Ruby Igwe – Tech | Business | Economy https://techeconomy.ng Tech | Business | Economy Fri, 12 Dec 2025 06:29:53 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://techeconomy.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/cropped-256Px-32x32.png Ruby Igwe – Tech | Business | Economy https://techeconomy.ng 32 32 Staying Relevant while Navigating the Age of GenAI, Automation & Accelerated Digital Transformation at work https://techeconomy.ng/staying-relevant-while-navigating-the-age-of-genai/ https://techeconomy.ng/staying-relevant-while-navigating-the-age-of-genai/#respond Fri, 12 Dec 2025 05:00:16 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=172541 Irrelevance today doesn’t look like failure anymore, it looks like business as usual. Employees are still showing up, still delivering, still attending meetings.

However, in a world where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a trend but infrastructure, the baseline for what counts as valuable work has changed dramatically.

What used to take a department a week now takes an intelligent tool an hour. This is not theoretical, it’s already the norm in marketing, finance, legal operations, management, customer service, and even procurement.

Relevance decay happens quietly. It is the product designer who hasn’t tested a generative AI tool for ideation, the Human Resource (HR) manager still scheduling interviews manually, and the team leader using slide decks while competitors are building interactive dashboards in minutes.

Contrary to many opinions, none of these employees are doing anything wrong, but the work they are doing is no longer aligned with what modern performance looks like in this age of speed, scale, and tech-integrated economy.

The hardest part is that these employees often look like your best people on paper. They meet deadlines, show up early, and know the company’s system inside out. But they are not learning new systems, questioning processes, or exploring more efficient alternatives.

They have unknowingly become great at yesterday’s work, while tomorrow’s work is already here, and because they are not visibly underperforming, most companies do not see the risk until it is too late.

According to the World Economic Forum (2025), the average skill today remains relevant for just 2.5 years, and generative AI is not just automating repetitive tasks anymore; it is redefining entire workflows, and employers expect 39% of workers’ core skills to change by 2030.

More strikingly, technical skills may now become obsolete in as little as 2.5 years, down from a previous average of five years. These figures make clear that skills are perishable, and staying still is a risk.

At the heart of the issue is a simple truth: jobs haven’t vanished, but the value within them has shifted. Learning cycles have been compressed.

The people you are paying to perform must now also be learning as fast as they execute. If they are not growing, they are quietly becoming irrelevant, even if they are still in the room.

Another contributing factor is that job expectations are evolving, but performance reviews are not. Most organizations still assess employees on historical KPIs, without evaluating how well they’ve adapted to current tools or if they’ve redefined their role in light of industry change

Some employees know this and are already adapting. KPMG found that over two-thirds of enterprise teams plan to spend between $50 and $250 million on GenAI in the next year. While others assume their experience is enough.

GenAI
GenAI Spending is surging 

The difference? One remains in motion, while the other quietly slips behind, and in this context, staying still is moving backwards.

Leaders need to re-audit what roles require, re-scope jobs around AI-augmented workflows, and reset expectations across the board. This includes creating environments where employees are expected to experiment, integrate, and evolve, not once, but continuously.

The organizations that are winning in this era (2025) will be those that help their people adapt not once, but continuously, to unlock agility, engagement, and innovation, because what is useful today could be obsolete in six months. This is not about job loss; it is about a value shift, and in 2025, relevance is your most important performance metric.

 

*Ruby Igwe is the Country Director, at ALX Africa (Nigeria) and Co-Founder of Archivi.ng. She is a dynamic leader passionate about driving Africa’s growth through innovation, education, and strategic leadership. At ALX Africa, she spearheads initiatives that empower the next generation of African innovators. Beyond this, her work with Archivi.ng is preserving Africa’s creative heritage for future generations.

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Women in Tech to Watch in 2025 https://techeconomy.ng/women-in-tech-to-watch-in-2025/ https://techeconomy.ng/women-in-tech-to-watch-in-2025/#comments Tue, 07 Jan 2025 14:00:03 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=150667 Did you know that women-owned businesses contribute 37% to Nigeria’s GDP? But only 30% of tech firms in the country are owned by women. 

