Also, the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD22): “Break the Bias” is more than a call to action—it’s a celebration of resilience, brilliance, and progress.

From tech startups to AI labs, fintech platforms to policy-making tables, African women are increasingly claiming their space and redefining what leadership looks like in the digital age.

Yet, their journey is far from easy. Deep-seated cultural norms, limited access to resources, and systemic gender gaps continue to pose challenges.

On the occasion of IWD22, Techeconomy celebrates 15 women who are confronting these biases head-on—innovating, inspiring, and building inclusive digital ecosystems that empower the next generation. It is a tribute to their courage and a blueprint for a more equitable digital future:

1. Lillian Barnard

Microsoft Africa President Lillian Barnard has spent more than two decades in the ICT industry.

In 2019 she became Microsoft South Africa’s first female chief executive since Microsoft reinvested in the country in the early 1990s and in 2023 she was promoted to Microsoft Africa president.

She has held various executive positions, both locally and abroad, and has served on numerous boards.

Before joining Microsoft, she served as chief sales officer at Vodacom and worked for IBM for 15 years, including a seven-year international assignment in France and Switzerland.

Barnard is passionate about the empowerment of women, and at Microsoft she is prompting a culture that encourages gender equality in the workplace.

She also previously worked with Duke Corporate Education to design a women-only course that helps female employees become the agents of change by amplifying feminine voices and views in the workplace.

Her advice to other women and young girls is to “be bold, be fearless and to surround themselves with people who inspire and challenge them to be their best self.”

2. Funke Opeke

Funke Opeke is the founder and CEO of MainOne, a telecommunication and networks company, and following a US$320 million acquisition in 2022, MainOne now forms part of Equinix – a US-based digital infrastructure company.

Nigerian-born Opeke spent 20 years of her career in the US – with high-profile roles like executive director of Verizon Communications Wholesale Division.

In 2005 she decided to return to Nigeria to take up the role of chief technical officer at MTN. After that, she advised Transcorp on the acquisition of the former state telecoms monopoly, NITEL, and briefly served as the interim COO post-acquisition.

Before the Equinix acquisition MainOne built West Africa’s first privately owned, open access submarine cable system – a 7,000km system with landing stations in Nigeria, Ghana and Portugal and reserved branching units in Morocco, Canary Islands, Senegal and Ivory Coast.

The $240 million project was completed in 2010 – on time and on budget.

“To even the imbalance against women in technology, there is a need for initiatives aimed at engaging, inspiring and empowering women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and math fields (STEM) at an early age,” Opeke told Connecting Africa in a previous interview.

3. Nollie Maoto

Chief Data and Analytics Officer for Merchant Services at FNB Nollie Maoto has over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry and is a seasoned speaker and panelist when it comes to the data and analytics industry, not just in South Africa but also globally.

Maoto is passionate about the data and analytics industry and more so, the empowerment and advancement of women in this industry globally.

She champions a movement to train more female data scientists, as the results show that data analytics teams including women not only perform better, but women also bring diverse perspectives which help counter biases when creating algorithms in areas like artificial intelligence (AI).

Maoto has many accolades under her belt, including being crowned Data Analytics Leader of the Year 2022 by Dalebrook Media South Africa.

She was also named one of CDO Magazine’s Global Data Power Women for 2022 and was one of the 2022 Corinium Global Top 100 Leaders in Data & Analytics.

She was nominated as one of the 50 most inspiring women in the STEM sectors in South Africa by Inspiring Fifty SA in 2021 and was named the CDO Ambassador for South Africa in 2022.

4. Folasade Femi-Lawal

With over 25 years of experience, Folasade Femi-Lawal was recently appointed as Mastercard head for West Africa.

She previously led the cards and messaging business at First Bank in Nigeria, where she contributed to the bank’s mobile financial services and digital banking strategy.

Before joining First Bank, Femi-Lawal was the head of the United Bank of Africa’s loan monitoring unit and previously worked at Airtel.

Femi-Lawal is currently helping strengthen Mastercard’s partnerships with key stakeholders and aims to advance its mission of building a more connected and inclusive digital economy in West Africa.

She is eager to support the Nigerian government’s agenda for developing a powerful, inclusive and secure digital economy – including for women.

5. Velma Corcoran

Velma Corcoran is a firm believer in the potential of technology to drive inclusive growth and entrepreneurship across Africa, especially for women.

Corcoran leads Airbnb’s campaigns work across the Middle East and Africa region, including the creation of the Airbnb Africa Academy and the Africa Travel Summit.

She is obsessed with how Airbnb can redefine travel in Africa and take tourism to people and places that need it most, and the role technology will play in unlocking this potential.

She joined Airbnb in March 2016 as the regional market manager for sub-Saharan Africa.

Before this she led marketing for Cape Town Tourism, where her team won numerous awards for destination marketing leadership, including awards from the UNWTO, Travel & Leisure Smitty Awards, and Cannes Gold.

6. Maya Horgan Famodu

Maya Horgan Famodu is the founder of Ingressive Capital, a venture fund that supports African tech startups. She is also the founder of Ingressive for Good, a non-governmental organisation providing training, talent placement and scholarships to African talents. Famodu was featured in Forbes’s “Under 30 Technology” and “10 Inspiring Women Ruling Nigeria’s Tech Ecosystem” in 2019.

7. Odunayo Eweniyi

Odunayo Eweniyi is the co-founder and COO of PiggyVest, a digital investment platform in Nigeria. She is a business executive and activist with a background in Business Analysis and Operations spanning 7 years.

She has won numerous awards including the Forbes Woman Africa Technology and Innovation Award, the Future Awards Africa Prize in Technology, Forbes Africa on the 30 under 30 Technology, and many others.

8. Cynthia Duru

Cynthia’s thrives on building innovative and resilient systems that drive digital transformation across various industries.

Beyond her engineering work, Cynthia is a passionate mentor and advocate for women in technology.

She actively contributes to the growth of Africa’s tech ecosystem by mentoring and guiding the next generation of female engineers.

Many of her mentees have gone on to secure roles at leading companies such as Interswitch, Shell Nigeria, and several other prominent organizations, underscoring her commitment to lifting others as she climbs.

9. Rebecca Enonchong

Rebecca Enonchong, known as “Queen of Tech” is the founder of AppsTech, a leading provider of enterprise application solutions in Cameroon.

She is Co-founder of Cameroon Angels Network and Co-founder and vice president of African Business Angels Network (ABAN).

Rebecca currently serves as a mentor/advisor to several technology startups. She has won numerous awards as well as several recognitions. She is a serial entrepreneur and a reliable source of tech information in Africa.

10. Fatoumata Ba

Fatoumata Ba, a Senegalese tech entrepreneur, is the founder of Janngo Capital where she heads creation, growth, and investment in pan-African ‘tech for good’ champions. Janngo is Africa’s largest gender-equal tech fund, working towards proven business models and social impact.

She is the founding CEO of Jumia in Ivory Coast, managing director in Nigeria, and an Executive Committee member at the African level.

She has been the mastermind behind the success of over 130 operations across over 30 countries, generating thousands of jobs and empowering countless SMEs.

