2024 is our year to DREAM BIG, and what better way to set off the year than with a double dose of inspiration? Our community in Johannesburg and Kigali set the stage for an inspiring start to 2024 with … goal-setting events.

Johannesburg Unleashes Creativity: “Year Planning and Vision Boards” Masterclass

In the bustling city of Johannesburg, ALX witnessed an electrifying kickoff for 2024 with the “Year Planning and Vision Boards” masterclass. Val Wigget, a member of the African Leadership Group and the Senior Director of Career Programs at ALA, led the charge, sharing invaluable insights and practical tools with a dynamic gathering of 60 in-person ALX learners and Fellows, alongside 40 virtual participants eager to carve their path to success.

The room pulsated with creative energy as each attendee meticulously crafted their vision boards, manifesting bold career aspirations and personal milestones. What set this event apart was the  diverse dreams and visions that came to life on those boards, bringing a unique energy to the event. To wrap up the day, a lively networking and games session was organised, featuring top-notch refreshments that left everyone buzzing with excitement.

Kigali Delves into Science-Based Goal Mastery with Samir Khan

Meanwhile, in the picturesque city of Kigali, Leadership Development Specialist Samir Khan offered ALX learners a profound session on “How to Set Goals You Will Stick To.” This science-based workshop equipped our learners with the latest research-backed methods to conquer personal and professional goals.

The event also featured a fascinating experiment, illustrating the power of focus. It was a subtle reminder that with targeted attention, we can achieve our goals by staying unwaveringly focused. Samir Khan’s wisdom blended seamlessly with the tranquil Kigali atmosphere, leaving attendees inspired and ready to conquer their ambitions.

Join the ALX Thrill – Your Journey Awaits!

Don’t miss your chance to be part of a community that’s all about growth and connection. Join ALX Africa today, where dreams take flight, and ambitions find their wings. Your journey to success begins here – because at ALX, we’re not just setting goals; we’re achieving them together!

Ready to embark on a transformative journey? Enrol in one of our 2024 programmes now!

Learn more

The post Setting the Tone for 2024: Goal-Setting Adventures in Johannesburg and Kigali first appeared on ALX Africa.

Welcome. Ẹ káàbọ̀. Marhaba. Sawubona. This is all we meant to express in our Karibu onboarding week at ALX.

From May 6th to May 13th, all over the continent – in our 8 core markets – over 30,000 learners from Casablanca to Johannesburg convened at the Karibu Opening Ceremony to officially begin their ALX tech journeys.

The immersive onboarding experience began with a blended session that connected all of our new learners to the story, mission and values of ALX and to one another, setting the foundation for their learning journey with us.

Our new learners were treated to an intimate fireside chat with the CEO and Founder of ALX, Fred Swaniker, where they had the rare opportunity to ask him all their burning questions. The events featured captivating performances, engaging discussions, and impactful opportunities for learners to build relationships with one another and the ALX team.

Virtually everything was fresh this Karibu week, as we took the chance to showcase the opening of our new tech hubs in our 8 cities across the continent. The sparkling new hubs are designed to address the crucial need for high-speed internet and infrastructure, offering a vibrant co-working environment that fosters productivity and peer support.

The Karibu week oriented learners into the ALX community as they commence their training in one of our 4 newly launched tech programmes:Data Analytics, Cloud Computing, and Salesforce Administrator, along with our new blended learning Software Engineering programme.

In total, over 32,000 new learners have begun their exciting journey of Doing Hard Things with ALX. Scroll down to feast your eyes on the Karibu highlights from every city – and keep up with the activities at @alxafrica on all social media platforms.

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Casablanca | Complex Med 5 Stadium

Cairo | Cairo International Stadium – Covered Halls Complex

Accra | Ohene-Konadu Auditorium, UPSA

Lagos | The Vantage Point Event Centre, Ikeja; Harbour Point, Victoria Island

Addis Ababa | Welosefer, Kana Warehouse

Nairobi | Bomas of Kenya

Kigali | KG 9 Ave. Deco Center, 3rd Floor

Johannesburg | Old Park Station

Find out more about how ALX is helping young Africans kickstart their careers in the most in-demand technical professions – and check out the stories from some of our talented young leaders.

The post Karibu, ALX 2023 Learners! first appeared on ALX Africa.

African tech leaders are blazing a pathway for future change-makers like you, as they take the Fourth Industrial Revolution by storm. From investment to financial services to agriculture, tech is transforming every aspect of the world as we know it, and Africa’s talent is leading the way. We honour 10 exceptional tech leaders who are continuously innovating and creating a monumental impact on the continent.

Naadiya Moosajee, Co-Founder and CEO at WomEng

“Engineers design our world and our society, and if we don’t have women at the design table, we exclude 50% of the population.”

Engineering powerhouse Naadiya Moosajee is on a mission to close the gender gap for women through her organisation, Women in Engineering (WomEng), which is devoted to investing in the future of girls and women in engineering and technology. Naadiya is also a Co-Founder of WomHub, alongside Hema Vallabh. In 2014, she was named one of the Top 20 Young Power Women in Africa by Forbes. The Government of China also awarded her a special honour at the BRICS Summit for her work in African girls’ STEM education. She is passionate about developing STEM and fostering growth, gender equality, leadership and prosperity in emerging economies, while mentoring the next generation of leaders and engineering better societies.

Charity Wanjiku, Co-Founder of Strauss Energy Ltd

“It’s important that girls are at the forefront of this digital age, because nobody will hire you if you do not have tech skills.”

The vibrant Co-Founder of Strauss Energy Ltd, Charity Wanjiku, is hailed by Forbes and the World Economic Forum as one of the top women in tech globally. Her company, a solar company dedicated to powering rural communities in Kenya through building green solutions, started producing patented solar tiles powering off-grid areas in rural Kenya way before Tesla took orders in the US and UK for its solar tiles in 2017. Their solar systems are unique because they have a special meter that can feed unused electricity back to the national grid, generating income for households. Charity also lends her expertise to the architecture, entrepreneurship and technology industries and is a vocal advocate for breaking STEM barriers for women and girls.

Maya Horgan Famodu, Founder of Ingressive Capital

“If you want to support women, put them in positions to do it themselves.”

Maya Horgan-Famodu is devoted to supporting exceptional talent in accessing the resources they need to build wildly scalable businesses. She is the founder of Ingressive Capital, a $10 million venture fund that supports early-stage African tech startups — earning her the status of being the youngest Black woman to launch a tech fund and the youngest person to launch a tech fund in Sub-Saharan Africa. She also founded Ingressive for Good, a nonprofit providing micro-scholarships, technical skills training and talent placement to African tech talents in need. In 2018, Maya’s remarkable accomplishments were recognised by Forbes when she was named to their “Under 30 Technology” list, as well as “10 Inspiring Women Ruling Nigeria’s Tech Ecosystem” in 2019.

Mary Mwangi, Founder and CEO of Data Integrated

“You can do it. There’ll be days when you’ll feel like you’ve hit rock bottom, but you have to get up. Know that every day there’ll be challenges and there’ll also be successes.”