Globally, women make up 14% of tech leaders, and this figure rises slightly to 20% in Africa. Nonetheless, there are individuals sleeplessly fighting to ensure inclusion, and women in tech whose vision, innovation, and hardwork are changing what has been for so long.

These fighters—women who achieved a lot in 2024, are joining the likes of Ifeoluwa Dare-Johnson, Adaora Nwodo, Honey Ogundeyi, Ruth Iselema and many others to tackle local and global challenges, while driving resilience in their respective fields. 

Some of these women in tech to watch in 2025 include:

1. Fara Ashiru Jituboh

Fara Ashiru Jituboh - Women In Tech

As the co-founder and CEO of Okra, Fara Ashiru Jituboh has helped build solutions to enhance Nigeria’s financial technology sector. In 2024, she was recognised as one of Bridge Africa Technologies’ Most Influential Women in Tech in Nigeria. 

This accolade came in the same year that saw her company launch Nebula, a cloud service specifically built for African businesses.

Nebula is a movement towards self-sufficiency in the tech industry, addressing the challenges of foreign exchange rates by allowing payments in local currencies like the naira. With its secure, scalable infrastructure and compliance with African data regulations, the platform has become a very important tool for businesses seeking cost-effective cloud solutions. 

With the introduction of Nebula, Okra has strengthened the local cloud computing market and is continually working to provide locally-targeted tech solutions.

Jituboh’s vision for Okra has always been to bridge the gap between technology and financial inclusion. Since its inception, the company has partnered with over 100 organisations, including major banks and enterprises, offering tools that enable businesses to achieve full digital transformation. 

Her impact on the company has helped secure over $4.5 million in funding from top-tier global investors and made financial data more accessible, directly addressing the challenges of financial inclusion in Nigeria.

[LinkedIn Page]

2. Bukola Ajayi

Women In Tech - Bukola Ajayi

With over two decades of experience in the telecommunications industry, Bukola Ajayi is a disruptive mind in technology and business management. Currently serving as the General Manager of Architecture and Engineering at MTN Nigeria, she has played a huge role in enhancing the company’s network infrastructure and operations.

In 2024, Ajayi was at the fore of MTN Nigeria’s Agile transformation initiative, M-Agile. This multi-functional framework incorporated methodologies like Lean, Kanban, and Scrum, leading to a 40% reduction in turnaround time, a 25% cost savings, and a 50% increase in project deliveries. 

Her ability to blend technical expertise with strategic planning has consistently driven operational success within the organisation.

Ajayi was a key speaker at the International Project Management Day 2024, hosted by MTN Nigeria, where she highlighted the role of project managers in driving innovation and delivering dynamic solutions. Her contributions to MTN’s initiatives have endured efficiency and effectiveness in the telecommunications sector, making her one of the top women in tech to watch in 2025.

[LinkedIn Page]

3. Efe Ukala

Women In Tech - Efe Ukala
Efe Ukala

As the founder of ImpactHER, Efe Ukala has dedicated her career to empowering women entrepreneurs across Africa. Her works were recognised in 2024 when she was honoured in Involve People’s Heroes Role Model list, celebrating her leadership and focus on women’s inclusion in the tech industry.

Under Ukala’s leadership, ImpactHER has supported over 130,000 women-led businesses across 53 African countries. In 2024, the organisation completed three cohorts of intensive learning programmes, training female entrepreneurs with digital skills to grow their enterprises. 

Ukala’s advocacy for digital inclusion also saw her addressing the African Union, where she emphasised the importance of technology access and Startup Acts for women-led SMEs.

Ukala’s professional journey as an investment attorney and her tenure at organisations like J.P. Morgan Chase and Kuramo Capital Management has prepared her for a unique perspective on cross-border investments and compliance. Her ability to merge her legal expertise with her passion for gender equity has made ImpactHER a top organisation in driving economic empowerment for African women. These and more have placed her among the top women in tech to watch in 2025.

