African female techpreneurs are stepping into leadership roles, not just as contributors but as founders, co-founders, and visionaries. They are creating solutions to real problems, building successful tech startups, and reshaping the future of innovation in Africa.
These women are not only launching businesses. They are also leading teams, raising capital, and driving impact in key sectors like fintech, healthtech, and edtech.
Yet, despite their achievements, the rise of African women in tech often goes unnoticed in mainstream discussions. This post highlights their progress, their influence, and the potential that lies ahead.
Top 10 African Female Techpreneurs Leading the Way
Below are ten remarkable African female tech entrepreneurs who are making waves in the tech industry. Each of them is either a founder or co-founder of a startup making real impact.
1. Odunayo Eweniyi (Nigeria)
Odunayo is the co-founder and COO of PiggyVest, one of Nigeria’s leading digital savings platforms. She also co-founded the Feminist Coalition, a group focused on women’s rights in Nigeria. Her work in technology has been recognized by Forbes, TIME, and Bloomberg.
2. Jihan Abass (Kenya)
Jihan is the founder of Lami Insurtech, a startup that uses technology to make insurance more accessible. The company simplifies how people buy and manage insurance in Kenya and across Africa. In 2021, Lami raised $1.8 million in seed funding.
3. Ire Aderinokun (Nigeria)
Ire is the co-founder and VP of Engineering at Helicarrier, a company building cryptocurrency products for Africa. She also co-created platforms like Buycoins and Sendcash. As one of the founding members of the Feminist Coalition, she supports equality in the tech ecosystem.
4. Temidayo Salako (Nigeria)
Temidayo leads community development at Tunga, a platform that connects African software developers with companies across the globe. She has a strong background in tech, education, and leadership development across Africa.
5. Ivy Barley (Ghana)
Ivy Barley is the co-founder of Developers in Vogue, an organization that supports African women in tech. She is a Ghanaian entrepreneur and program manager known for her advocacy for women in technology. Ivy has been recognised as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Young Ghanaians and was featured by GhanaWeb in 2022 for her impact on the global tech scene.
6. Abiola Rasaq (Nigeria)
Abiola is the founder of The Bug Detective, a learning community for software testers in Africa. She trains aspiring testers and helps them build successful careers in tech. Her platform now supports over 800 members.
7. Angela Semwogerere (Uganda)
Angela is the founder of Coding in Heels, a social enterprise that encourages girls and women to explore technology. She also serves as the general manager at Spidd Africa and is a key voice in Uganda’s national tech policy discussions.
8. Ifeoluwa Dare-Johnson (Nigeria)
Ifeoluwa is the founder and CEO of Healthtracka, a healthtech startup that provides lab testing services directly to people’s homes. Her company is changing how healthcare is delivered in Nigeria by focusing on accessibility and convenience.
9. Nneile Nkholise (South Africa)
Nneile Nkholise is the founder of iMed Tech Group, a healthtech company using CAD and 3D printing to produce medical prostheses. A mechanical engineer by training, she transitioned from public service to entrepreneurship in 2015.
Nneile has received multiple awards, including Forbes 30 Under 30 and the South African Youth Award for Science, Innovation, and Technology. She is passionate about creating opportunities for young African women in tech.
10. Thato Schermer & Dr. Nonhlanhla Sitole (South Africa)
Thato and Dr. Nonhlanhla co-founded Zoie Health, a digital platform offering healthcare services for women. The app allows users to book virtual consultations and receive prescriptions, including contraceptives. They are changing the way women access healthcare in Africa.
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What’s Driving the Rise of African Women in Tech
Several key factors are contributing to the rise of African female techpreneurs:
1. Wider Access to Technology
Mobile phones, internet access, and digital tools have become more affordable and available. More women can now build businesses online and access tools to grow them.
2. Supportive Communities and Programs
Organisations like She Code Africa, Tech4Dev, and Developers in Vogue are helping African women in tech learn new skills, build confidence, and find support.
3. Investment in Women-Led Startups
Funds like FirstCheck Africa focus on providing early-stage capital for female tech founders. This kind of support helps more African women launch and grow their tech companies.
4. Global Experience and Local Innovation
Many African women in business have studied or worked abroad and are now bringing back valuable experience to create local solutions. This mix of global knowledge and local insight makes their startups especially effective.
5. Cultural Change
As more girls see women leading in tech, interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) is growing at all levels.
Key Sectors Where African Female Entrepreneurs Are Winning
African female entrepreneurs are excelling in several key tech sectors:
1. Fintech
Women-led fintech startups like PiggyVest and Pezesha are making saving, investing, and lending more accessible to Africans, especially those without access to traditional banking.
2. Healthtech
Platforms like Healthtracka, LifeBank, and Zoie Health are transforming how healthcare services are delivered. These startups are reducing barriers to medical care, especially for women.
3. Edtech and Digital Training
Communities such as She Code Africa and Coding in Heels are providing technical education for girls and women. This is creating a pipeline of female tech talent across the continent.
4. E-commerce and Product Development
African women in business are also playing key roles in product development and e-commerce. They are building platforms that connect African consumers to reliable services and products.
5. Tech Talent and Communities
Many African women in tech are also investing in community building. Platforms like Tunga and The Bug Detective help developers and testers find jobs, upskill, and grow in their careers.
What Needs to Happen Next
While progress has been made, more must be done to support the continued growth of African female entrepreneurs in tech.
1. Increase Funding Opportunities
Women-led startups still receive a small share of total venture capital in Africa. Investors should create more targeted funds to support African women in tech.
2. Improve Media Visibility
The success stories of African women in tech should be shared widely. Media coverage helps attract attention, support, and new opportunities.
3. Encourage Policy Support
African governments need to create policies that support gender inclusion in the tech industry. Tax incentives, grants, and digital literacy programs can help.
4. Expand Mentorship and Leadership Training
Established female founders should mentor rising entrepreneurs. Structured mentorship can help new founders avoid common mistakes and grow faster.
5. Start Early with STEM Education
African girls must be encouraged to explore science and technology from an early age. Schools and parents play a big role in changing attitudes toward tech careers.
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Conclusion
The rise of African female techpreneurs is increasing. These women are building businesses, creating jobs, and shaping the future of Africa’s digital economy.
It’s time to support them, celebrate them, and ensure their stories are told. The future of African innovation involves women just as much as men, and the world needs to know it.