A pioneer in the fintech logistics space on the continent, Mary Mwangi is the Founder and CEO of innovative ICT company Data Integrated. Based in Kenya, her company offers financial solutions to African SMEs and especially focuses on Kenya’s public transport system, where she is leveraging tech to solve the long-standing problems faced in the industry. Data Integrated offers several payment options, including the groundbreaking MobiTill Epesi Smart Public Transport app, which has changed how fleet managers operate their businesses. For its work, the company won the MEST Africa Challenge in 2018 and Africa.com’s Brilliant African Innovations Against COVID-19 contest in 2020.

Hema Vallabh, Co-Founder & CEO of WomHub

“We need to invest and provide the support that female founders need to grow. They in turn will help our struggling economies thrive.”

Hema is a trailblazer who has worn all sorts of hats — from engineer to entrepreneur to investor. She is the Co-Founder and CEO of WomHub, a boutique pan-African incubator and the continent’s first coworking space for female founders in STEM. The social enterprise tackles gender parity all along the engineering skills pipeline, with the vision to empower 1 million girls in STEM and develop women leaders and entrepreneurs in engineering. The African Union has recognised her enterprise as the top TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) programme in Africa supporting women leaders across the continent. Hema is also a founding partner at Five35Ventures, a pan-African venture capital fund that invests in women tech entrepreneurs.

Sara Menker, Founder & CEO of Gro Intelligence

“In a world where you’re trying to make an ecosystem more efficient and more sustainable, more people need to have access to a certain level of information. And the only way you make that level of information available at a cheap enough cost is AI.”

Sara Menker grew up in Ethiopia in the ’80s in the cosmopolitan capital of Addis Ababa, which inspired her determined and innovative approach to life and problem solving. Today, she is the Founder & CEO of Gro Intelligence, a tech company that uses artificial intelligence to forecast agricultural trends — illuminating the interrelationships between our earth’s ecology and the human economy. Before founding Gro Intelligence, she was the Vice President of Morgan Stanley’s commodities group, having worked in commodities risk management and subsequently moved to trading during her time with the company. Sara has been named a Global Young Leader by the World Economic Forum, is a fellow of the Aspen Institute and a Trustee of the Mandela Institute For Development Studies (MINDS).

Sophia Alj, Co-Founder & COO of Chari

“I’ve always felt that whether you are a man or a woman, it doesn’t make any difference. Our brains work well for both of us. I am a hard worker, and I don’t think my being a woman will hinder my entrepreneurial journey. I think that all other women should think like this and act on this.”

Sophia Alj is a Moroccan entrepreneur and the co-founder and COO of Chari, a B2B e-commerce/fintech app that digitises the FMCG procurement process for traditional retail stores in Francophone Africa. The Y Combinator-backed firm has emerged as one of North Africa’s most promising startups, and is widely expected to become Morocco’s first unicorn. Before co-founding Chari with her husband in 2019, Sophia was a strategy consultant for McKinsey & Company for 4 years, serving a broad range of clients across Africa, including banks, industrial players and ministries. She has been named one of the “20 Women Behind Middle Eastern Tech Brands 2022” by Forbes as well as a RoW100 Global Tech Changemaker. 

Miishe Addy, Co-Founder and CEO of Jetstream Africa

“The key advice I would give to young women who are starting out, especially in technology entrepreneurship, is this notion of coming to solve problems that need you; coming when you’re called, not when you’re ready.”

Taking the male-dominated field of logistics by storm is Miishe Addy, the co-founder and CEO of Jetstream Africa – a tech-enabled cross-border logistics company with operations in Ghana, Nigeria and Egypt. As a personal belief, the American-born Ghanaian believes it is important to trust your intuition. That is why even after completing a philosophy degree at Havard and a JD at Stanford, she felt the need to do something more. Miishe’s move to Ghana in 2017 on a teaching fellowship revealed the supply chain opportunities in the region, so she launched Jetstream to take hold of them. She started her career as a top-ranked strategy analyst for Bain & Company in New York, and has worked with global development organisations including TechnoServe and Global Partnerships. Her work has been featured by CNN, The World Bank and TechCrunch, and she regularly uses her platform to empower girls and women to be game-changers in society through hard work, determination and self-belief.

Betelhem Dessie, Founder and CEO of iCog-Anyone Can Code

“Teaching young girls coding and seeing them become confident and inspired reminded me of how I felt when I started coding. As a young woman, coding made me feel independent and free, and that’s something I want to give other people.”

Born and raised in Harar, Ethiopia, Betelhem Dessie‘s interest in computers started from age 7. By 10, she was coding, and at 19, she was dubbed “the youngest pioneer in Ethiopia’s fast emerging tech scene” by CNN and BBC. By age 20, the young technologist had six software programs patented in her name, and was involved in the development of the world-famous Sophia the robot. Now at 24, Betelhem is on a mission to “democratise technology”. She is the founder and CEO of iCog-Anyone Can Code and runs the Solve IT programme, where she works with young innovators to solve community problems and develop local solutions. She travels across Ethiopia teaching students coding skills, leading innovation workshops, and sharing stages with industry leaders at summits and conferences like Women in Tech Stockholm, The Milken Institute Summit, MiT’s Solve and The Global Change Award.

Rapelang Rabana, Founder of Rekindle Learning

“I think we’re going to see a huge wave in the world where lots of young people are going to use that experiential wisdom that they see from being in the circumstance of a problem to come up with innovative solutions.”

Hailed as one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Africa’s Best Young Entrepreneurs and featured on the O Power List by The Oprah Magazine, Rapelang is making waves in the African tech industry. She is the Founder of Rekindle Learning, an award-winning learning & development company providing mobile and computer learning applications for students and adults of all ages. Rapelang first established her reputation as the Founder of the telecommunications firm, Yiego, an innovative software company that developed some of the world’s earliest mobile VoIP applications. She is a Global Shaper of the World Economic Forum, a firm believer in the power of education to create opportunities, and a role model to many who aspire to seize tech and education opportunities.

ALX is committed to increasing the representation of women in tech. Find out how we’re empowering the women leaders of tomorrow through our first-ever women-only Software Engineering cohort.

The post 10 African Women in Tech Transforming The Continent’s Digital Landscape first appeared on ALX Africa.

This International Women’s Day 2024, join us as we celebrate the stories of resilience, determination, and empowerment of ALX women as they embark on their transformative tech journeys. From data analytics to cloud computing, these extraordinary women are not only honing their skills but also pioneering a more equitable tech landscape in Africa and beyond. They’re shattering stereotypes and demonstrating that with every line of code, every innovation, and every leadership role they undertake, the future is indeed inclusive.

Tihitna Sisay  – Full Stack Software Engineer, Perago Information Systems

“As a woman advancing in my tech career, I am excited to have access to a wide range of professional development opportunities and the chance to take on new challenges and responsibilities.”