[LinkedIn Page]

4. Chisom Nwokwu

Women In Tech - Chisom Nwokwu

Chisom Nwokwu, a Software Engineer specializing in Big Data, had an extraordinary year in 2024, achieving milestones that set her apart in the tech industry. Her team’s work in sustainable technology was spotlighted in Microsoft’s 2024 Sustainability Report, showcasing their contribution to eco-friendly innovations. 

Again, her influence within the tech community was recognised globally when she was named a finalist for the Rising Star of the Year and the WomenTech Community Award at the Women in Tech Global Awards 2025.

Beyond engineering, Chisom authored A Techie’s Guide into Big Tech Companies, a must-read for aspiring software engineers aiming for roles in top international firms. Her digital presence, with over 140,000 followers across platforms, became a hub for tech insights, career advice, and job opportunities. She was also invited to over 40 tech events worldwide, speaking on topics such as data engineering, artificial intelligence, and gender inclusion in tech.

Chisom’s relatable content, shared via her growing YouTube channel and other platforms, coupled with her passion for lifting others, has placed her among the top women in tech doing great work. With her community-centric approach and technical expertise, she is undoubtedly one to watch in 2025.

[LinkedIn Page]

5. Chioma Ekeh

TD Africa and Cisco

Mrs. Chioma Ekeh, the CEO of TD Africa, stands as a towering figure in technology distribution across Africa. In 2024, she continued to ensure initiatives that empowered women and young girls through programs like The Herwakening and Girls in ICT, promoting inclusivity in STEM fields. 

Under her leadership, TD Africa’s training program, TDAcademy, built participants with essential tech skills, reiterating her seamless focus on talent development.

Chioma’s journey from being one of the first Nigerian women to pursue a Mathematics degree in India to becoming a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Certified Accountants in the UK is totally inspiring. She co-founded the Zinox Group alongside her husband, Leo Stan Ekeh. Together, they built a tech empire, with TD Africa as a leader in ICT distribution, representing global brands like HP, Microsoft, and Cisco.

Her exceptional memory, analytical skills, and unrelenting drive for greatness have made her an icon in the Nigerian technology space. In 2024, she also celebrated TD Africa’s annual Celebrating You event, the biggest year-end tech gathering in Nigeria, and continued to mentor female entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts.

[LinkedIn Page]

6. Dr. Success Ojo

Dr. Success Ojo - GMind AI

Dr. Success Ojo, co-founder and CEO of GMind AI, boosted artificial intelligence accessibility in 2024. Her platform, GMind AI 2.0, earned the Excellence in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning award at the Art of Technology Awards in Lagos. 

This accolade emphasised GMind AI’s impact on education, research, and business with innovative features like multilingual capabilities and Prompt Assist, designed to make AI user-friendly for diverse audiences.

Dr Ojo’s mission to enhance the use of AI has seen GMind AI bridge the “AI divide,” providing tools that empower teachers, creatives, and small businesses. With a focus on local language support and cost-effective solutions, she ensured the platform’s relevance across Nigeria and Africa. In 2024 alone, over 50,000 individuals benefited from GMind AI’s free training initiatives, and the company is on track to reach 100,000 by mid-2025.

Her work shows a commitment to leveraging AI for societal good, addressing challenges, and facilitating digital transformation. Recognised as one of our top women in tech to watch in 2025, Dr Ojo’s zeal to simplify AI adoption makes her a commendable leader in the industry.

[LinkedIn Page]

7. Adanne Anene

Adanne Anene

Adanne Anene’s career shows her exceptional intelligence in product management and her ability to drive changes within the fintech industry. With over a decade of experience, Adanne has held leadership roles at organizations, including Branch International, VFD Tech Limited, and United Bank for Africa (UBA). 

Her work, particularly in mobile banking and digital solutions, has changed the way financial products are designed and delivered, making them more accessible and user-centric.

