker and mentor, inspiring the next generation of African tech leaders. She continues to be a trailblazer in the industry, breaking barriers and paving the way for others to follow.
7. Rebecca Miano, CEO, Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen)
Rebecca Miano is the CEO of KenGen, the largest electricity generating company in Kenya. With a background in electrical engineering, she has led the company through significant growth and innovation in the energy sector.
Under her leadership, KenGen has implemented various renewable energy projects, including geothermal and wind power, contributing to Kenya’s goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2030. Miano is a trailblazer in the male-dominated energy industry and continues to inspire other women to pursue careers in STEM fields.
She is also a champion for sustainability and environmental conservation, advocating for clean energy solutions to combat climate change. Miano’s leadership and vision have positioned KenGen as a leader in the energy sector and a model for sustainable development in Africa.
8. Charlette N’Guessan, Founder, BACE Group
Charlette N’Guessan is a Ghanaian tech entrepreneur and the founder of BACE Group, a cybersecurity company that specialises in artificial intelligence solutions. She is known for developing the first facial recognition technology for Africans, known as BACE API.
N’Guessan’s innovative technology has been recognised for its potential to revolutionise security and identification systems across the continent. She is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry and has been featured in various publications for her groundbreaking work.
As a young entrepreneur, N’Guessan continues to push the boundaries of technology and inspire the next generation of African innovators. Her passion for using technology to solve real-world problems has positioned her as a leader in the cybersecurity space and a role model for women in STEM fields.
9. Ethel Cofie, Founder, Women in Tech Africa
Ethel Cofie is a Ghanaian tech entrepreneur and the founder of Women in Tech Africa, a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering women and girls in STEM fields. She is a passionate advocate for gender equality and has been recognised for her efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.
Cofie has over 12 years of experience in the tech sector and has worked with various organisations to support women in technology. She is a mentor and advisor to numerous startups and entrepreneurs, providing guidance and support to help them succeed in the industry.
As a leader in the African tech ecosystem, Cofie continues to inspire and empower women to pursue careers in STEM fields and break down barriers to entry. Her work with Women in Tech Africa has had a significant impact on the representation of women in technology and has helped to create a more inclusive and diverse industry.
10. Njeri Rionge, Co-founder, Wanachi Online
Njeri Rionge is a Kenyan tech entrepreneur and the co-founder of Wananchi Online, one of the first internet service providers in East Africa. She is a pioneer in the tech industry and has been instrumental in bringing internet connectivity to underserved communities in the region.
Rionge’s entrepreneurial spirit and innovation have positioned her as a leader in the African tech ecosystem. She is a strong advocate for digital inclusion and has been recognised for her efforts in bridging the digital divide in Africa.
As a mentor and advisor to numerous startups and entrepreneurs, Rionge continues to inspire and empower the next generation of African tech leaders. Her work with Wananchi Online has had a significant impact on the growth of the internet economy in East Africa and has helped to create new opportunities for innovation and growth.
These 10 women are just a few examples of the many African women who are making a significant impact in the tech industry. Their innovative spirit, leadership, and passion for technology are driving change and shaping the future of Africa’s tech ecosystem. As we celebrate their achievements, let us continue to support and empower women in technology and work towards a more inclusive and diverse industry for all.
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She is the founder of Tech4Dev, a social enterprise focused on empowering women and girls through technology. The organisation provides training and resources to help women gain digital skills and access opportunities in the tech industry. Oladepo’s work has impacted over 50,000 women and girls across Africa.
She is a recipient of several awards, including the 2019 Young Leaders in Tech Award by the Anita Borg Institute. Oladepo is also a Global Goodwill Ambassador, advocating for gender equality in technology and promoting the importance of digital literacy for all.
These women are just a few examples of the incredible talent and innovation coming out of Africa’s tech industry. Their work is not only pushing boundaries but also inspiring the next generation of female leaders in technology. As they continue to make waves in their respective fields, one thing is clear: the future of tech in Africa is bright and full of potential.
As a social entrepreneur, Oladepo is driven by her passion for women in tech development. This drive led her to establish the Technology for Social Change and Development Initiative (Tech4Dev), a non-government organization that operates in over 22 African countries. One of the flagship programs of Tech4Dev is the Women Techsters Initiative, which aims to empower five million women and girls with digital and tech skills by the year 2030.
Oladepo’s commitment to empowering women in the tech industry has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, she was honored with the Female Innovator of the Year award at the prestigious AfriTech awards. This recognition further solidifies her status as a trailblazer in the field of technology and social entrepreneurship.
The Women Techsters Initiative is a groundbreaking program that is making a real impact on the lives of women and girls across Africa. By providing them with the necessary skills and training, Oladepo is opening up new opportunities and pathways for them in the tech industry. This initiative is not only empowering individuals but also contributing to the overall development and growth of the African tech sector.
Through her innovative and forward-thinking approach, Oladepo is paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse tech industry. By focusing on women and girls, she is addressing the gender gap in the field and creating a more level playing field for all individuals. Her work is not only transforming lives but also shaping the future of technology in Africa.
Oladepo’s dedication to her cause is truly inspiring, and her impact is being felt far and wide. With her vision and leadership, she is not only changing the lives of women and girls but also driving positive change in the tech industry as a whole. Her achievements serve as a testament to the power of social entrepreneurship and the potential for technology to drive meaningful and lasting change. The Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation has gained popularity in recent years as a powerful tool for reducing stress and improving overall well-being. This ancient practice, rooted in Buddhist traditions, involves paying attention to the present moment with a non-judgmental and accepting attitude.
There are numerous benefits to incorporating mindfulness meditation into your daily routine. Research has shown that regular practice can help reduce anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. It can also improve focus, attention, and cognitive function.
One of the key benefits of mindfulness meditation is its ability to reduce stress. By focusing on the present moment and letting go of worries about the future or regrets about the past, individuals can experience a sense of calm and relaxation. This can help lower cortisol levels, reduce blood pressure, and improve immune function.
Mindfulness meditation can also improve mental health by increasing self-awareness and emotional regulation. By tuning into their thoughts and feelings without judgment, individuals can develop a greater understanding of their emotions and learn to respond to them in a healthier way. This can lead to a greater sense of well-being and resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
In addition, mindfulness meditation can improve relationships by helping individuals become more present and attentive in their interactions with others. By cultivating a sense of empathy and compassion towards oneself and others, individuals can enhance their ability to connect and communicate effectively.
Furthermore, mindfulness meditation can enhance creativity and problem-solving skills by quieting the mind and allowing new ideas to emerge. By cultivating a beginner’s mind and approaching situations with curiosity and openness, individuals can break free from old patterns of thinking and discover innovative solutions.
Overall, mindfulness meditation offers a wide range of benefits for mental, emotional, and physical well-being. By incorporating this practice into your daily routine, you can experience greater peace, clarity, and resilience in the face of life’s challenges. So why not give it a try and see for yourself the transformative power of mindfulness meditation.
