Africa cannot afford to leave half of its talent behind if it hopes to compete in the evolving global economy, speakers at the fifth edition of the Women in Technology and Engineering Summit and Awards (WITESA 2026) stressed as the two-day event concluded in Lagos with an awards ceremony celebrating women transforming the continent’s technology and engineering sector.
Organised by Womenovate in partnership with Tech Revolution Africa, the summit brought together policymakers, technology leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, engineers, academics and innovators to explore this year’s theme, “Engineering Africa’s Future: Innovation, Infrastructure and Inclusive Technology.”
Delivering the goodwill message of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Cecilia Bolaji Dada, said the continued exclusion of women from science, technology and innovation creates significant economic consequences.
“Africa cannot fully realise its potential if half of its talent is left behind. Women constitute a significant portion of our population, yet they remain underrepresented in many areas of science, technology, engineering, and innovation. This is not merely a gender issue, it is an economic issue, a development issue, and a competitiveness issue.”
She noted that over the past five years, WITESA has helped create a growing network of female innovators, entrepreneurs, engineers and technology leaders contributing to Africa’s development through mentorship, skills development and professional advancement.
The commissioner said Lagos State remains committed to creating opportunities that allow innovation to thrive through investments in digital infrastructure, research, entrepreneurship and technology-enabled governance.
“Every time a talented young woman is unable to access quality education, mentorship, funding, or opportunities in the technology ecosystem, we all lose, we all lose ideas, we lose innovation, we lose solutions to some of our most pressing challenges, and that is why inclusion must remain at the centre of our development agenda.”
The summit’s focus on inclusion was reiterated at the event, particularly as stakeholders examined how technology can drive economic growth while being accessible to women, young people and underserved communities.
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, highlighted the need to close the digital divide across Nigeria.
“Today as we discuss engineering inclusive growth in the digital age. We must recognise that technology is shaping the future of nations, economies, and societies. However, for growth to be meaningful, it must be inclusive.”
He acknowledged Lagos State’s leadership in digital transformation but stressed that many communities still struggle with internet access, electricity, digital literacy and affordability of technology.
“Bridging this digital divide requires deliberate action from the government, the private sector, educational institutions, and society. We must invest in broadband infrastructure, digital education, skills development, and policies with technology accessible to women, youth, small businesses, and underserved communities.”
The deputy governor added that technology should become a tool for job creation, empowerment and improved quality of life across Nigeria.
Gautier Mignot, European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, described investment in women in science, technology and engineering as one of the smartest decisions any society can make.
He commended Womenovate and its partners for building a platform that connects policymakers, investors, innovators, students and industry leaders around critical conversations on digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, fintech and engineering.
“These awards matter. They matter for at least three reasons, recognition, representation, and responsibility.”
According to the ambassador, visibility is crucial in inspiring more girls and young women to pursue careers in STEM fields.
“Celebrating success must go hand in hand with a commitment to change the systems that make that success so hard.”
He further urged governments, companies, universities and development partners to take concrete actions that make it easier for women to study, innovate, lead and build businesses within the technology ecosystem.
At the heart of the summit was a celebration of women already reshaping industries and breaking barriers.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Motunrayo Opayinka, CEO of Womenovate and Convener of WITESA 2026, said the platform was created to recognise the often-overlooked contributions of women across STEM disciplines.
“This year is to celebrate your contributions to the STEM sector. It’s not an easy fit. I always tell people, for a woman to attain what she’s attained, she’s worked twice harder than a male counterpart. So take your roses, you deserve it.”
She explained that the award process was based on public nominations, revealing the impact recipients have made within their respective sectors.
“It was a public nomination, so it speaks greatly to your contributions, and also to let you know that people know people are looking and your efforts are recognised.”
Providing an overview of the summit, Glory Olamigoke, Co-founder and Director of Tech Revolution Africa and Co-convener of WITESA 2026, highlighted the conference’s growing influence in advancing female leadership across technology and engineering.
The first day of the summit featured keynote sessions, fireside chats, startup showcases and conversations with leading women executives from across the digital economy.
Ten female-founded startups participated in a pitch competition, with the top three receiving a combined grant support of N500,000.
“Thirty, forty, fifty years back it wasn’t common to find women playing in the technology and engineering space, but that has changed now. Not only are women being represented, they are also taking the charge, they are leading, and they are causing radical growth and impact across the ecosystem,” Olamigoke said.
The WITESA 2026 awards ceremony recognised outstanding individuals whose work continues to enhance Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and inspire the next generation.
Among the recipients were Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who received the Public Sector Engineering Leader of the Year (Male) Award; Professor Folasade Ogunsola, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, who won the Research Excellence Award in STEM; Oluwatosin Olaseinde, Founder and CEO of Money Africa and Ladda, named Female Innovator of the Year; and Odunayo Eweniyi, Co-founder of PiggyVest, who received the FinTech Innovation Award.
Other awardees included Damilola Olokesusi, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Shuttlers; Confidence Staveley, Founder and Executive Director of Cybersafe Foundation; Kemisola Bolarinwa, Founder and CEO of Nextwear Technologies; Adora Nwodo, engineering leader and author; Dr Success Ojo, Co-founder and CEO of GMIND AI; Bisola Alabi, Founder of Heels & Tech; Oluwatobi Otokiti, Vice President of Product at Raenest and Founder of Productive; and Bukola Ajayi, Chief Information Officer at MTN Nigeria.