In 2024, Adanne’s proficiency in product strategy and team leadership earned her recognition as a thought leader in the fintech sector. She has successfully designed products that balance practicality with innovation, ensuring that financial tools are both secure and efficient. 

Notable among her achievements was the redesign of UBA’s mobile app, which resulted in a significant revenue boost and improved user experience. Within just six months, UBA’s mobile app revenue increased from ₦180 million to over ₦1 billion, pointing to the huge impact of Adanne’s leadership in product management.

Adanne has also become a mentor to aspiring product managers, particularly within the fintech space. She regularly shares her insights on strategic planning, offering valuable advice on how to balance vision with execution.

Again, Adanne’s work at Branch International, where she led the launch of a digital wallet product in Kenya, was another huge achievement. This project transformed Branch into a full digital bank, enhancing financial inclusion and providing users with a comprehensive financial solution. 

As a product management professional, Adanne continues to ensure user-centred design, leveraging data and feedback to create products that align with real-world needs. With her vision and expertise, Adanne is among our top women in tech to watch in 2025.

[LinkedIn Page]

8. Iniobong Udoh

Women In Tech - Iniobong Udoh

Iniobong Udoh is a name that stands out in the Nigerian tech space, not just for her personal achievements but for the impact she has made through her ventures.

As the founder of Tech Skills Hack (TSH), a non-profit organisation training Nigerians with digital skills, Udoh’s work embodies her vision to bridge the tech gap and ensure inclusion. 

Her journey from insurance to technology shows a person with resilience and determination to help individuals and small businesses, providing the tools they need to thrive.

In 2024, Udoh’s contributions received even more recognition, placing her as one of the top women in tech to watch in 2025. Under her leadership, TSH expanded its services, introducing personalised tech consultation sessions and launching its automated Tech Clarity Quiz, a tool designed to help individuals identify the best tech skills to pursue. 

The quiz, commended for its exceptional accuracy, became a game-changer for tech enthusiasts across Nigeria. By year-end, TSH had trained hundreds of individuals and SMEs on leveraging digital tools to enhance productivity and improve visibility, highly contributing to the growth of the tech sector in the country.

Udoh led multiple initiatives to demystify the misconception that tech is solely for coders, emphasising that digital skills such as graphic design, data analysis, and content creation are equally valuable. A certified Google Android Developer, UX Researcher, and Product Manager with over five years of experience, Udoh brought her expertise to bear in every facet of TSH’s operations. 

Beyond training individuals, she provided curated digital resources to bridge the skill gap between job seekers and employers, ensuring her mission to boost tech education was felt nationwide. This year, her team organised free offline training in Lagos and Uyo, in collaboration with international partners like Ghana’s iSpace and Akwa Ibom’s Directorate of Microfinance and Enterprise Development. 

Despite running TSH as a self-funded social enterprise, Udoh managed to achieve remarkable milestones in 2024. The platform, which operates primarily on free tools such as Facebook and Slack, served over 1,000 users, trained 257 students in underserved communities, and supported 30 SMEs by providing free logo and business card designs.

Her ability to sustain such impactful programs without external funding reiterates her resourcefulness and focus on social impact.

[LinkedIn Page]

9. Tinuade Oguntuyi

Tinuade Oguntuyi

As an IT and Network Infrastructure leader, Tinuade Oguntuyi has done great in the technology sector, particularly in the design, deployment, and optimization of network solutions for over 30 telecom base stations across Nigeria. 

With more than 13 years of experience, Tinuade’s contributions have enhanced the infrastructure of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, expanding connectivity to numerous cities and states. Her leadership in these initiatives has helped in delivering high-quality solutions to clients in diverse industries such as government, education, finance, healthcare, and oil and gas.

In 2024, Tinuade received multiple awards, including recognition as one of the 100 Leading Telecoms & Digital Economy Personalities in Nigeria by ATCON. She was also shortlisted as the Female Innovator of the Year at the AfricaTech Festival and received accolades such as National Broadband Promoter at the Titan of Tech Awards.

