Africa is home to the highest proportion of female STEM graduates globally, yet women remain underrepresented in the tech industry. Cultural expectations, funding challenges, and lack of mentorship create roadblocks, preventing countless talented women from breaking into tech.
However, pioneers like Anie Akpe, founder of African Women in Tech (AWIT) and IBOM LLC, are reshaping the narrative. Her journey—from banking to tech advocacy—illustrates how resilience, vision, and strategic innovation can open doors for African women everywhere.
Challenges Facing African Women in Tech
Despite their impressive academic achievements, African women face multiple barriers when entering the tech industry. Some key obstacles include:
- Cultural Expectations – Many African women face pressure to prioritize marriage and family over their careers. Tech, which often requires long hours and continuous learning, is perceived as taking women away from home responsibilities.
- Limited Access to Mentorship – Unlike regions like the US or UK, where networking and mentorship programs are abundant, African women often lack guidance and real-world exposure to industry expectations.
- Soft Skills Gaps – Leadership, negotiation, and communication skills are essential in the corporate world but not always emphasized in traditional STEM education. This can make job placements and career advancement harder.
- Funding Struggles – Women-led tech startups struggle to secure investment, despite proven talent and business potential. While new VC funds are emerging, many women still lack financial backing to scale their ideas.
- Lack of Visibility – Even with talent and experience, African women are often excluded from mainstream panels, conferences, and leadership opportunities, making it harder for them to build industry credibility.
Anie Akpe: A Trailblazer in Women’s Tech Empowerment
Born in Nigeria, Anie moved to the US and built an impressive career in banking, becoming Vice President of Mortgages, managing a $1.5 billion real estate portfolio. It was here that she developed a deep passion for technology—when she was told she could not hire more staff but had full access to tech tools.
Instead of accepting limitations, she crash-coursed her way through the digital landscape, mastering automation, efficiency, and innovation. This experience led her to recognize the vast inequalities in access to tech education, particularly among African women.
Her defining moment came at a conference in Nigeria, where every panelist was male. “Women are making waves in tech, yet they weren’t represented at all,” she thought. Instead of creating a women-in-tech movement in the US, she chose to bring it to Africa—where it was needed most.
The Future of African Women in Tech
With new funding programs designed specifically for women-led startups, we’re entering a new era for female entrepreneurs in tech. African women are:
- Launching startups & securing venture capital
- Transitioning into leadership roles in AI, cybersecurity & fintech
- Building powerful networks to amplify their impact
Want to Be Part of This Movement?
At RT, we’re committed to building the next generation of women leaders in tech. Whether you want to learn AI, join mentorship programs, or transition into a tech career, we’re here to help.
Visit our website now and start your journey today! Link to our courses: https://www.ritaafrica.com/programs
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By: Lucretia Dreyer