11. Eloho Omame

Eloho Omame is the co-founder of First Check Africa, a female-led startup building financial services, education, healthcare, and retail/commerce. She is an early-stage investor and a strong advocate for gender and inclusion in VC in Africa. She’s a partner at TLcom Capital, a seed-to-growth stage VC firm.

12. Jenny Daniel

Jenny Daniel is a seasoned Tech Sales Expert and currently serves as the Lead Sales Solution Expert at Gadol Finance. With a strong background in B2B technology sales and financial solutions, Jenny brings strategic insight and a customer-centric approach to driving growth and delivering tailored sales strategies.

Her expertise lies in bridging complex tech products with business value, leading high-performing sales teams, and building client relationships that fuel sustainable success.

At Gadol Finance, she plays a pivotal role in crafting innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern enterprises.

13. Purity Maina

Purity is a Software Engineer from Nairobi who has been instrumental in transforming the tech space by building innovative solutions, she has been a voice shaping Kenyan Tech Space and encouraging women in Tech.

Her journey from Embu to becoming a tech professional serves as an inspiration to many aspiring women in technology

14. Cecilia Caroline Nalubega

Cecilia is a Software Engineer at Andela and serves as a Global Ambassador for the WomenTech Network in Uganda. She is committed to empowering women in tech and fostering a community of support and growth. ​

15. Olatokunbo Ogunlade 

Olatokunbo Ogunlade is recognized voice in Africa’s DevOps and cloud community, actively mentoring aspiring engineers across the continent.

Her advocacy focuses on increasing visibility, championing inclusion, and fostering technical excellence for African women navigating global tech spaces.

The post IWD22: Break the Bias | 15 Women Leading Africa’s Digital Future appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

In his role, Wole will oversee the Equinix business in Nigeria, Ghana and Cote D’Ivoire and will work closely with both local businesses and multinational companies to build on the strong foundations for connectivity and growth in the region bringing the opportunity of Equinix to the West African region.

Wole takes over the reins of Equinix’s West Africa business from MainOne’s founder and CEO, Funke Opeke, who remains with Equinix as a strategic advisor in the West African region through March 2026.

Wole is a seasoned professional with over 20 years’ experience in the Nigerian Telecoms Industry.

Wole Abu, managing director for West Africa at Equinix, said;

“I’m excited to be joining Equinix, as we share a common vision for expanding digital infrastructure across Africa. This mission is crucial for bringing life-enhancing services to the region and bridging the digital divide. By empowering both enterprises and individuals, we’re enabling broader participation in the global digital economy. I’m eager to contribute to this transformative work and help create a more connected, accessible digital landscape throughout Africa.”

Commenting on Wole’s appointment, Judith Gardiner, Vice President for Growth and Emerging Markets at Equinix said: “We are delighted to have Wole join Equinix as the leader driving our operations in West Africa. With his expertise, we will support local businesses and multinational companies in expanding into Africa and beyond through Equinix. This marks a significant milestone for Equinix as we continue to develop our presence in Africa, establishing crucial strategic data hubs, accelerating digital technology development, supporting our customers, and contributing to the continent’s immense growth potential through robust digital infrastructure.”

Who is Wole Abu?

Wole Abu joins Equinix from Liquid Intelligent Technologies where he held the position of CEO for Nigeria and Africa Data Centre (ADC). As well as driving business success, Wole is passionate about driving societal and social change through technology and is focussed on driving a successful strategy for connectivity and digital access in West Africa.

Prior to his appointment at Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Abu served as the Chief Executive Officer of Pan African Towers, a telecom infrastructure company he built to being one of the leading Towercos in Nigeria. Abu also served as Vice President of Sales at Airtel Nigeria, where he also held several senior management roles in the Human Resources, Engineering, Operations, Finance, Legal, and Marketing departments respectively.

This polyfocal blend of functional skills, makes Abu a very experienced leader and force in the telecoms sector as he is poised to bridge the connectivity gap in Africa in an environmentally sustainable fashion.

This is demonstrated as he was recently named one of the top 20 Towercos Chief Executives in the World by TowerXchange.

Abu, in his storied career also won the Nigeria Tech Innovation and Telecom Award (NTITA) by the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) for his outstanding contributions to the growth and development of the telecom industry. Abu was also elected by the same association to serve as its Publicity Secretary.

He has managed across start-ups and mature companies, leading these businesses into periods of massive and rapid growth through new business service rollouts, while driving positive change in the respective companies.

While at Pan African Towers, Mr. Abu led the company to win four significant awards in its two years of business operations.

Abu is creative, innovative, visionary and a strategic planner who has an excellent sense of business ethics and corporate governance.

With his continued leadership style, rare enthusiasm and heightened drive to revolutionise the telecom industry in Nigeria, Mr. Abu is dedicated to making a significant impact on the society.

Highlights and Qualifications

• Abu is a member of the Project Management Institute, and volunteers regularly for causes that protect families and empowers communities.
• He holds a bachelor’s degree in Engineering with Honours from the University of Benin and an MBA from the Lagos Business School.
• In 2012, Abu attended the Indian Institute of Business Management, Ahmedabad where he acquired a certification in Business Administration and Management.
• Abu has attended several leadership courses in top educational institutions and consistently gives talks and makes presentations in top conferences and seminars globally… [Source]

Wole will also lead Equinix’s key local engagements to make a meaningful impact to society through the support of initiatives focused on education, sustainability, and the betterment of society as well as driving the vital environmental and community initiatives so crucial to the sustainable goals and vision of Equinix.

Wole’s appointment as Managing Director for Equinix’s West African business follows shortly after the opening of Equinix’s newest data center in Johannesburg.

The post Meet Wole Abu newly Appointed MD Equinix West Africa appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

While Funke Opeke, who founded MainOne in 2008, will no longer oversee day-to-day operations, she will remain influential within the company, transitioning into a strategic advisory role that will extend through to March 2026. 

MainOne is entering a new chapter under the leadership of Wole Abu, a well-known figure in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.

Formerly CEO of Liquid Intelligent Technologies Nigeria, Wole Abu has been appointed as Opeke’s successor and his extensive experience includes leadership positions at Pan African Towers and Airtel Nigeria, making him a fitting choice to guide MainOne through its next phase of growth.

In his new role, Abu will focus on expanding MainOne’s internet service offerings and data centre operations across the region.

Sources close to the matter report that Equinix, which acquired MainOne in April 2022, plans to undertake several major infrastructure projects, including three new data centre facilities and an increase in fibre capacity.

MainOne’s brand will continue under Equinix’s ownership, preserving its identity while benefitting from the resources and global expertise that Equinix brings. 

Since the acquisition, MainOne’s operations have been bolstered by Equinix’s industry footprint, making it one of the largest exits in Africa’s tech ecosystem. 

The acquisition of MainOne, valued at $320 million, shows the growing interest in Africa’s digital infrastructure as global players aim to capture the expanding demand for internet connectivity and data services across the continent.

Under Opeke’s leadership, MainOne deployed the first private submarine cable on Africa’s West Coast in 2010 and extensive fibre-optic expansion efforts in Lagos. 

