The digital revolution is transforming Africa’s economy and society at an unprecedented pace. Yet, alongside this rapid growth, a significant gender gap persists within the tech industry. Women constitute only about 30% of Africa’s tech workforce, masking their untapped potential to drive innovation and economic progress. Bridging this gap could unlock billions in economic value and foster more inclusive technological advancements.
A World Bank report highlights that narrowing the gender gap in sub-Saharan Africa’s tech sector could add as much as $316 billion to the continent’s economy by 2025.
Africa’s Tech Landscape
Africa is witnessing a boom in tech hubs, with over 640 active hubs as of 2022, concentrated mainly in Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, and Kenya. These hubs are centres of innovation, offering resources for startups, funding opportunities, and training programs to build the next generation of tech entrepreneurs. However, according to the World Bank, only 28% of these tech startups are founded or co-founded by women.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) estimates that closing the gender gap in Africa’s technology sector could boost the continent’s GDP by over $316 billion by 2025. This underlines both the economic benefits and the importance of creating technology that serves the diverse needs of African communities.
Female Participation and Leadership in Tech
Workforce Participation: Data from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) indicate that women make up roughly 30% of the tech workforce in sub-Saharan Africa, compared to nearly 50% in more developed economies.
Leadership Representation: Women hold less than 15% of executive roles in African tech firms, with only 8% of CEO positions held by females. This reveals a significant barrier to leadership roles in the sector.
Funding Disparity: Female-led tech startups in Africa receive less than 5% of venture capital funding, while male-led startups secure over 90%, underscoring the need for more equitable financial support.
Educational Barriers: According to UNESCO, women in sub-Saharan Africa represent just 35% of students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, which are crucial for careers in technology.
Case Study: Kenya’s Konza Technopolis
Kenya’s Konza Technopolis, also known as “Silicon Savannah,” is one of Africa’s most ambitious tech projects. Designed as a hub for innovation and a magnet for global investors, Konza has adopted diversity initiatives to boost female participation in the tech sector. The project includes quotas for female entrepreneurs and technologists in its talent pool.
Over 300 women have joined the Konza incubation program, receiving training in fields such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data science. This initiative has been pivotal in challenging traditional gender roles in Kenya’s tech industry, encouraging more women to engage in high-skill tech areas. Successful female-led startups, including FarmDrive and Moringa School, have emerged from these programs, driving innovation across sectors such as fintech and agritech.
Challenges Facing Women in Tech
Despite progress, women in Africa’s tech industry face significant challenges:
Access to Funding: Studies from the World Bank reveal that women-led tech ventures often encounter greater barriers to securing financial support compared to men, limiting their ability to grow and impact the tech ecosystem.
Cultural and Societal Norms: In many African countries, cultural expectations discourage women from pursuing careers in tech. Societal biases frequently push women toward roles perceived as “more suitable,” such as those in education or healthcare, steering them away from technology and engineering fields.
Skill Gaps: The limited availability of STEM education for women leads to skill gaps that hinder their entry into tech roles. Addressing these gaps will require focused investment in educational reforms, especially in regions with low female representation in secondary and tertiary STEM programs.
The Path Forward
For sustained growth, Africa must invest in STEM education initiatives targeting young women. Programs like Nigeria’s “She Leads Africa” and Rwanda’s “Girls in ICT” serve as powerful examples, providing mentorship, scholarships, and networking opportunities to bridge the gender gap. Similarly, the African Girls Can Code program, a joint initiative by the African Union and UN Women, is equipping girls with coding and digital skills, preparing them for future careers in technology.
Although challenges remain, with sustained investment and commitment, Africa’s tech sector has the potential to become a global leader in gender inclusivity. Closing the gender gap will unlock significant innovation, economic growth, and new opportunities across the continent.
