Africa Tech Festival in 2023, taking place in Cape Town from November 13 to 16, is set to shine a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of women in the African tech industry. The event aims to empower female trailblazers who are leading the tech revolution on the continent, addressing historic underrepresentation, funding restrictions, and other barriers that have hindered full inclusion in the industry.
According to a study conducted by the festival organizers in March 2023, women in the tech sector still face stereotypical attitudes, unequal pay despite their skills, and limited access to education and skills development. This has discouraged many girls and young women from considering technology as a career choice.
Despite these challenges, research from the OECD shows that more than a quarter of all businesses in Africa are either founded or led by women. However, African women often face funding disparities. To address this issue, a panel discussion titled “Boosting Funding for Women Entrepreneurs in Africa” will be held at the festival, featuring keynote speaker Amélie Ebongué, a Global Brand Marketing Manager and author of the Amazon Bestseller “Generation TikTok.” Ebongué will also lead discussions on topics such as performance marketing, Web 3.0, and the future of streaming.
The festival will offer several women-focused sessions, including a panel discussion titled “Empowering Voices: Women Leading the Tech Revolution in Africa.” This session will showcase the achievements of pioneering women in various tech fields, featuring speakers like Unathi Mtya, the Group Chief Information and Digital Officer at African Bank.
While efforts have been made to promote diversity and inclusivity in tech, substantial challenges still exist. The AfricaCom Centre Stage will host a panel discussion on “Closing the Gender Digital Divide in Africa,” focusing on the role of connectivity providers in addressing this issue.
James Williams, Senior Director at Connecting Africa, highlights the importance of showcasing the achievements of women in tech to attract more women to the industry. To celebrate African female tech leaders and rising stars, the festival will include an exclusive gala dinner known as the InspiringFifty Africa Awards, organized by EQL:HER. This initiative recognizes the top fifty women making significant strides in tech careers across Africa.
The finalists for the InspiringFifty Africa Awards have been revealed, and the winners will be announced during a gala dinner on November 13 at the Mount Nelson Hotel. In addition to the awards, EQL:HER will host a dedicated networking space called the EQL:HER Lounge, where women and allies can connect, share experiences, engage in Q&As, and participate in power hour networking sessions.
EQL:HER will also feature sessions like “Womenomics – Unlocking the Financial Potential of Investing in Women” and “Cultivating a Sustainable Talent Stream for Women in Tech.”
Funke Opeke, CEO of MainOne and a judge and sponsor of the InspiringFifty, emphasizes the festival’s role in championing women in tech and supporting programs like InspiringFifty to mentor and uplift the next generation of women in technology.
Diversity in the tech industry is not merely a buzzword; it’s a necessity for innovation and progress. Women, historically underrepresented in STEM and STEAM fields, bring unique perspectives and solutions to the table, fostering creativity and problem-solving in the digital age.
The event is co-hosted by EQL:HER, Inspiring African Women NPC, the Digital Council Africa, and WomHub, and it promises to be a significant step towards greater inclusion and empowerment of women in Africa’s tech sector.