In 2013, MainOne installed a 27-kilometre fibre optic cable network covering Lagos’ Yaba area, known as Nigeria’s Silicon Valley. This investment attracted numerous tech startups to the area, facilitating the growth of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem and supporting firms like Andela, CcHUB, Paga, Hotels.ng, and Flutterwave.

The leadership transition occurs at an important time, as Equinix strengthens its efforts in the region following the recent inauguration of a data centre in Johannesburg. 

With Abu’s appointment, Equinix is focused on advancing connectivity and supporting West African enterprises with cutting-edge digital infrastructure. 

Elated about the role, Abu shared the vision of expanding digital access across Africa to facilitate economic inclusivity and support regional development. 

Equinix stated that Abu’s leadership would be key in facilitating partnerships with both local and international businesses, driving the growth of digital services throughout West Africa.

MainOne did not immediately respond to requests for comments on the leadership transition.

The post Funke Opeke Steps Down as MainOne MD, Wole Abu Appointed Successor appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

However, a growing number of professionals are choosing to stay and invest in local entrepreneurship ventures. They gain experience globally, then come back to build locally.

This change could be said to have been influenced by personal ambition, economic opportunity, and a deep desire to positively impact local communities. 

But why are more Nigerians embracing entrepreneurship over migration, and how is this choice impacting the country’s economic industry?

The Lure of Migration and Its Challenges

Historically, skilled Nigerians migrated to escape limitations in career progression, infrastructure, and standard of living. 

While the allure of developed nations is strong, many discover that living abroad is not without its challenges. Migrants often face cultural adjustment, high living costs, and complex legal systems. 

The struggle to integrate into new environments has caused many to reconsider their decisions, sometimes leading to disillusionment.

Net Migration to UK Fell 10% in 2023 [GRAPH]

The Rise of Local Entrepreneurship

In contrast, local entrepreneurship is becoming a more attractive option for skilled Nigerians, driven by multiple factors:

1. Economic Opportunities: Despite Nigeria’s challenges, its local markets continue to grow, offering lucrative business opportunities. Entrepreneurs are increasingly identifying and capitalizing on untapped niches that address local needs.
2. Social Impact: A strong desire to contribute to Nigeria’s development is another driver. Entrepreneurs see themselves as agents of change, creating jobs and enabling community development in ways that migration cannot achieve.
3. Innovation and Technology: Technological advancements have helped local entrepreneurs to compete on a global scale. The rise of digital platforms and tools has made it easier for businesses to start and grow without needing to leave Nigeria.

Several Nigerian entrepreneurs are examples of this change

Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, co-founder of Andela and Flutterwave

Take Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, the co-founder of Andela and Flutterwave. Aboyeji chose to stay in Nigeria, where he has built platforms empowering African talent and businesses. 

His work with Andela, which focuses on training software developers, and Flutterwave, a payment solutions company, has greatly impacted the African tech space, with his current venture, Future Africa, which funds mission-driven innovators across the continent. 

Aboyeji believed in Nigeria’s ability to solve its own challenges and he remained focused on directly contributing to building the infrastructure and ecosystem necessary for sustainable growth.

Funke Opeke, CEO, MainOne

Similarly, Funke Opeke, who returned from the US to found MainOne, has helped in improving West Africa’s internet infrastructure. 

MainOne is a leading provider of telecom services and network solutions in the region, and under Opeke’s leadership, it has bridged huge gaps in digital access. 

After a successful career in the United States, Opeke returned to Nigeria driven by a desire to address the country’s urgent need for better internet infrastructure. Her vision for reducing the digital divide continues to drive her entrepreneurship goal and focus.

Olugbenga Agboola, co-founder of Flutterwave

Olugbenga Agboola, co-founder of Flutterwave, has simplified payments for businesses across Africa, helping them grow and operate efficiently. 

Flutterwave has become an essential pillar of the African fintech sector. Agboola remains in Africa because of his zeal to create solutions targeting the challenges faced by African businesses. With this, he ensures that Flutterwave continues to meet the dynamic needs of its users.

Temie Giwa-Tubosun, founder of LifeBank

Temie Giwa-Tubosun, founder of LifeBank, uses technology to connect hospitals with essential medical supplies, effectively saving lives. 

Her inspiration for LifeBank came from her personal experiences with the healthcare system in Nigeria, and her mission is to improve healthcare delivery in her home country. Giwa-Tubosun is deeply determined to use her platform to address healthcare challenges in Nigeria.

Shola Akinlade, co-founder of Paystack

Shola Akinlade, co-founder of Paystack, has simplified payments for businesses across Africa, allowing them to scale and thrive. 

Paystack’s acquisition by Stripe accentuated its global impact. Akinlade believes in the prospects of African businesses to compete globally. He has helped in building the infrastructure that supports the growth of businesses.

Odunayo Eweniyi, co-founder of PiggyVest

Odunayo Eweniyi, co-founder of PiggyVest, has made a huge impact in promoting financial inclusion and literacy in Nigeria. 

PiggyVest helps Nigerians to save and invest money, enabling them to adequately control their finances. Eweniyi’s decision to stay in Nigeria is driven by her vision to build people with the right mindset and her belief that local entrepreneurship can drive economic development.

Tayo Oviosu, founder of Paga

Tayo Oviosu, founder of Paga, has made financial services accessible to millions of Nigerians through mobile payments. Paga has become indispensable in the Nigerian fintech sector, bolstering how people handle financial transactions. 

Oviosu’s decision to stay in Nigeria allows him to remain close to his customers and better understand their needs, ensuring that Paga continues to deliver solutions that make financial services accessible to all.

The Patriots Who Build with Blistered Hands: Any Hope in Sight?

There is no gainsaying that the success of businesses in Nigeria has a profound impact on the economy and society. They contribute around 60% to the GDP, which equals approximately $295 billion annually, and are responsible for over 80% of jobs, whilst employing more than 52 million Nigerians (National Bureau of Statistics, 2024).

The  Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) reached $3.8 billion in 2023, with significant investments in telecommunications, oil, and renewable energy (UNCTAD, 2024).

Thus business activities continue to drive infrastructure improvements and urbanization, while the fintech sector has further transformed financial transactions, with digital payments reaching $670 billion in 2023 (Central Bank of Nigeria, 2024). 

Despite substantial CSR investments and economic contributions, challenges such as regional disparities and environmental issues remain prevalent (Nigerian Business Coalition for Sustainable Development, 2024; Environmental Rights Action, 2024).

An alarming statistics from the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) indicate that over 1,000 doctors leave Nigeria annually for better working conditions and opportunities abroad, with popular destinations including the UK, the US, Canada, and Australia. 

Moreover, the media has been awash with reports of a massive exodus of engineers, technology experts, academics, researchers, and other professionals seeking opportunities in countries with thriving tech and engineering sectors. Despite this, there are still many who believe their contributions could help realize the Nigeria of our dreams.

It is important to state from the outset that the decision to stay in Nigeria or leave the country may be based on personal, professional, economic, social, and political reasons. This choice should not be judged as either good or bad. 

This is because, over the past two years, the Nigerian diaspora has made significant contributions to the economy, primarily through remittances, investments, and the transfer of skills and knowledge.