Tinuade has also been an advocate for STEM inclusion, particularly for girls and women, working tirelessly to bridge the digital divide. Her role as co-chair of the Internet Society’s Nigeria Chapter’s Infrastructure, Access, and Connectivity working group has further strengthened her standing as a leader in the global tech community. 

Again, her public speaking engagements at platforms like the Nigeria E-Government Summit, Tech Convergence, and the Titan of Tech Conference have allowed her to share her expertise and inspire the next generation of tech leaders.

Tinuade’s contributions in 2024, both in terms of her professional accomplishments and her impact on the tech community, have placed her among the top women in tech to watch in 2025.

[LinkedIn Page]

10. Iwalola Sobowale

Iwalola Sobowale

Iwalola Sobowale, the head of Customer Experience (CX) Research at Moniepoint Group, has helped drive growth and customer retention through the power of data and user-centred design. 

With a Master’s degree in International Business Management and an Executive Education in Business Strategy from INSEAD, Iwalola combines her academic knowledge with practical experience to develop innovative digital products that meet the needs of Moniepoint’s diverse customer base.

In 2024, Iwalola led initiatives to implement user-centric strategies that improved product design and also enhanced customer engagement. This focus on customer satisfaction has been key to Moniepoint’s success in the competitive fintech market. Her work in UX design, user research, and product lifecycle management has contributed to the development of impactful solutions that address real-world problems for millions of users.

In addition to her role at Moniepoint, Iwalola is also a dedicated advocate for women in technology. Through her Spotlight Podcast, she has created a platform where she engages with industry experts and thought leaders to explore the intersections of business, technology, and innovation. This podcast has allowed her to reach a wider audience and share insights on topics such as product strategy and user research, further establishing her as a thought leader in the tech community.

Iwalola has spoken at various events, including the Women Techsters Open Day, where she shared her journey and helped other women pursue careers in tech.

Iwalola’s combination of expertise in customer experience, product research, and mentorship places her among the top women in tech to watch in 2025.

[LinkedIn Page]

11. Folake Owodunni

Folake Owodunni

Folake Owodunni is an entrepreneur, co-founder and CEO of Emergency Response Africa (ERA), a healthcare technology company that is transforming emergency medical care in Nigeria and beyond. 

Her work in this space earned her the Global Aurora Tech Award in 2024, recognizing her tireless moves to improve emergency response times and save lives across the country.

ERA, under Folake’s leadership, has created a comprehensive system that integrates web and mobile applications, facilitating communication between first responders, hospitals, and command centres. This innovation has drastically reduced response times, ensuring individuals in medical emergencies receive timely care. 

ERA’s work has already gained attention, including a partnership with the Edo State government, aiming to improve public-sector emergency response and save lives in the region.

Beyond her technical achievements, Folake’s advocacy for healthcare innovation and mentorship has earned her accolades like the Rainer Arnhold Fellowship from the Mulago Foundation. Her passion for accessible healthcare stems from personal experiences and an early interest in improving healthcare systems in Africa. 

With a background in Global Health & Development and Business Entrepreneurship & Technology, Folake is dedicated to expanding ERA’s reach, working towards a future where emergency medical care is accessible to all Africans in less than 10 minutes.

Her pursuit of this mission, supported by strategic partnerships with both the public and private sectors, positions her as one of the top women in tech to watch in 2025.

[LinkedIn Page]

12. Ruby Igwe

Women In Tech

As Country General Manager of ALX; Ruby Igwe is doing lots of great work in Africa’s tech sector. Under her guidance, ALX has become a successful, ten-time award-winning organization, recognized globally for empowering young people with in-demand tech skills and entrepreneurial opportunities. 

In 2024, she impacted over 145,000 unskilled youths in Nigeria, with 40% of them being women, training them with tech and entrepreneurial skills. This earned her multiple accolades, including the prestigious AOT Social Innovation Award and the Gage EdTech Award.