Hailing from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Tihitna Sisay’s passion and interest in tech inspired her journey into the field. Now, as a Full Stack Developer at Perago Information Systems, she thrives on the constant evolution of the tech industry, embracing it as an opportunity for growth and advancement. Tihitna’s determination and expertise lead her to leverage technology for positive social impact. She aspires to develop innovative software solutions that improve people’s lives and address pressing societal challenges.

Desireé Makoti – Data Scientist

“To young women in Africa aspiring to pursue a career in tech: You belong in this dynamic field, and your unique perspective is an asset. Embrace your curiosity, be fearless in learning, and don’t be deterred by stereotypes.”

Fueled by a passion for innovation and a desire to bridge the gap between aviation and data science, Desireé Makoti, a 23-year-old aviation graduate from Johannesburg, is eager to explore new horizons. Through ALX’s Data Science programme, she’s infusing creativity into the world of code and algorithms, believing diversity is key to transforming the tech landscape.

Assia Jamal – Data Analyst

“It’s important to enhance the representation of women in the tech field to ensure diverse perspectives are incorporated into technological advancements.”

Casablanca-born Assia Jamal yearned for a career in tech. When she discovered ALX’s Data Analytics programme, the institution’s reputation for fostering tech talent drew her in, and she dove in confidently. To her surprise, her training journey led her not only to acquire technical prowess in data analysis tools but also set her on a path to personal growth, equipping her to tackle challenges and seize opportunities within the ever-evolving tech landscape. Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Assia continues to hone both technical and soft skills, actively preparing to solve real-world problems.

Wendy-yam Osman – Agritech Founder and Data Analyst

“Younger women in tech inspire me because I represent their future potential, and I feel it’s my responsibility to set an example worth aspiring to.”

Wendy-yam Osman, originally from Tamale and now residing in Accra, Ghana, is on a mission to leverage her analytical skills to tackle pressing issues like environmental pollution and agricultural challenges. Her creative venture, AgrInnova, harnesses aquaponics technology to promote sustainable urban agriculture by cultivating both fish and vegetables in a single integrated system. Wendy-yam envisions a future where women play a leading role in agricultural innovation, reshaping global trade dynamics and combating food insecurity. As a budding Data Analytics learner at ALX, she is excited to discover her full potential and contribute unique perspectives to tech solutions.

Alice Mamsana – Software Engineer and Artificial Intelligence Enthusiast

“Diverse teams always win in developing wholesome solutions. Tech cuts across all industries, and more young women in this field means more inclusive projects for Africa’s future.”

STEM enthusiast, Alice Mamsana, is on an upward trajectory in her tech journey. While her sales job in Nairobi’s fintech industry is what initially sparked a curiosity in her to learn more about the tech products that power her sector, her Mathematics background must have helped equip her with the critical thinking and analytical skills needed to thrive in Software Engineering. Very quickly, Alice’s determination led her to the field of Artificial Intelligence, prompting her to teach herself to use GPT-3, Whisper, and DALL-E 2. In less than a month, her talents opened up opportunities for her at OpenAI and Nvidia events. Now, more than anything, Alice is committed to continuous growth and is passionate about developing and mentoring junior talent to realise their potential.

Elsa Teklu Desta – Software Engineer and AWS Solution Architect

“A diverse tech workforce is essential for driving innovation and creating a more inclusive work environment. With women comprising half of society, their participation in the fast-growing tech industry is crucial for Africa’s development.”

Elsa Teklu Desta is a tech enthusiast from Addis Ababa. With 5+ years of experience in Software Engineering in reputable organisations, including Ethiopia’s Ministry of Innovation and Technology and Commercial Bank, Elsa decided to enhance her skills with an AWS Cloud Computing Certification from ALX. Since graduating from ALX, she actively contributes to the cloud computing community, pursuing opportunities with international tech giants like Amazon. Her journey aims to prepare her for a rewarding career in technology, driven by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and practical experience.

Nompumelelo Namo – Salesforce professional, Team Lead at Core Group

“Women are doing amazing things in the tech field, serving as inspirational figures for young girls. Encouraging participation in traditionally male-dominated industries demonstrates that women can excel in any field they choose.”

A decade in South Africa’s telecom scene ignited Nompumelelo Namo’s passion for tech. Driven by a desire to challenge herself and make a positive impact, she is thriving in her role as Team Lead at Core Group, using her newfound Salesforce Administrator skills to optimise processes and boost team productivity. This passion for maximising potential extends beyond her current role, as Nompumelo draws inspiration from tech luminaries like celebrated cybersecurity leader Confidence Staveley to empower more women to pursue careers in tech through mentorship and knowledge sharing. 

Onome Angelle – Educator and Founder, Onome Child

“Women are nation-builders. Investing in their participation in tech unlocks a powerful cycle of inclusiveness and empowerment, enabling them to tackle community challenges, ultimately driving sustainable development.”

Education is not just a profession but a lifelong pursuit for Onome Angelle, a high school Chemistry teacher and the Founder of Onome Child, an education nonprofit in Ghana. Hailing from Nandom, and now based in Accra, she is charting a path of transformation through ALX’s AI Career Essentials programme. Driven by both her passion for education and a belief in technology’s power to uplift her community, Onome sees tech as a tool for inclusive growth and sustainable development, envisioning a future where women thrive in tech with exposure and resources.

Oluwatobiloba Mercy Akinwumi – AWS Cloud Practitioner and Tech Advocate

“The most frequent barrier I face is the initial perception from potential employers that I lack the technical skills for a job. I shatter these assumptions quickly by showcasing my value and competence, proving I’m the tech-savvy individual they need.”

Oluwatobiloba Mercy Akinwumi’s talents extend far beyond the ordinary. A photographer with a passion for Mathematics, she’s swiftly rising as an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner in Nigeria, driven by her commitment to leveraging technology for positive change. Her diverse interests and dedication have led her to ambassadorial roles with organisations like the WomenTech Network, Google’s Women Techmakers programme, Women in CyberSecurity, and the ALX Fellowship. With her unique blend of skills, she is poised to simplify IT infrastructure and inspire young African women to pursue careers in tech.

Mahlet Zeleke – Data Analyst and Head of Sales and Marketing, Koppa Smart Security Solutions

“Providing early exposure to young women about the available tech career paths equips them with the tools needed to thrive in the industry, rather than playing catch-up later on.”

Mahlet Zeleke’s discovery of ALX’s Data Analytics programme provided the perfect segue into the tech world, complementing her background in Marketing and Pharmacy. Now Head of Sales and Marketing at Koppa Smart Security Solutions in Ethiopia, she adeptly balances professional growth with her demanding role. Engaging in transformative programmes like the Global UGRAD Exchange and Aspire Leaders, Mahlet champions continuous learning and encourages young women to embrace technology for societal progress. She envisions a future where women lead the charge in technological innovation, shaping a more inclusive and equitable world.

Join us to #InspireInclusion this International Women’s Day! Explore the remarkable journeys of ALX’s inspiring women in tech and discover how you can be part of shaping an inclusive future through any of our tech programmes.

The post The Future is Inclusive: Showcasing ALX’s Most Inspiring Women in Tech first appeared on ALX Africa.