According to the World Bank and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), remittances from Nigerians living abroad were estimated at around $20 billion in 2022. This substantial increase underscores the growing importance of remittances to Nigeria’s economy. 

For 2024, remittances are projected to be between $22 billion and $24 billion, reflecting a continued rise driven by the growing number of Nigerians abroad and advancements in financial technology.

For entrepreneurs who choose to stay, and build businesses over emigration,  they might have benefited largely from hindsight, insight, and strategic analysis. In Nigeria,  key entrepreneurial opportunities lie in technology and fintech, which attract significant investment and create jobs. 

The same can also be said of  Agriculture which is contributing 25% to GDP and supporting millions, presents other opportunities. 

In Nigeria also, Renewable energy, with projected investments of $2 billion by 2025, aims to address energy deficits and generate jobs. The healthcare sector, valued at over $5 billion, can reduce import dependency and improve health. 

E-commerce and retail can drive consumer spending and modernization, while education and edtech can enhance learning and create employment.

Additionally, Nigeria’s real estate offers opportunities for urban development, and tourism and hospitality support local businesses. The fashion industry generates significant revenue, and entertainment contributes not less than $7 billion annually. 

Each sector drives economic growth and job creation. Drawing parallels with H.W. Brands’ classic “The Men Who Built America,” which explores the lives and legacies of key industrialists like Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, J.P. Morgan, Cornelius Vanderbilt, and Henry Ford, who transformed America through their innovations and philanthropy, it is clear that entrepreneurship, despite challenges, has the potential for significant impact.

However, when considering the chains of challenges faced by entrepreneurs in Nigeria, the question arises: is their patriotism worth it? While it can not be jettisoned that entrepreneurs play an important role in building the economy, the prevailing socio-economic and political climate in Nigeria can be said to be harsh, discouraging, and potentially stifling business success. 

According to Mr. Wale Edun, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, over 800 companies folded due to market instability, unfulfilled promises, breaches of contracts, foreign exchange market issues, and general economic instability. 

We opined that many of these challenges are avoidable with people-centred policies and well-thought-out actions, reflecting failures in leadership and governance.

Adding to these challenges are escalating interest rates, security issues, and unplanned subsidy removal, which leave entrepreneurs at a disadvantage. Alhaji Dangote’s refinery dubbed the “6th Wonder of the World,” serves as a reference point for the potential impact of well-managed projects.

In light of the questions posed by one of Jesus Christ’s apostles, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” It is essential to ask what the future holds for entrepreneurs who choose to build businesses amid challenging conditions. 

For us, we are of the opinion that the government needs to enhance entrepreneurship in Nigeria by improving access to funding, addressing the fact that only 8% of startups receive venture capital, and improving infrastructure, as Nigeria’s electricity meets only 45% of demand and internet penetration is at 50%. 

Furthermore, simplifying the business registration process, which currently averages 19 days, and providing tax incentives can also alleviate challenges.

With over 40% youth unemployment, supporting skill development is essential. Expanding market access, given that only 1% of SMEs export, and encouraging innovation with R&D investments (currently 0.5% of GDP) are vital. 

Also of importance is the promotion of public-private partnerships and celebration of entrepreneurship, which can further strengthen the ecosystem, potentially increasing its contribution to GDP, which was approximately 20% in 2022.   

The post Why Skilled Nigerians are Opting for Local Entrepreneurship Ventures Over Migration appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Funke Opeke, Managing Director, West Africa, MainOne, an Equinix Company, shared invaluable insights during the panel discussion, shedding light on the disparities between Nigeria and its neighboring countries, and proposing innovative solutions to bridge the digital divide.

Funke Opeke highlighted the complexities and challenges of operating in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure landscape. She noted that Nigeria is a massive market, but it comes with its own set of unique hurdles. 

One of the primary issues she pointed out is the bureaucratic red tape that businesses must navigate when dealing with government permits, licenses, and regulations. 

These challenges exist in neighboring countries as well, but the degree of red tape is notably higher in Nigeria. Funke Opeke noted the lack of recognition for the transformative power of digital infrastructure investment within the Nigerian government. Despite the significant contribution of ICT to the country’s GDP, the focus often remains on immediate financial gains rather than fostering an environment conducive to long-term growth and development.

“In Nigeria, it is not recognized. But you still have a red tape. And I think, to the extent that ICT has grown as a portion of our GDP, close to 16%, and we do have big players in the sector, government agencies across the board focus on, profit makng upfront, rather than encouraging companies to actually provide the right incentives to invest, and then deriving revenues from the jobs that are created, and the federal taxes, the value-added taxes, the output taxes, so to speak.”

In drawing comparison between Nigeria and its neighboring countries, such as Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire, she pointed out that while these smaller markets may lack the scale of Nigeria, they offer a more straightforward and less bureaucratic environment for infrastructure development. In these countries, the upfront processes for businesses are relatively smoother, with fewer hurdles to overcome.

“If I were to contrast and say those markets are also not after taxes, but getting things done, the upfront side is a little bit easier. And you have just shorter periods, fewer agencies to get fewer random letters from agencies you never heard of, saying if you did not realize that you need to get my permission and pay some fees before you’re able to do anything,” Funke Opeke remarked.

During the discussion, Funke Opeke was asked what she would change if given a magic wand to improve Nigeria’s digital infrastructure ecosystem. Her response highlighted the urgent need for a more inclusive approach to connectivity, one that reaches every corner of the country, not just the high-net-worth areas. 

“My one single wish would be that we get a country better connected or put the infrastructure that enables the country to get better connected. And I think we’ll see wonderful things happen.

Having that quality of connectivity around Nigeria today would truly change everything. I mean, we’d have to break more content in country because you’d be serving so much, the operators will be delivering much more traffic, and Nigeria would be able to serve the region of Africa, because everyone sees Nigeria as a natural hub.”

Funke Opeke envisioned a unified digital network that transcends geographical boundaries. Her visionary approach focused on channeling resources toward creating an all-encompassing digital infrastructure that reaches every corner of Nigeria. 

This shared network, she emphasized, should operate on the principles of open access and shared costs. In establishing a governance framework and encouraging collaboration between the public and private sectors, this network could pave the way for unprecedented growth.

She advocated for a shared, open-access fibre network that spans every local government, village, and community, irrespective of economic potential. 

Opeke expressed her vision, stating, “One, it will get access to our rural areas. It will enable licensed retail operators to expand 4G services, and even 5G services and just increase the volume of information that people are able to consume. It would enable access to learning for our youth and also to job opportunities, regardless of where you are.”

Funke Opeke’s perspective offers a roadmap for transforming Nigeria’s digital economy, focused on shared infrastructure, open access, and collaborative governance. The country can break down barriers and empower its citizens with unparalleled access to digitization. 

The post ngPIF 2023: Tackle Bureaucratic Red Tape to Drive ‘Digital Nigeria’, Funke Opeke Urges Government appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The session featured insights from Funke Opeke, the Managing Director of MainOne; Johnson Agogbua, CEO of Kasi Cloud Datacenters; Josephine Sarouk, MD of Bayobab Nigeria; and Darren Bedford, Group Chief Development Officer, WIOCC, represented by Nikki Popoola, Sales Director at WIOCC.