A trained lawyer and two-time author, Ruby’s experience spans over a decade in operations, people management, and project management within the media, development, and edtech sectors. She has a top spot in corporate vision development and enabling innovation within organizations. In addition to her role at ALX, Ruby co-founded Archivi.ng, a nonprofit preserving Nigeria’s history through the digital documentation of newspapers.

Through ALX, Ruby has introduced flagship programs like AI Career Essentials, which provide learners with essential AI tools to excel professionally. Looking forward, Ruby aims to empower three million ethical leaders across Africa in the next five years, stamping her place among the top women in tech to watch in 2025.

[LinkedIn Page]

13. Dara Olayebi

Women In Tech - Dara Olayebi

Dara Olayebi’s journey into tech is one the world must know about. A Software Engineer at Spotify, Dara’s career spans various sectors, including finance, media, and social impact. 

With over six years of experience, Dara has transitioned from a Frontend Engineer in finance to a full-stack developer, contributing to the creation of services that allow internal teams at Spotify to efficiently access user account data. Her work combines technical skills with creative flair, focusing on developing user-centric products that promote community and connection.

One of Dara’s key contributions in 2024 was her active involvement in mentorship and advocacy for women in tech. Despite the constant gender gap in the industry, Dara has worked tirelessly to support young women entering the field. 

Through initiatives like Black Girls In Tech and CodeCollabs, she has mentored over 20 women, guiding everything from coding skills to interview preparation. Her works have empowered many young women to scale through the challenges of the tech world and secure roles in competitive industries.

Dara’s mentorship is driven by her own experience in the tech industry, having had no mentor. She recognizes the value of having someone to guide and support you and strives to be that mentor for others. Her involvement in community engagement, including her role as a Web Development Instructor at BrainStation, allows her to share her knowledge with a wide audience, further impacting the tech industry.

Dara’s ability to balance her full-time role at Spotify with her teaching and community engagements shows how much she values both personal growth and empowering others.

In 2025, Dara will continue making waves in the tech industry as her contributions to software engineering, mentorship, and community engagement will undoubtedly encourage many more women to pursue careers in tech and become great in the industry.

[LinkedIn Page]

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ALX Engages Parents, Media to Spotlight Innovative Pathway Programme https://techeconomy.ng/alx-engages-parents-media-to-spotlight-innovative-pathway-programme/ https://techeconomy.ng/alx-engages-parents-media-to-spotlight-innovative-pathway-programme/#respond Wed, 11 Dec 2024 08:04:12 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=149285 ALX, a leading tech career accelerator fostering a vibrant community of young talent across Africa, hosted a Parents Forum in Lagos to spotlight its innovative ALX Pathway Programme.

This unique initiative opens opportunities for young Africans to pursue degrees at globally renowned partner institutions, empowering participants with the tools and networks to succeed.

To bolster awareness for this new innovative programme and build trust among key stakeholders, the tech accelerator hosted an insightful and engaging Parents Forum in Lagos.

The forum provided an interactive platform to showcase the programme’s offerings, including access to peer communities, professional network events, mentorship, and personalized guidance for applications to partner universities.

The event featured testimonials from current participants and a live session with a representative from the African Leadership University (ALU), one of the programme’s esteemed partners.

ALX Pathway Programme
Ruby Igwe, country general manager, ALX Nigeria, giving her speech at the ALX Pathway Parents Forum

Speaking at the event, Ruby Igwe, country general manager for ALX in Nigeria, said,

“The ALX Pathway Programme is designed to bridge the gap between young Africans’ aspirations and global opportunities. By equipping participants with critical resources and networks, we aim to empower the next generation of leaders who will shape Africa’s future on the global stage.”

Through this forum, we aim to demonstrate our commitment to empowering the next generation of global leaders from Africa.”