In honour of International Women’s Day 2023, we’re shining a spotlight on the amazing women of the ALX community – our learners, graduates, mentors, and the women working magic behind the scenes at ALX. While we continue to actively #EmbraceEquity, here’s a look at our top 20 Most Inspiring Women who are doing hard things and transforming the global tech landscape.

Our Rising Talent

Mayen Kalu – Researcher, Biochemist, Software Engineer

“Tech is not a male or female thing; it’s a human thing. As long as you’re smart and are willing to put in the work, the possibilities are endless.”

Mayen Kalu is a researcher from Nigeria, and one of the winners of the #ALXChallenge2022. Her winning image – “Mom Who Codes: The Untold Story” – depicted her inspiring experience as a wife, mother, university lecturer, and PhD candidate, going through the rigorous ALX Software Engineering programme. A biochemist by training, Mayen loves to explore the relationship between Artificial Intelligence and the human brain, and seeks opportunities to use technology to solve local and global problems.

Loise Okoro – Customer Support Specialist, Data Analyst

“Failure has taught me that not rising after falling is the primary failure. Now, giving up is not even an option, but rising and persisting until I win is always my goal.”

Loise Okoro is an agritech degree holder turned customer support specialist. Her career began in the nonprofit sector and grew to include roles in sales, tech assistance and customer support, both in her home country of Nigeria and abroad in the United States. She is currently taking ALX’s Data Analytics programme – her second ALX programme so far – and is a Fellow in The ROOM‘s talent community, working to pay it forward by creating her own platform to equip and empower other aspiring data-driven administrators.

Lucy Maina – Medical Student, Software Engineer

“It’s important to know that your gender should never hold you back from pursuing your dreams. With hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to your goals, you can overcome any obstacles and succeed as a software engineer.”

Lucy Njeri Maina is an ALX Software Engineering learner and undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelors’ degree in Medicine at the University of Nairobi. Her first five years in medical school exposed her to various problems in the healthcare sector and inspired her to look to technology to address them. Now Lucy’s mission is to improve the healthcare access and support of women in deprived neighbourhoods.

Nancy Annu – Procurement and Supply Chain Assistant, Software Engineer

“Remember why you started and keep that hope alive.”

Nancy Annu is a Procurement and Supply Chain Assistant from the Eastern region of Ghana. As a passionate and self-motivated young professional who believes in the persistent nature of women, she strives to be a source of inspiration and encouragement. She is a two-time ALX learner currently enrolled in ALX’s Software Engineering programme, and looks forward to the opportunities that a career in tech has in store for her. 

Rufaro Razuwika – PhD Student, Software Engineer

“Don’t let your gender define what you can do. There are unlimited opportunities, so if you can get one, just take it. Your gender is not going to count at the end of the day.”

ALX learners have different motivations for enrolling in our programmes. PhD student Rufaro Razuwika sought to learn Python so it could ease the data analysis process of her Bioinorganic Chemistry research. After joining the Software Engineering programme at ALX, she discovered other programming languages, increasing her interest in technology. As a philomath, Rufaro is excited to upgrade her STEM status with Software Engineering skills, and hopes to spread the joys of learning new things with others.

Phyllis Laryea – Operations Associate, Software Engineer

“Know what you want and go after it. No matter what, if you have it in the back of your mind that you will figure it out, you will break through all your challenges.”

Ghana-born Phyllis Laryea is an Executive Assistant and Operations Associate at D4 Consult and an ALX Software Engineering learner. Passionate about learning, Phyllis believes that empowering women who have interests in the tech space will contribute towards providing equal opportunities across other sectors. She aims to spread awareness and provide green solutions through software development.

ALX Alumni

Emma Dicks – Co-founder of CodeSpace Academy

“Coding is a new literacy and we’re helping teachers bring this into their classrooms. Young people will now learn to read, write, count and code!”

Emma Dicks is an ALX graduate and the co-founder of CodeSpace Academy, an educational institution that specialises in teaching coding & software development. CodeSpace has received global acclaim for its highly-effective initiatives that foster diversity in the tech world. Passionate about supporting young women in tech, Emma founded the non-profit Code for Cape Town in 2014, which teaches coding to high school girls.

Elizabeth Okullow – Founder of Aafri Fudi & Lafamia Greens

“First, identify what you can do with the talents and skills you have. Then leverage the resources that you have — be it social, human or financial capital — to initiate change. Lastly, choose to be bold, action-oriented and vision-focused. If you can follow these 3 principles, you will be unstoppable!”

As a trailblazing graduate of ALX, Elizabeth Okullow has committed her life to one mission: creating food sustainability in Africa. It may be a mammoth task, but this ambitious microbiologist and agritech entrepreneur has already founded two businesses – Lafamia Greens and Aafri Fudi utilising hydroponic technology to promote sustainable farming. At the age of 25, she’s just getting started.

Joy Otieno – Programme Specialist, Digital Activist

“Be confident in your abilities, and you will be shocked by the exceptional networks and opportunities that will chase after you.”

Joy Otieno is a Programme & Operations Specialist at ALX and The ROOM, and a graduate of ALX. The self-described digital activist and Afro-optimist is passionate about youth empowerment, as evidenced by her highly educational and uplifting social media activity. At work, she builds and engages our community of tech talent by designing transformative events and experiences that enrich their professional journeys.

Firdaus Salim – Technical Writer & Mentor, Software Engineer

“Women’s voices are worth sharing not only because we are underrepresented in the tech industry, but also because we are competent, intelligent, proactive individuals with merit-worthy ideas that can improve projects and processes.”

Celebrated for having the most inspiring conversation in 2021 with ALI Founder Fred Swaniker, ALX Software Engineering graduate, Firdaus Salim is a rising force to be reckoned with. Despite entering the world of tech with no prior experience, her tenacity and passion for learning have opened doors for a promising future. Now, as a blogger, Technical Writer and Technical Mentor with ALX’s Software Engineering team, she offers training and support to others on their own tech learning journeys. 

Kibirt Bayou – Software Engineer

“There is no better field to accommodate all the twists and turns of life as a woman than tech. All you really need is a laptop and internet connection. Our sharper intellect should be channelled optimally into a tech career.”

Kibirt Bayou is an ALX graduate from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with an 8-year background in Civil Engineering. Her journey as the mother of an infant who made a daring career change into Software Engineering was acknowledged by Fred Swaniker as the definition of ‘doing hard things’. Kibirt works at iCog Labs – the first private AI and Robotics Research and Development Company in East Africa – and plans to pursue entrepreneurial projects in machine learning, artificial intelligence and mobile development in order to develop her country.

Millicent Aluoch – UI/UX Designer

“As young leaders, we all have ambitions and problems we would like to solve. Our role is to take that step towards realising our dreams. We have to take ownership of our present and future by changing the narrative through courage and resilience – not shying away from being an outlier, even if it means shifting the status quo.”