Dewole Ajao, Global Network Acquisition expert from Google, skillfully moderated the conversation, extracting valuable insights from each ngPIF panelists.

Johnson Agogbua, CEO of Kasi Cloud Datacenters, opened the dialogue, shedding light on the intricate landscape of digital infrastructure in Nigeria. He eloquently emphasized, “Nigeria is a difficult but immensely rewarding market… punching above its weight, with almost 30% of internet traffic in Africa.” Agogbua pinpointed the challenges, including power supply and economic policies, stressing the need for streamlined processes. 

He noted, “Digital infrastructure costs money,” highlighting the importance of stable economic policies for investors.

Funke Opeke, the Managing Director of MainOne, provided valuable insights into the regulatory hurdles faced in Nigeria compared to smaller markets. 

She remarked, “Dealing with government for permits, licenses, and regulations has its challenges.” 

Opeke passionately advocated for a unified digital network, envisioning, “a robust shared digital network fibre that cuts across every local government, every community, across the country.” 

Her vision highlighted open access, shared costs, and shared operations, emphasizing inclusivity and comprehensive connectivity.

Josephine Sarouk, the MD of Bayobab Nigeria, highlighted the keyrole of partnerships between the private sector and the government. She stated, “We can’t do it without partnerships,” emphasizing the need for collaboration. Sarouk stressed uniformity in rights of way, advocating for consistent policies across states. Her fervent plea was to transform digital infrastructure into government assets, ensuring protection against vandalism and bolstering the security of vital fibre routes.

Nikki Popoola, the Sales Director at WIOCC, echoed the sentiments of partnership and accessibility. She emphasized the importance of affordable internet services, asserting, “It needs to be cost-effective… if it’s not affordable, what’s the point?” Popoola shared her dream, aiming to replicate South Africa’s success in Nigeria. Her vision encompassed collaboration and standardized infrastructure development, creating an inclusive digital landscape.

The panel discussion illuminated the challenges and aspirations within Nigeria’s digital infrastructure sphere. Each ngPIF panelists emphasized the urgency and determination in the sector. 

Their shared vision revolved around streamlined regulations, standardized processes, and collaborative efforts between public and private sectors. Their collective mission? 

To transform Nigeria into a digitally connected powerhouse, where opportunities are boundless and inclusivity is paramount.

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Organizations are now seeking digital-first strategies to embrace the power of ecosystems and interconnections. From the Equinix 2023 Global Tech Trends Survey, 47% of IT leaders in Nigeria who were interviewed noted that interconnection has increased the flexibility of their connectivity.

Other interconnection benefits cited by respondents included network optimization (46%) and optimized end-user experience (45%).

This is consistent with the 2023 Global Interconnection Index, which forecasts interconnection bandwidth to grow at over 40% CAGR in EMEA and major metros through 2025. This is a key indicator of how many businesses are relying on interconnection to enable digital acceleration.

“The growth of interconnection bandwidth and associated IT budgets for interconnection and carrier neutral colocation show how businesses are embracing interconnection as a critical component of their digital strategy, and how they are future-proofing their digital infrastructure to gain competitive advantage,”

stated Funke Opeke, CEO, MainOne – an Equinix Company.

On carrier-neutral colocation, the survey recorded a 35% increase in spend compared to the previous year, that recorded a 14% increase, an unsurprising result given predictions from last year, which forecasted a rise in digital deployments that will not only enhance digital transformation, but also build resilience. More businesses (29%) plan to increase their colocation spend in the next 12 months.

Analyzing their long-term technology strategies, respondents highlighted improving customer experience, accelerating innovation, and complying with data protection regulations amongst others as top priorities amidst their digital expansion plans.

Of the 100 IT leaders surveyed in 2023, 37% are planning to expand geographically into a new region, 30% into a new country and another 45% in a new city in an existing country, with data sovereignty laws as a top deciding factor for those plans.

From the report, 79% of these respondents are likely to adjust their expansion plans in some form, in adherence to the data sovereignty laws implemented in these new markets.

According to Funke,

“As businesses expand their infrastructure to meet the constant growing need for digital services, data sovereignty laws play a critical part in their expansion plans. This is because businesses need to ensure that their data is stored and processed in accordance with the laws of the country in which they operate. However, strict data sovereignty laws can make it difficult for businesses to expand their infrastructure across borders.”

“With MainOne, businesses can leverage a globally interconnected ecosystem to expand their reach and tap into new markets, scale their operations and lower latency for critical services and applications, adapt to changing market dynamics and comply with regulatory requirements”, she added.

Rise in AI Uptake

As IT leaders in Nigeria continue to see a need for colocation and interconnection, they cannot ignore the need to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) for a sustainable future.

Results from the survey confirmed AI uptake is on the rise across all industries, with 93% of the 2,900 IT decision-makers polled globally seeking to benefit from the advantages of AI and already using or planning to use it across multiple key functions. 94% of businesses in Nigeria are likely to be using AI or planning to do so in cybersecurity, closely followed by IT operations (93%), and customer experience (92%).

Despite its widespread adoption across industries, only 3 in 10 (37%) of the IT leaders surveyed in Nigeria believe their team’s ability or existing IT infrastructure are fully prepared for the demands of artificial intelligence technology.

To create scalable AI solutions, businesses must ensure their IT frameworks can accommodate the required ingestion, sharing, storage and processing of massive and diverse data sets, while keeping sustainability in mind.

In addition to digital infrastructure updates, the survey also highlighted the need for education and collaboration to enable IT teams optimize the deployment of this infrastructure, with AI and machine learning expertise being sought by 52% of those growing their IT teams.

To read more about the 2023 Global Tech Trends Survey, download a copy here.

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Since inception, MainOne has invested over $400m in infrastructure in West Africa as part of its efforts to bridge the digital divide and enable the digital economy.

Today, MainOne is recognized as West Africa’s leading provider of Wholesale and Enterprise connectivity and data center services.

The company led by Ms Funke Opeke as the chief executive officer, has played a critical role in enabling internet access across West Africa where penetration rates have grown from less than 10% in 2010 to close to 40% ten years later.

In celebration of her 10th anniversary of delivering innovative, world-class service in West Africa, TechEconomy.ng presents ten (10) milestones of MainOne:

1. Launch of First Private Submarine Cable

2010 saw the official launch of MainOne, a 7000km submarine cable which runs from Seixal, Portugal through Accra, Ghana to Lagos, Nigeria with branching units in Morocco, Canary Islands, Senegal, and Ivory Coast.

MainOne became the first, African-owned company to lay International communications cable delivering open-access, broadband capacity in West Africa.

2. Launch of Metro Ethernet and Voice Services in Lagos and Accra

In 2012, MainOne secured ISP and Metro Fiber Licenses in Nigeria, deployed ASN 37282 IP/NGN network.

MainOne continued to grow metro fiber in Lagos, Accra and launched Metro Ethernet Services and Voice Services while deploying new Points of Presence (PoPs) in Abuja, Port Harcourt and Accra.

