Representation matters. Seeing women who look like you, who’ve walked similar paths, and who are thriving in tech can be the spark that keeps you going. Across Africa, women are breaking barriers as engineers, founders, researchers, and innovators.

Here are ten inspiring figures you should know — some pioneers, some rising stars. This is not an exhaustive list, but a glimpse into the wave of women shaping Africa’s digital future.

1. Rebecca Enonchong (Cameroon)

Founder of AppsTech, global tech entrepreneur, and advocate for African startups. She’s been nicknamed “Africa’s tech queen” for good reason.

2. Juliet Ehimuan (Nigeria)

Former Director at Google West Africa. Juliet has been instrumental in driving internet accessibility and digital literacy across the continent.

3. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji’s peers (Nigeria) — but female founders like Odunayo Eweniyi

Odunayo is co-founder of PiggyVest, a fintech startup transforming savings and investments in Nigeria.

4. Angela Muthoni (Kenya)

Rising AI researcher working on language models for Swahili and other African languages. Making AI inclusive linguistically.

5. Aisha Bello (Nigeria)

Developer Advocate and champion for Python programming communities across Africa. She’s a role model for beginner developers.

6. Nanjira Sambuli (Kenya)

Policy analyst and researcher who bridges tech, governance, and society. She ensures women’s voices are represented in internet policy.

7. Farida Bedwei (Ghana)

Software engineer with cerebral palsy who co-founded Logiciel, a fintech company serving microfinance institutions. A true icon of resilience.

8. Zandile Keebine (South Africa)

Co-founder of GirlCode, an initiative to empower women through coding bootcamps and hackathons.

9. Ruth Iselema (Nigeria)

Founder of Bitmama, a cryptocurrency exchange and payment platform. She’s shaping the future of African fintech.

10. YOU — the reader

Yes, you. The next generation of African women in tech. Whether you’re learning to code, designing, or dreaming of building a startup, you belong on this list too.

Why This Matters

• Inspiration: Role models spark ambition.

• Visibility: African women in tech deserve global recognition.

• Mentorship: Seeing those ahead of you makes it easier to reach out for help.

How to Follow Their Lead

1. Engage on social media: Many of these women share insights on Twitter, LinkedIn, and podcasts.

2. Join communities: Africoders, Women Techmakers, SheCode Africa, etc.

3. Start small, stay consistent: Learn one new skill, build one project, apply for one opportunity.

4. Share your progress: Someone else may be inspired by your journey.

Final Call

These ten women are proof that Africa’s tech future is not male-only. Women are founding startups, leading engineering teams, shaping AI, and writing policy.