A young leader from Kenya, Millicent Aluoch is a passionate dreamer and an ambitious doer. Currently working at Proto Energy as a Management Trainee in the UI/UX department, she believes that young people have the power to make the world a better place – if they’re willing to step up to the challenge with integrity and tenacity. As a graduate of ALX, she credits the programme with unlocking her potential and shifting her mindset to seeing problems as opportunities.

ALX Ventures Techpreneurs

Ifeoluwa Dare-Johnson – Founder & CEO of Healthtracka

“I want to say to every woman that you CAN. You CAN be a woman (with all the complexities that come with it) and be ambitious. You CAN get to the top of your career. You CAN do the seemingly hard things. You CAN build a global business. You CAN be a bold woman, unapologetically.”

Healthtech entrepreneur Ifeoluwa Dare-Johnson is the founder and CEO of Healthracka – a startup that is decentralising access to medical diagnostics in Africa through at-home testing. Galvanised by the unfortunate loss of her father in 2019, Ife realised the need for accessible, proactive and preventative healthcare in Nigeria. The company has since participated in the Techstars Toronto accelerator program, raised $1.5 million in seed funding from a set of female-led investors, and grown in popularity across the continent.

Kidist Tesfaye – Founder & CEO of YeneHealth

“Fall in love with the problem you’re trying to solve. Entrepreneurs solve problems; we  are not in it just to sell something and make a profit. It’s about solving a problem, but also making sure it’s the right one.”

Kidist Tesfaye is the founder and CEO of YeneHealth, the first and leading femtech startup in Ethiopia unlocking the digital door for healthcare services for African women by leveraging AI and data analytics. YeneHealth was born out of the realisation that there is a large medically underserved female population in Ethiopia, with little to no knowledge on sexual reproductive health. Passionate about solving problems for people, Kidist employs her entrepreneurial mindset and 12 years of experience in the financial, education, business and healthcare sectors to lead her company to greater heights and provide this much needed service. 

Nadia Gamal El-Din – Founder & CEO of Rahet Bally

“Get outside of your comfort zone – that’s where the magic happens.”

Nadia Gamal El-Din is the founder and CEO of Rahet Bally – which translates to “peace of mind” in Arabic. Realising the need for a support system after having her son, Nadia formed Rahet Bally as an all-inclusive support system for mothers in Egypt, offering support through a wide range of online femtech services and on-ground facilities. Grown from a small community of mothers, doctors and experts to a 74-million audience of women, Rahet Bally is leading the femtech scene in the MENA region with a female-based team of over 200 women. 

The ALX Team

Natalija Puzanskaja – Senior Data Engineer

“I believe diversity is the foundation of better solutions.”

Not everyone can say they were “born” for the world of tech, but Natalija Puzanskaja can. She was born in Lithuania to two software engineers, and was inspired by them to choose a career path in tech. Professionally, Natalija is a statistician, but has a multi-disciplinary background in software development, database design and business analytics and over a decade of experience in the tech industry. She works as a Senior Data Engineer at ALX and The ROOM, and has been described as a “data whisperer” who approaches her work creatively to arrive at fresh, break-through solutions.

Lise Hagen – Founder & Director of Herding Cats Innovarium

“I feel that women need to reclaim their close connection to high technology, whether it is in hardware manufacturing or coding because technology is just a tool; it is how one uses the tool that makes one powerful.”

Lise Hagen is a PhD candidate, management research consultant and the Founder and  Director of Herding Cats Innovarium, a technology insight and innovation advisory firm in South Africa. She has over 20 years’ experience applying socio-political, economic, and ICT mega trend insights to business problems. As a project consultant at ALI, Lise applies her vast skill set to the Global Brand team for ALX, helping to unlock Africa’s remarkable tech talent.

Oyin Eva Johnson – Technology Lawyer

“Explore the full scope of tech. Don’t limit yourself to just one specific area, because it is broad. Think about where your own strengths are and play to those. Seek out guidance, mentors, and learn. When you’ve done all that, take responsibility for your life and never count yourself out. Go for it!”

Oyin Johnson, born in Lagos, Nigeria is a multi-talented human – poet, singer, actress, dancer – but first and foremost a technology lawyer. As part of the Legal, Compliance and Risk team at ALI, Oyin creates legal frameworks for ALX and The ROOM that allow the company to thrive, ensuring clients are protected and the company stays aligned with the law. She firmly believes in the potential of women and their right to be represented in the tech industry and for her, making an impact on the lives of African youth is what she loves most about her work. 

Jahira Martins – Director of Sales & Marketing Automation

“It’s a no-brainer that we need more women to get into tech and gain the skills. It’s a space that is going to continue to be at the forefront of some of the most life-changing innovations that we will see in the coming decades.”

Jahira Martins is the Director of Sales and Marketing Automation at ALX and The ROOM. She started her career in the United States helping technology companies prepare for and scale in public markets through sales and marketing automation – and hasn’t left since. Her passion for developing long-lasting solutions led her to gain over a decade’s experience in the field, working with reputable companies such as JPMorgan Chase & Co., MongoDB and Datadog. She is a big believer in the power of women, and feels that no matter the field a woman enters, it thrives exponentially.

Gladys Mbogo – MarTech Support Specialist

“As a woman in tech, it’s important to have confidence in your abilities and ideas. Don’t be afraid to speak up and share your thoughts and opinions, even if you’re the only woman in the room.”

Kenya-born Gladys Mbogo is a MarTech Support Specialist at ALX with a demonstrated history of working in the information technology and services industry. Her foundations in Marketing, Customer Service and Fintech gave her the necessary skills and customer-centric mindset to work in marketing automation and technical support at ALX. To succeed in tech, Gladys believes that women should be untiring, confident and life-long learners. 

Faith Okoth – Software Engineer, Technical Mentor

“It’s important to have more women in tech because they bring valuable problem-solving skills and research abilities that can benefit the industry. By nature, women tend to be excellent problem solvers and researchers, which makes them well-suited for the fast-paced and constantly evolving tech field.”

Faith Okoth is a Technical Mentor to over 90,000 participants at ALX, ensuring efficient programme delivery, technical support and facilitation of live coding sessions. Over two years ago, Faith joined the tech space out of a passion for growth and solving problems. She began her journey as a software engineer in Kenya while leveraging the training opportunities available within ALX, including the Software Engineering programme. Not only has engaging with the learners solidified her foundational knowledge and widened her perspective, it has also presented an opportunity for personal and professional growth. 

At ALX, we believe in the vital importance of bridging the digital gender divide and increasing the representation of women in tech. Find out how we’re empowering the women leaders of tomorrow.

The post Be Bold. Lead Tech: The Most Inspiring Women of ALX first appeared on ALX Africa.

Can you share a bit about your background and how it led you to your current role at ALX?

My background is eclectic. While my professional background is in consulting and research, my academic background is in literature, anthropology, and business studies. I think my ability to combine a strategic top-down view with an emphasis on bottom-up representation got me to where I am.

What motivated you to enter the tech field and pursue a career in this space? 

I didn’t so much as enter the tech field as that it was the expansion of the tech field that made it  inseparable from every business. Moreover, I wanted to understand how things work and how they are put together, which are two skills that the tech field values.