3. Birth of West Africa’s first Tier III Data Center, MDXi 

2015 saw the launch of the first, state of the art, Tier III Data Center in Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria.

This 600-rack space facility, touted by experts as the biggest, custom-built Tier III Data Center in West Africa, addressed the growing demand for in-country hosting facility. MDXi went on to achieve PCI DSS, ISO27001 and 9001 certifications and earned a Frost and Sullivan award for “Advanced Data Center Infrastructure in West Africa” the same year.

4. Launch of Cloud Services

In 2015, MainOne ventured into providing Cloud services to its enterprise customers, helping them reduce business overheads by eliminating hardware costs.

The flagship cloud offering, the MDXI Infrastructure as a Service (IAAS) solution, is fully hosted on enterprise-grade hardware within its tier III data centre in Lagos.

MainOne reseller programme was launched during a training programme in partnership with Edo State Government

MainOne has since grown to become preferred regional partner with the leading technology giants as Microsoft and AWS and in 2019 we won:

• Winner of the Africa Cloud Service Provider of the year, DataCloud Africa Awards, 2019
• Winner of the Excellence in Data Center Award: Africa, DataCloud Africa Awards, 2019

5. Cable extension to Cameroun

MainOne extended its submarine cable to Cameroun in 2015 with branching ports in Escravos, Delta State, Qua Iboe in Akwa Ibom State and Bonny Island in Rivers State.

This 1,100 km Nigerian Cameroun Cable System was built in partnership with Cameroun Telecommunications (CAMTEL) and delivered an additional 12.8Tbps capacity to Cameroun.

6. SME-IN-A-BOX product offerings

In 2016, MainOne launched a tailored solution for small businesses to achieve their digital transformation objectives.

This included a bundled solution of fibre connectivity, voice, cloud and productivity tools at very cost-effective packages to drive SMEs growth and productivity.

7. Compliance & Certifications

To ensure we exceed our customers’ requirements in line with international standards, MainOne is licensed and certified by various standards organizations including Tier III Constructed Facility certification (TCCF) from the Uptime Institute, ISO27001, ISO9001, PCI-DSS, SAP certifications.

8. Launch of WAF-IX

MainOne partnered with global IXP Platform provider, Asteroid, to launch a carrier- neutral, Internet Exchange Point for West Africa (WAF-IX) to improve accessibility, lower costs and reduced latency for Internet users in West Africa.

9. Strategic Partnerships

In 2019 MainOne had strategic partnership with major global companies such as Facebook on open access fiber network in Nigeria with metro fiber build in Edo and Ogun States of Nigeria; Avanti Communications to deliver satellite services to enterprises in remote locations in Nigeria; and Zenlayer to expand connectivity between international companies and West Africa

10. Hello Cote D’Ivoire and Senegal!

2019 also witnessed the historical landing of MainOne Cable in Grand-Bassam, Cote D’Ivoire and Dakar; the construction of another Tier III Data Center as well as the official launch of service in Cote D’Ivoire.

Reflecting on 10 years in business, the Chief Executive Officer of MainOne, Ms. Funke Opeke, said:

“We started on this journey to deploy critical infrastructure to bridge the digital divide in West Africa. While we are pleased that we have made an impact, there is so much more work to be done. The recent challenges we have faced with COVID-19 Pandemic highlight the need for additional investment and smarter policies to deploy shared infrastructure required to make access to broadband a reality for more Africans at a price they can afford. MainOne has been leading that charge across West Africa for ten years and we are even more committed to realizing our vision today than we were 10 years ago”.

Happy 10th Anniversary to MainOne!

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The new Internet Exchange, AMS-IX Lagos, is situated in the carrier-neutral data center of MDXi, an Equinix Company. Under terms of the partnership, MDXi will serve as the commercial partner of AMS-IX and regional sales and marketing arm for AMS-IX Lagos. AMS-IX will run the technical and operational management of the exchange.

AMS-IX Lagos aims to become an important content hub for West Africa, enabling regional and local ISPs, carriers, and Internet Exchanges to aggregate content from large global Content Delivery Networks, hosting companies and application providers. In the coming months, MDXi, an Equinix Company and AMS-IX will focus on seeking alliances with local telecom operators and IX’s and supporting local ecosystems.

AMS-IX Lagos will launch with over 25 connected networks as AMS-IX and MDXi, an Equinix Company migrate and onboard the existing connected networks of West Africa Internet Exchange (WAF-IX) in the coming month. Connected networks at WAF-IX include large CDNs and application providers such as Cloudflare, Microsoft and Google.

Peter van Burgel, CEO of AMS-IX: “We intend to add value to the local carriers and IX’s by attracting even more content players to the region and support the local connectivity community. This is a very exciting project for us as we see it as an important steppingstone for bringing low-latency affordable Internet available for the West-African region.”  

Funke Opeke, Director MDXi, an Equinix company states “This partnership enables MDXi deliver value to the rich ecosystem of network operators, carriers, content providers, cloud services providers, and enterprises that we have present in the data center. The AMS-IX partnership will help MDXi consolidate its role as content hub not just for Nigeria, but for Francophone and English-speaking West and Central Africa.”

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From providing access to digital resources to helping to eliminate digital inequality, these women are working to ensure the digital inclusion of all African citizens. As we celebrate the 2023 International Women’s Day themed: “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”, we must recognize the importance of digital inclusion for women in Africa. 

Women, and specifically African women, are often excluded from access to the Internet and digital technology, creating a digital divide that has had a profound impact on their lives.

Digital inclusion is an essential tool for empowering women to participate in their local economies, to access vital information and services, and to advocate for their rights. By ensuring that women have access to digital technology and the Internet, we are helping to ensure greater gender equality, economic growth, and social transformation.

The African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the African Women’s Decade 2011-2020 have both made it clear that digital inclusion is a priority for African women. Women need access to the same information, services, and networks as men. They need to be able to engage in their economic activities and benefit from their social, economic, and political rights. Digital inclusion is a key factor in achieving these goals.

Unfortunately, the digital divide in Africa is still significant, with women facing greater challenges to access and use digital technologies. According to the World Bank’s Global Findex Database, only 33% of women in Sub-Saharan Africa own a mobile phone, compared to 43% of men. This means that women are disproportionately excluded from the digital revolution that has spread across the continent.

In similar findings of 30% women against 43% of men with internet access, a recent study by Statista revealed that disparities still exist between the number of men and women using the internet in developed markets.

UNICEF disclosed that over 50% of women do not have internet access; this is against the backdrop of DataReportal’s research which found that there were 109.2 million internet users in Nigeria in January 2022.

While Kepios’ analysis indicated via DataReportal, its online report library, that internet users in Nigeria increased by 4.8 million (+4.6 percent) between 2021 and 2022. But then 37% of women still didn’t have internet access at December 2022; just a little shift from 19% of women who had internet access in developing countries as of 2020, compared to 86% in the developed world. 

The good news is that there is cause for hope. Increasingly, African governments and organizations are investing in initiatives to bridge the digital divide. For example, the World Bank’s World Wide Web Foundation is piloting programs to increase the number of women with access to digital services and to provide them with the necessary skills to use them. 