Panel session
L-R: Mrs. Praise Ofomi, Parent/Guest; Testimony Adeyemi, Alumni, Africa Leadership University (ALU); David Olubayo, Alumni, Africa Leadership University (ALU) and Georgina Nwaoku, Learning Associate, ALX Nigeria, during the spotlight session at the ALX Pathway Parents Forum.
ALX Pathway Programme
Oluwatoni Ajewole, Activations Specialist, ALX Nigeria speaking with participants after the event.

Highlighting the importance of parental involvement, Seun Babajide-Duroshola, country growth manager for ALX Nigeria, added,

“Parents are essential partners in their children’s journeys. This forum allowed us to engage with them directly, address their questions, and showcase how ALX Pathway provides transformative opportunities. Together, we are building a strong foundation of support for participants as they embark on this life-changing journey.”

The forum also included an open Q&A session, allowing parents and media representatives to gain clarity on the programme’s application process, engagement structure, and overall impact.

ALX Pathway Programme
L-R: Seun Babajide-Duroshola, Country Growth Manager, ALX Nigeria and Oluwatoni Ajewole, Activations Specialist, ALX Nigeria, during a presentation about the ALX Pathway programme.

This transparent approach reinforced ALX’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for Africa’s youth while fostering trust among stakeholders.

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ALX Nigeria Continues to Champion Innovation https://techeconomy.ng/alx-nigeria-continues-to-champion-innovation/ https://techeconomy.ng/alx-nigeria-continues-to-champion-innovation/#respond Fri, 15 Nov 2024 13:57:29 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=147656 ALX, Africa’s leading tech accelerator, recently demonstrated its commitment to tech skills acquisition and fostering inclusive growth across Nigeria by participating in two significant industry events: the Akwa Ibom Tech Week and the Ogun Digital Summit.

Ruby Igwe, country general manager for ALX Nigeria, attended the Akwa Ibom Tech Expo, where she participated in a panel session discussing the topic ‘Leveraging Innovation for Inclusive Growth’. She emphasised the critical role of building an inclusive community encouraging freedom and innovation through tech skills empowerment.

“ALX is an organisation focused on development, providing opportunities for the millions of African and Nigerian youths that make up our community. We recognise the uniqueness of each member of our community and encourage them to be themselves.” Ruby stated. “When we think about innovation we encourage our community members to come from a problem-solving approach. Focusing on the problem and interrogating it with the right data will only lead to coming up with the right solution.”

Nkechi Belinda Idinmachi, fellowship specialist at ALX Nigeria, spoke at the event and highlighted the global talent shortage driven by widespread digital transformation across organizations.

“There is a massive shortage of talent globally with a projected spike of 83 million by 2023. ALX is on a mission to create more opportunities for young Africans, and to date, we have trained over 200,000 young people across Africa. We have mastered training at scale with our infrastructure,” she stated.

Following the Akwa Ibom Tech Week, ALX also had a notable presence at the Ogun Digital Summit, which brought together innovators, industry leaders, and tech enthusiasts from across the country. At both events, participants had the opportunity to engage with the award-winning tech career accelerator and learn about the world-class offerings available within the ALX ecosystem.

From state-of-the-art tech hubs to a vibrant community, and world-class tech programmes, ALX continues to reaffirm its commitment to nurturing the next generation of African leaders. Visit alxafrica.ng to find out more about ALX programmes.

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Women in Tech Must Collaborate to Create Equal Opportunities – Ruby Igwe https://techeconomy.ng/women-in-tech-must-collaborate-to-create-equal-opportunities-ruby-igwe/ https://techeconomy.ng/women-in-tech-must-collaborate-to-create-equal-opportunities-ruby-igwe/#comments Fri, 10 May 2024 17:25:58 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=131142 Being in a society dominated by men is one of the biggest challenges faced by women in technology, not only in Nigeria but in the whole world.

It is a fact that the doors of many initiatives and opportunities are closed to women precisely because they are such.

Today, rising above these limitations and getting another woman to hold your hand has become the goal of many women in technology.

There is a need to give strength to those who are still halfway, bring together women capable of changing courses, and transform their environment by focusing on each other.