What are some of your key responsibilities at ALX?

In my role as a project consultant, I support highly-talented creatives to do what they do best: dazzle and delight us by making the brands under ALI the best they can be.

What do you love most about your work?

Working with fabulous creatives on interesting projects whilst contributing to ALX and unlocking our incredible African talent.

Why do you believe it’s important for more women to get into tech and gain skills that will enable them to pursue careers in the industry?

I feel that women need to reclaim their close connection to high technology, whether it is in hardware manufacturing or coding, because technology is just a tool; it is how one uses the tool that makes one powerful. Empowered individuals make a difference in the world, and we must be the change we want to see.

What value do you think women bring to the tech industry, and how have you seen that play out in your own career?

I think every individual brings along their own perspective, and it is in the richness and depth of varied perspectives that new and exciting opportunities become possible. I don’t have a technical background, but I am a divergent thinker and insatiably curious. As a result I provide a different point of view.

What barriers or challenges have you encountered in your career journey, and how did you overcome them?

The challenges in my career have almost never been about hard skills, but rather on how self-limiting beliefs narrowed my options to what I believed was possible. It is when one throws those insecurities aside that career magic happens.

Have you had any mentors or role models who have impacted your career journey?

I never had a mentor when I started out; I never even thought it was relevant until I found out what genuine support, a safe space to articulate one’s thoughts and frustrations, and tough love can do to spur one on to unforeseen heights. A mentoring relationship can be as brief as a profound conversation; it needn’t be a relationship that lasts for years.

What excites you about the future of technology and innovation in Africa?

The incredible potential of a whole continent! I am a firm believer that Africa already has answers to questions that are asked globally.

What mindset do you believe is critical for women in tech to succeed in their journeys?

Determination, focus, empathy and a sense of humour.

What message or advice would you give to young women considering a career in tech?

Generally, people just jump at any job that becomes available and that’s what I did out of necessity. When I just started out, I never even considered that one can create a career, but once you recognise that you have that power, it is vital that there is a common theme that ties your career decisions together. For me, it is that I always need to do something that I find interesting.

​​ALX is proud to support its learners and graduates throughout their career journeys. Find out more about how ALX is creating the next generation of African women in tech.

#WomenInTech #WomenSupportingWomen

The post Curiosity in Action: Lise Hagen’s Journey Into Tech first appeared on ALX Africa.

Women have been largely excluded from an industry that literally designs and supports the building of cities, countries and the virtual world. When women are excluded, we have a world that was not built for us…

We are in awe of your outstanding achievements as an engineer, entrepreneur and all-round powerhouse of a leader! What was the initial impetus for setting up WomEng and WomHub?

WomHub was founded as a vehicle for financial sustainability for WomEng — a non-profit organisation I started with my co-founder, Hema Vallabh, in 2006, to address the severe shortage of women in engineering by developing the next generation of female engineering leaders.

Seeing the ebb and flow in the non-profit space, we realised that if we wanted to build lasting opportunities for women and girls in STEM, we had to do so with a different business model in mind. That was the initial reason for establishing WomHub, but we also realised the difference in how the world looks at you — and how seriously you are taken — when you have a for-profit venture. Additionally, we had scale and building aspirations that we found needed a different business model.

You are passionate about developing STEM talent in girls. Why is this so critical right now, particularly on the African continent?

We have what can be called “wicked problems”: universal challenges that have plagued us for too long. We need smarter, more diverse engineers to tackle these problems, especially with local understanding. Women have been largely excluded from an industry that literally designs and supports the building of cities, countries and the virtual world. When women are excluded, we have a world that was not built for us, and we see gender bias persist in everything from infrastructure to virtual safety. The way we combat this is through bringing more women to the design table.

Can you share some of the highlights of your work with WomEng and WomHub? What impact are they creating in the engineering ecosystem?

We are building the entire women in STEM ecosystem, from attraction (how we get more girls excited about engineering) to ownership. Through WomEng, we currently work with thousands of girls and women in South Africa and Kenya, and with backing from UNESCO, we plan to take things to an even greater level — reaching 1 million girls with targeted WomEng programs by 2027.

With WomHub, I’m particularly excited about our work supporting female founders, especially given the lack of capital that goes into female-founded businesses as well as a general lack of support. At our incubators, we have seen founders raise over $5 million dollars post programme and hire more than 400 people. We are looking to scale these numbers dramatically, which is why we introduced a venture capital fund — Five35 Ventures — into our ecosystem support, led by my partner Hema Vallabh.

We are also seeing some of the women we invested in through our talent support programmes now becoming directors at global engineering companies. And we also have an incredible partnership supporting a company in Botswana around women’s talent development in diamond manufacturing. We are playing the long game to not just build but truly support the advancement of the ecosystem at every stage.

Have you seen a shift in the number of young women taking up careers in STEM since you were training as an engineer?

Most definitely there has been an increase, largely through our GirlEng programme, and the increase in role models and general awareness of engineering careers. Some engineering classes are up to 50% female, but we still see large drop-offs of young women and exclusion when they get into the industry, so we still have a long way to go.

The data is clear that betting on female founders pays off, yet we still only see 0.98% of VC funding going to all-female founded teams.

Given the odds stacked against women entrepreneurs, why did you feel it was important to establish a community for female founders?

The data shows that women hire more women, and female founders have a higher ROI. The data is clear that betting on female founders pays off, yet we still only see 0.98% of VC funding going to all female founded teams. We need to invest and provide the support that female founders need to grow. They in turn will help our struggling economies thrive.

Can you shed some light on some of the initiatives that WomHub drives, such as your Imagineering Hub and Accelerator programme?

We have built the first female founder innovation and co-working space in Africa, based in Johannesburg. The hope is to scale such spaces to provide opportunities for female founders to connect, cultivate relationships and convert them to revenue through access to market, finance and skills. We offer this through our accelerator programmes. We have a number of programmes running that support female founders in STEM businesses with various thematic focuses, from the circular economy to working with companies focused on economic growth.

There is rampant inequality in the African startup space, where over 90% of funding goes to men. What will it take to level the playing field?

99% of funding goes to men. Ultimately, we need more women investors for this to shift. This is why Hema, my business partner, is not just raising a $30 million VC fund, but also opening it up to women and lowering the entry dollars for women investor to become LPs into the fund through the 35er Club. We want to shift the dynamics of who is investing and where, and support women as investors and entrepreneurs. This changes the landscape, but we need incredible male champions to invest in these funds as well. They still hold the power and the ability to write large checks, and at this point we definitely need all the allies to rally behind a transformation agenda.

What have been some of the biggest obstacles you’ve faced as a female founder in STEM? How were you able to surmount these challenges?

When you look young and wear a hijab, you are constantly having to educate and explain the challenges that women face, and these are often dismissed with comments like “I don’t get the women thing” or “If women worked as hard as men they would also achieve”, which is just not true. Women are working 2–3 times harder, on top of all the other responsibilities they carry that have been deeply entrenched in our society by gender norms and stereotypes. It’s really hard to wake up every day and fight patriarchy, which is why I am so exhausted. I honestly want to see women make loads of money so we can all just invest in other women and shift the power dynamics in business as well as in our homes and families.