Similarly, organizations such as The African Women’s Digital Network (AWDN) are working to strengthen digital literacy and create a network of women who can learn from each other and collaborate in the digital economy.

These initiatives are vital for ensuring that African women can benefit from the opportunities that digital technology can bring. By recognizing the importance of digital inclusion, we can ensure that African women have access to the same opportunities as men and can fully participate in the digital revolution.

Here, we selected these 10 women to appreciate their efforts for leading the charge in digital inclusion in Africa.

Join us as we explore their inspiring stories and discover how their efforts are positively impacting the African digital landscape.

1. Anie Akpe, Founder: African Women In Tech (AWIT)

Anie Akpe is a business professional and entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience in the banking industry, real estate, finance and tech. 

Anie is the Founder of African Women In Tech (AWIT), an Africa-based organization helping girls and women with education and mentorship within technology, as well as UX Diaspora, a unique community of people of color in UX who are digitally migrating to educate, connect and inspire one another all over the world.

Anie is also an avid advocate for diversity and inclusion within the tech industry. Furthermore, in her previous role as VP, Mortgage Operations at Municipal Credit Union, Anie has managed a $950 million dollar portfolio.

She is a highly active member of the board of directors for various organizations — highlighting her advocacy for entrepreneurship, tech, culture and community. Anie also serves on the board of The New York Mortgage Coalition, an affordable housing program initiative based in New York City.

2. Martha Omoekpen Alade, Founder: Women in Technology in Nigeria

Martha has 20 years of experience working in the intersection of technology and development with expertise around Youths Economic Empowerment; Gender Equality and Diversity; Digital Inclusion; Education, Artificial intelligence; Internet Governance and Agriculture. She has initiated several ICT4D programs with remarkable transformation of Women and girls. 

Her Digital Skills, Entrepreneurship and Employment initiatives and partnerships have improved the livelihoods of thousands of women and girls across Africa. Martha also works closely with rural women for food security and sustainable agriculture.

She possesses in-depth experience in Stakeholder Engagement with both the private, public and grassroots sectors. 

Martha Holds masters in Research and Public policy as well as in Information Technology; recognized locally, nationally and internationally for ability to deliver projects diligently with 100% Principal satisfaction. 

She Founded WITIN in 2002 and the NGO was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission in 2009.

3. Solape Akinpelu, CEO: HerVest

Solape Akinpelu is a highly accomplished business leader and gender-finance expert.

She serves as the CEO and co-founder of #HerVest, a fintech company that provides inclusive finance to African women through goal-oriented savings, impact investing, and credit options for smallholder women farmers and women-led SMEs. With over 30,000 members, #HerVest is dedicated to improving women’s lives through financial access and services.

Solape serves as the Global Co-Chair of Marketing for the Women in Tech Global Movement, and as the Country Manager for Nigeria. She is also the Chairman of Technology at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, promoting technology trade and investment between Nigeria and Britain. In addition, she is a member of the Presidential High Level Advisory Committee to the President of Nigeria on Women’s Economic Empowerment and Gender.

Solape is a certified financial education instructor and a member of the Personal Finance Speakers Association (USA) and the Chartered Institute of Marketing. She has a background in financial marketing, having previously served as the Head of Marketing at Meristem, a leading investment and wealth management conglomerate in Nigeria.

Solape is a sought-after speaker, leading gender finance conversations both online and offline, and in various media outlets.

Solape is also the author of the best-selling book “Stripped: An African Woman’s Guide to Building Generational Wealth.” 

4. Oreoluwa Somolu Lesi, Founder: Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre 

Oreoluwa Somolu Lesi is a STEM & Gender Specialist with over twenty years of professional experience. Her career has straddled Technology, Gender and Social Entrepreneurship across two continents.

In 2008, Oreoluwa founded the Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC), a Nigerian nonprofit organization committed to building a more inclusive technology ecosystem, with the next generation of women technology creators, entrepreneurs and leaders.

Since its inception, W.TEC has encouraged over 35,000 girls and women across Nigeria, to pursue STEM careers and has supported women in using technology confidently to increase their economic power and ability to speak about issues affecting their lives. W.TEC’s programmes include technology camps, maker spaces, afterschool technology clubs, research and mentoring.

In 2020, she was recognised as one of OkayAfrica’s 100 Women and in 2018 as Her Network Technology Woman of the Year. She is also a 2019 ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names & Numbers) Fellow, 2014 Vital Voices Lead Fellow (awarded to emerging and established women leaders across the world), 2013 Ashoka Fellow (a network of the world’s leading social entrepreneurs) and a recipient of the Anita Borg Change Agent Award (for my commitment to supporting women in computing in Nigeria).

Oreoluwa Somolu Lesi has always displayed her commitment to equipping early-stage female entrepreneurs – especially women who identify as introvert or reserved – with the skills and confidence to thrive professionally. She does this by mentoring, training and coaching.

5. Oluwasola Obagbemi, Corporate Communications Manager for Anglophone West Africa: Meta 

She is a Certified Public Relations & Communications professional with over 12 years’ experience. 

She is the Corporate Communications Manager for Anglophone West Africa at Meta (formerly called Facebook) overseeing the brand’s communications across Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Gambia, and Sierra Leone. Prior to this, she was the Senior Communications Manager for Africa at Andela. 

She joined the Andela team in January 2018 as the Communications Manager for Nigeria, and in her first 6 months, she led strategic PR efforts that brought a significant increase in the brand’s visibility and awareness, so she was promoted to build and lead the Comms team in Africa. 

Before Andela, she was the Deputy Chief Operating Officer at Red Media Africa for 6 years where she led the agency team to win several international and local pitches including awards.

As part of her role, she was at Red Media Africa, she was also Senior Account Manager for Facebook, Union Bank, Uber, HP, Intel WestAfrica, Maltina, Heineken, British Council & Unilever. During this time, Sola coordinated the publicity and press viewing event of Mark Zuckerberg’s 2016 visit to Nigeria. 

She graduated with a B.A Degree in Dramatic Arts from Obafemi Awolowo University and holds a Master’s degree in Communications Studies from the University of Ghana, Accra Ghana (2012-2013) with a major in Public Relations and Advertising. 

Sola is also a certified member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and a certified Management Consultant Fellow of International Management Consultants (FIMC, CMC).a

She is very passionate about the girl child and has championed causes, geared towards promoting equality and inclusion for women. Also, a vocal advocate for women rising to the peak of their career while having work-life-balance.

She was recently named one of 35 under 35 Marketing professionals in Nigeria by BrandCommunicator. To read more about Sola, you can check out this interview with Leading Ladies Africa.

Meta Impact

• Passionate about telling the African story and the impact of Meta’s products to small businesses and creators – launched several campaigns in Nigeria and Ghana spotlighting these amazing stories to the world [Facebook Creators in partnership with PulseNG, Facebook Success Stories in partnership with BellaNaija and Guardian TV]
• Launched a first-of-its-kind approach to educate users about false news/misinformation online in a relatable way that will help to minimise its spread. Partnered with Comic Republic to produce a 20-page comic book which was launched in Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal. 