As someone who is dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders in Africa, what excites you about the opportunities that lie ahead for young women on the continent?

I think the barrier to doing incredible things has been lowered by technology, which has started to reduce inequality. Before, you needed an Ivy League education, where now you can learn cool things online from those institutions, tinker with technology and develop cool things, connect to others and have your voice heard, and that excites me for young women in STEM.

I’m blessed to have a network of incredible women entrepreneurs and team members who inspire me every day to get up and fight.

Who are some of the women that inspire you in your work?

I speak a lot about my co-founder and business partner, Hema Vallabh, who is just incredible and I consider myself lucky to work with her. I’m blessed to have a network of incredible women entrepreneurs and team members who inspire me every day to get up and fight.

At ALX, we know that our collective future depends on women across Africa not just having a seat at the table, but redesigning the table. Find out how we’re empowering the women leaders of tomorrow through our first-ever women-only Software Engineering cohort.

The post A World Built for Us: How Naadiya Moosajee is Revolutionising the Women in STEM Ecosystem first appeared on ALX Africa.

An inspirational leader and thinker, she recently led a Masterclass for Fellows of The ROOM – ALX‘s community of top tech talent. Here are some of our top takeaways from this insightful event.

Frugal innovation and technology refers to products or services born out of necessity and in contexts that happen to be limited in available resources. — UNICEF

Push & pull factors driving frugal innovation

In Africa, the issue of scarce resources is paving the way to thinking more frugally around innovation and the economics around pricing.

Innovation is moving at a lightning pace. Over the last few years, its biggest drivers have included pull factors like digital transformation, the internet and cellphones, as well as push factors like an increase in scarce resources, disrupted global supply chains and other economic challenges. In Africa, the issue of scarce resources is paving the way to thinking more frugally around innovation and the economics around pricing. Yet, frugal innovation is not just for emerging markets. Across the globe, the “golden era” of absolute power and absolute resources has come to an end.

Functionality is better than aesthetics

If you want to make sure that you have a product that stands the test of time, focus its core components.

Naadiya explains the thinking around innovation, using the analogy of a flower. We tend to focus on the pretty petals of a flower that blossom and bloom. Yet the leaves are the most important part — the industrial centre of processing and source of innovation in the plant. A flower cannot survive without the leaves; however, the leaves can survive without the flower. According to Naadiya, this is the key thinking behind making innovations last beyond a fad. If you want to make sure that you have a product that stands the test of time — focus on the leaves.

No need to reinvent the wheel

Companies only need to be more innovative than their competitors; they do not need to reinvent the wheel.

Companies only need to be more innovative than their competitors. They do not need to reinvent the wheel; they just need to think about innovation differently by making small, localised improvements that can change the game entirely. By understanding the market, consumers, their pain points, and their behaviour, companies can grow their market share by innovating accordingly. Sometimes being a “first mover” is not enough. It’s extremely expensive to get into the marketplace, only to have a competitor steal market share by making small tweaks to a product and sell it as their own.

Pay attention to the “Wicked 7”

Innovators need to think of strategic solutions that will result in businesses and ventures that find solutions to the wicked problems of the world.

Climate collapse, inequality, extremism, war, corruption, health & livelihood, population & migration. These are the biggest challenges facing the world at present and are manifesting in every aspect of our lives. Using WomHub as an example, Naadiya explains how frugal innovation can and should be used to tackle problems like inequality. Innovators need to think of strategic solutions that will result in businesses and ventures that find solutions to the wicked problems of the world.

Africa is fertile testing ground

Countries are beginning to accept the official use of cryptocurrency as a result of currency uncertainty challenges.

Fewer regulatory roadblocks on the continent make taking products to market much simpler. This makes Africa a fertile testing ground for innovation. For example, M-Pesa — the revolutionary mobile phone-based money transfer service that was developed in Kenya in 2007 — helps to solve two of the Wicked 7 problems, namely: population & migration, and health & livelihood challenges. This is an example of how African countries can leverage technology to leapfrog developmental challenges through innovation. Another example is countries — such as Central African Republic — that are beginning to accept the use of cryptocurrency as an official currency as a result of currency uncertainty challenges.

Women are better drivers

When you have a more equal workforce, you will make more money.

When you have a more equal workforce, you will make more money. Drawing from experience in the mining sector, Naadiya shared the stark difference in maintenance costs of vehicles being driven by women versus when vehicles are driven by men. Men tend to be rougher on the vehicles, resulting in higher and more frequent servicing costs. Women in the same position allow for lower costs and therefore higher profits. If you want to make more money, hire more women.

The opportunities are boundless

As a continent with an abundance of young people that have adopted and embraced technology, the inspiration and opportunities are boundless.

When we start to solve logistical issues, improve inter-Africa trade, increase local manufacturing of goods, and create value-add for products, we will see a marked effect on the economic development of Africa. As a continent with an abundance of young people that have adopted and embraced technology, the inspiration and opportunities are boundless.

Naadiya’s Masterclass has reminded us that the flowers may be beautiful; they will draw attention and will get you applause and accolades. But if you want to make sure that you have a product that will stand the test of time — and that you can innovate — focus on the leaves.

Home to a diverse group of tech professionals, innovators and experts from throughout the African continent and around the world, The ROOM Fellowship is a community of top tech talent. ALX learners gain access to this prestigious community during their training.

The post Technovation: Leveraging Frugal Innovation to Solve Africa’s Greatest Challenges first appeared on ALX Africa.

African tech leaders are blazing a pathway for future change-makers like you, as they take the Fourth Industrial Revolution by storm. From investment to financial services to agriculture, tech is transforming every aspect of the world as we know it, and Africa’s talent is leading the way. We honour 10 exceptional tech leaders who are continuously innovating and creating a monumental impact on the continent.

Hema Vallabh, Co-Founder & CEO of WomHub

“We need to invest and provide the support that female founders need to grow. They in turn will help our struggling economies thrive.”

Hema is a trailblazer who has worn all sorts of hats — from engineer to entrepreneur to investor. She is the Co-Founder and CEO of WomHub, a boutique pan-African incubator and the continent’s first coworking space for female founders in STEM. The social enterprise tackles gender parity all along the engineering skills pipeline, with the vision to empower 1 million girls in STEM and develop women leaders and entrepreneurs in engineering. The African Union has recognised her enterprise as the top TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) programme in Africa supporting women leaders across the continent. Hema is also a founding partner at Five35Ventures, a pan-African venture capital fund that invests in women tech entrepreneurs.

Strive Masiyiwa, Founder of the Econet Group

“You can only find opportunities if you are looking for them.”