6. Olatomiwa Williams, Country Manager: Microsoft Nigeria | Ghana

Olatomiwa Williams is a business leader with over 20 years experience in Information Technology Industry helping organization leverage the power of technology to achieve their business objectives.

Ola is currently the Country Manager for Nigeria and Ghana. Prior to that, she was the Digital Transformation and Cloud Solution Director for the Microsoft Middle East and Africa (MEA) Multi Country Cluster (MCC) spanning over sixty-seven countries in Africa and part of Middle East. She leads a team of talented Solution Specialists to empower enterprise customers achieve Digital Transformation of their organizations leveraging Microsoft Cloud Solutions.

She is an award-winning leader with experience in Technology solution sales, consulting, support, channel and people management. 

Ola is known for building strong teams, helping customers adopt new technologies for transformation business outcome and for supporting channel strategic growth across emerging markets.

Prior to joining Microsoft, she was a Lead Consultant with Dimension Data, Nigeria and has worked on large complex projects across Nigeria and South America. 

Ola has held different roles in other IT companies and has developed a very good knowledge of emerging markets business landscape.

Committed to the cause of seeing more women succeed in the Information Technology field, she leads female focused initiatives to support and encourage women and girls in her region to develop interest in Information Technology and Engineering. She is a mentor to a couple of aspiring female leaders.

7. Janet Kemboi, Meta Communications Manager, Eastern Africa 

Janet Kemboi is Meta’s Communications Manager in Eastern Africa. She is in charge of crafting and implementing communication strategies and campaigns for Facebook in 9 countries; Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Eritrea, Somalia, Djibouti, South Sudan and Tanzania. Janet has helped build Meta brand(s) through engaging campaigns such as #ReelAdventures and #RealpeoopleRealstories that have positioned the brand as fun, approachable and locally relevant. Janet has also successfully informed the public on Meta’s work and integrity efforts during elections in Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia and Kenya.  Janet is constantly educating the media and public(s) on Meta’s mission and its position on complex issues. 

Prior to joining Facebook, Janet was Uber’s Head of Communications for the East Africa region, a role that saw her successfully position the company as a thought leader in the ride-hailing apps industry. She also engaged and built solid relationships with the company’s key stakeholders while consistently informing the media about Uber’s position on a myriad of issues. Janet managed Uber’s reputation by reducing negative press coverage in the face of driver protests that resulted in Uber attaining the Public Relations Society of Kenya Crisis and Reputation Management award in 2017.

Janet has also worked in the FMCG industry for Bidco Africa where she fostered the company’s relationship with the media and managed the company’s relationships with its internal and external public(s). 

Janet started her career in communications interning at NTV Kenya as a news reporter before her move to Corporate Communications. She has also worked for the leading global advertising agency Grey Group in New York City and for Ipsos Kenya as a  Media Researcher. 

Janet holds a Master of Arts degree in Advertising from S.I Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University in New York and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from United States International University-Africa.

She is passionate about Youth Empowerment, Health & Fitness and has an undeniable love for elephants. 

8. Itumeleng Morule, Corporate Communications Manager, Southern Africa, Meta

Itumeleng Morule is a Corporate Communications Manager at Meta overseeing the Southern Africa region. She is responsible for crafting, and implementing communication strategies and campaigns for Meta in Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe aiming to help people better understand Meta’s technologies, apps and services which help bring people and communities closer together.

Prior to joining Meta in 2020, Itumeleng started her career in Public Relations working at a boutique PR agency in South Africa where she went on to manage two high profile global clients within the tech industry and the chemical and energy industry. 

She worked on these accounts for over 4 years and supported key initiatives in South Africa and across Sub- Saharan Africa.

Itumeleng holds a Honours Degree in Strategic Brand Communication completed in 2015 through Vega School (Johannesburg), and a Bachelors of Arts Degree where she majored in Media and Writing and Dramatic Arts at the University of Cape Town, completed in 2013.

Itumeleng has an adventurous spirit, she advocates for issues challenging women and youth, whilst being a proud mentor through the Taylor Bennett Foundation, a charity that encourages and facilitates minority ethnic graduates to pursue a career in communications.

Key Milestones and Impact:

During her time at Meta, Itumeleng spearheaded a campaign in 2021 that shone spotlight on ordinary citizens across Southern Africa through the Meta Changemaker campaign which celebrated individuals who were doing inspirational work to empower their communities using Meta technologies and apps following the challenging Covid-19 pandemic. 

More recently in 2022, she led a consumer communications campaign for Sub-Saharan Africa which celebrated emerging creative talents from around the world who are inspiring a new movement of creative content online. 

In collaboration with key stakeholders at Meta, she also hosted the first Creator Day in Sub- Saharan Africa bringing together over 40 creators in South Africa to empower creators and educate them about Meta technologies, tools and resources that can help them earn a living, grow and find their community online.

9. Juliet Ehimuan, Director: West Africa at Google

Juliet Ehimuan is Country Director leading Google’s business strategy in West Africa. She was named by Forbes as one of the top 20 power women in Africa, by the London Business School as one of 30 people changing the world; and featured in the BBC Africa Power Women series, and on CNN Innovate Africa.

Juliet is an Executive Leadership Coach and a member of the Forbes Coaches Council.  

She is the author of the 30 Days of Excellence book and programme which is offered as a book set and a programme aimed at igniting the spark of self-leadership and personal effectiveness.   

Juliet is a thought leader and a leading voice on leveraging innovation and leadership to drive transformation. She has received numerous awards for outstanding contribution to the digital landscape in Africa. She is a widely sought coach and keynote speaker.

She has over 25 years’ experience primarily in technology, oil and gas, and new media industries across Europe, Middle East and Africa. Juliet holds an Executive MBA from the London Business School, a Postgraduate degree in Computer Science from the University of Cambridge; and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. 

She is a recipient of the London Business School Global Women’s Scholarship, and at Cambridge University was awarded Selwyn College Scholar and Malaysian commonwealth Scholar. She is a Fellow of the Cambridge Commonwealth Society.

10. Funke Opeke, CEO: MainOne, an Equinix Company

Funke Opeke is the founder and CEO of MainOne, now an Equinix Company. Funke is an experienced telecommunications executive who returned to Nigeria in 2005 as the Chief Technical Officer of MTN after a twenty-year career in the United States. 

Prior to her return, she was the Executive Director of Verizon Communications Wholesale Division. 

Subsequent to MTN, she advised Transcorp on the acquisition of NITEL and briefly served as the interim Chief Operating Officer, post-acquisition of NITEL. 

Funke’s foresight led to the establishment of this leading West African data center and connectivity solutions provider with presence in Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. 

MainOne provides highly reliable services to major telecom operators, ISPs, government agencies, small to large enterprises, and educational institutions. MDXi, a subsidiary of MainOne, builds and operates data centers across West Africa.

MainOne is built West Africa’s first privately owned, open access 7,000 kilometer undersea high capacity cable submarine, a $240-million-dollar project that was completed in time and on budget in 2010. 

MainOne also built West Africa’s largest Tier III Data Center, MDX-i’s Lekki Data Center, a $40 million investment with a capacity for 600 racks. 

Funke is among the leading voices for digital inclusion among women in Africa.

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