Zimbabwean billionaire businessman and philanthropist, Strive Masiyiwa is the Founder of Econet Group, comprising Econet Wireless and Cassava Technologies. He is best known by Zimbabweans for his resilience and fearlessness in the face of adversity when starting Econet Wireless, which has become the top mobile and fixed wireless platform in the country. In 2020, he was named amongst Bloomberg’s 50 Most Influential People, New African Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Africans, and Mail & Guardian’s 100 Africans of the Year. He is also a board member of the Rockefeller Foundation and co-founded the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, an initiative to help 400 million African smallholder farmers. In 1996, Strive and his wife, Tsitsi, founded the Higher Life Foundation, a social enterprise dedicated to helping vulnerable and orphaned children through education and materials support.

Charity Wanjiku, Co-Founder of Strauss Energy Ltd

“It’s important that girls are at the forefront of this digital age, because nobody will hire you if you do not have tech skills.”

The vibrant Co-Founder of Strauss Energy Ltd, Charity Wanjiku, is hailed by Forbes and the World Economic Forum as one of the top women in tech globally. Her company, a solar company dedicated to powering rural communities in Kenya through building green solutions, started producing patented solar tiles powering off-grid areas in rural Kenya way before Tesla took orders in the US and UK for its solar tiles in 2017. Their solar systems are unique because they have a special meter that can feed unused electricity back to the national grid, generating income for households. Charity also lends her expertise to the architecture, entrepreneurship and technology industries and is a vocal advocate for breaking STEM barriers for women and girls.

Mark Essien, Founder & CEO of Hotels.ng

“There are always a bunch of challenges at every stage of your company. Success comes from identifying what the particular most pressing problem is right now and solving that one problem.”

Nigerian-born Mark Essien is a serial and globally acclaimed tech entrepreneur who holds a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng) degree in Computer Hardware Engineering from Beuth Hochschule and an MSc in Computer Science from Freie Universität. During his time in university, he created various software that he sold to notable companies including Disney and the US Armed Forces. He founded Hotels.ng in 2013, an online travel agency specialising in hotel bookings within Nigeria with a vision to become the biggest provider of travel information and reservation in Africa, making him one of the earliest travel tech entrepreneurs in the country. In 2016, Mark founded the HNG internships to train and recruit the most talented software developers across Africa. In recognition of his contribution to the hospitality and tech industries, he was listed among Forbes’ 30 Most Promising Young Entrepreneurs in Africa in 2015 and nominated for Nigeria’s Future Awards in 2014.

Rapelang Rabana, Founder of Rekindle Learning

“I think we’re going to see a huge wave in the world where lots of young people are going to use that experiential wisdom that they see from being in the circumstance of a problem to come up with innovative solutions.”

Hailed as one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Africa’s Best Young Entrepreneurs and featured on the O Power List by The Oprah Magazine, Rapelang is making waves in the African tech industry. She is the Founder of Rekindle Learning, an award-winning learning & development company providing mobile and computer learning applications for students and adults of all ages. Rapelang first established her reputation as the Founder of the telecommunications firm, Yiego, an innovative software company that developed some of the world’s earliest mobile VoIP applications. She is a Global Shaper of the World Economic Forum, a firm believer in the power of education to create opportunities, and a role model to many who aspire to seize tech and education opportunities.

Tope Awotona, Founder and CEO of Calendly

“If you’re going to do something, you have to go all in.”

Disruptive Nigerian entrepreneur Tope Awotona is the founder and CEO of Calendly, a multi-billion dollar scheduling platform for high-performing teams and individuals accelerating business. The company was born from the vision of simplifying scheduling for everyone without the back-and-forth emails. Tope poured his entire life savings and maxed out his credit cards to fund his idea in 2013, deciding to put everything on the line after three previous failed ventures. Tope was awarded the Atlanta Business Chronicle Most Admired CEO award in 2021 and the Comparably Best CEOs award in 2019.

Mary Mwangi, Founder and CEO of Data Integrated

“You can do it. There’ll be days when you’ll feel like you’ve hit rock bottom, but you have to get up. Know that every day there’ll be challenges and there’ll also be successes.”

A pioneer in the fintech logistics space on the continent, Mary Mwangi is the Founder and CEO of innovative ICT company Data Integrated. Based in Kenya, her company offers financial solutions to African SMEs and especially focuses on Kenya’s public transport system, where she is leveraging tech to solve the long-standing problems faced in the industry. Data Integrated offers several payment options, including the groundbreaking MobiTill Epesi Smart Public Transport app, which has changed how fleet managers operate their businesses. For its work, the company won the MEST Africa Challenge in 2018 and Africa.com’s Brilliant African Innovations Against COVID-19 contest in 2020.

Naadiya Moosajee, Co-Founder and CEO at WomEng

“Engineers design our world and our society, and if we don’t have women at the design table, we exclude 50% of the population.”

Engineering powerhouse Naadiya Moosajee is on a mission to close the gender gap for women through her organisation, Women in Engineering (WomEng), which is devoted to investing in the future of girls and women in engineering and technology. Naadiya is also a Co-Founder of WomHub, alongside Hema Vallabh. In 2014, she was named one of the Top 20 Young Power Women in Africa by Forbes. The Government of China also awarded her a special honour at the BRICS Summit for her work in African girls’ STEM education. She is passionate about developing STEM and fostering growth, gender equality, leadership and prosperity in emerging economies, while mentoring the next generation of leaders and engineering better societies.

Sara Menker, Founder & CEO of Gro Intelligence

“In a world where you’re trying to make an ecosystem more efficient and more sustainable, more people need to have access to a certain level of information. And the only way you make that level of information available at a cheap enough cost is AI.”

Sara Menker grew up in Ethiopia in the ’80s in the cosmopolitan capital of Addis Ababa, which inspired her determined and innovative approach to life and problem solving. Today, she is the Founder & CEO of Gro Intelligence, a tech company that uses artificial intelligence to forecast agricultural trends — illuminating the interrelationships between our earth’s ecology and the human economy. Before founding Gro Intelligence, she was the Vice President of Morgan Stanley’s commodities group, having worked in commodities risk management and subsequently moved to trading during her time with the company. Sara has been named a Global Young Leader by the World Economic Forum, is a fellow of the Aspen Institute and a Trustee of the Mandela Institute For Development Studies (MINDS).

Jay Alabraba, Co-Founder of Paga

“Young Africans need to be in line with what’s happening in other parts of the world, and learning these digital skills — everything from coding to STEM education to engineering — is really, really relevant.”

Jay Alabraba is the Co-Founder and Director of Business Development at Paga, Nigeria’s largest mobile payments company. He has been at the forefront of Africa’s tech revolution and digital transformation as one of Nigeria’s earliest fintech entrepreneurs. Jay’s career began when he joined Microsoft in Redmond, Washington, as a Program Manager. He oversaw a cross-functional team that won multiple patents for its inventive work in data protection and anti-piracy fields. He accepted the Charles P. Bonini Partnership for Diversity Fellowship from Stanford Graduate School of Business in 2004.

ALX is creating a new generation of agile African digital leaders for the 21st century. Find out more about our cutting-edge tech training programmes at www.alxafrica.com.

The post 10 African Leaders in Tech Who Are Paving the Way for the Next Generation first appeared on ALX Africa.