Women offer diverse viewpoints that can create groundbreaking solutions in the tech context. As such, an inclusive ecosystem can birth and enable the creation of solutions that address real-time challenges.

The more a country transforms into an innovation-led economy, the more critical role a woman’s talent plays in the transformation process. So, women’s participation in tech enables a nation to position itself as a potential global player and highly competitive in innovation-led ventures.

Ruby Igwe, the country manager at ALX Nigeria, speaking on the subject at a Women In Tech event emphasized the importance of collaboration among women and addressing challenges.

Igwe highlighted the importance of attracting women to tech courses and ensuring they complete them to advance their careers. She identified common challenges faced by women, including financial constraints, childcare responsibilities, geographic limitations, marital commitments, and personal setbacks.

“If we are talking about bringing more women to the table we must understand the different pain points and nuances that shape women’s participation in tech development. We have situations where women enrol for a tech programme and never finish because of different family challenges. What we do at ALX is to provide support systems that will allow for equality.”

Igwe also urged experienced women to mentor younger women to boost their confidence and provide guidance.

“The biggest challenge is the mental limitations that most women put on themselves. They must seek support system from other women and even men instead of competing against one another and hampering their chances of securing more opportunities in nuanced positions.

“Mentorship among women should be intentional. It is an investment requiring strong female leaders’ personal decisions to reach out to young mentees within the tech industry,” Igwe said.

The tech ecosystem is the interrelated network of various players. Thus, the Women in Tech project echoes that no one should be left behind in the ecosystem, even if no one is seen as physically left behind.

There are so many ecosystem gains of promoting equal opportunities that include but are not limited to, the fact that Nigeria will achieve an increase in the number of ICT innovators.

Addressing the issue, Solape Akinpelu, the CEO of HerVest, and country director Women in Tech Nigeria, said:

11 Women Leading the Charge in Tech Startups in Nigeria
Solape Akinpelu

“The goal of this event is for women to share experiences, expectations, and visions that will spark trans-generational impact within the tech ecosystem.”

She noted that there has been an influx of talented women into the tech industry and praised the growth of women’s inclusion over the years.

She highlighted the activities of Women in Tech Nigeria stating that over 2000 women have been empowered with tech skills since its inception in 2021.

Regarding technology, it is common to see only men in the sector. However, it is expected that the collective intelligence of both men and women in tech will increase, a large pool of talent will be maximally tapped into, and the tech community will attract the best talents.

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ALX Wins Tech Unite Africa Award for Excellence https://techeconomy.ng/alx-wins-tech-unite-africa-award-for-excellence/ https://techeconomy.ng/alx-wins-tech-unite-africa-award-for-excellence/#respond Fri, 05 Apr 2024 10:27:26 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=128551 ALX Africa, a leading tech innovation accelerator, has been awarded with the Tech Unite Africa Award for Excellence in Online Learning Platform of the Year.

The award, presented by Tech Unite Africa for Tech Innovation Recognition and Awards (TIRA), recognises ALX’s groundbreaking contributions to the tech industry through its innovative platform structure.

ALX Africa has long been at the forefront of revolutionising online learning, offering a dynamic and interactive platform that empowers individuals across Africa to acquire new skills, access cutting-edge resources, and unlock their full potential in the digital age.

With a focus on fostering creativity, innovation, and life-long learning, ALX’s platform provides learners with personalised learning experiences tailored to their unique needs and interests.

“We are incredibly honoured to receive the Tech Unite Africa Award for Excellence in Online Learning Platform of the Year,” said Ruby Igwe, general manager, ALX Nigeria. “This recognition reflects our team’s hard work and dedication to building a platform that not only educates but also inspires and empowers individuals to thrive in the tech industry and beyond.”

Igwe further stated, “ALX Africa’s learning platform offers a wide range of programmes designed to equip learners with the tech skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. Our transformative programmes are designed to equip young people with the tech knowledge they need to succeed. From AI Career Essentials (AiCE) to AWS Cloud Computing, Salesforce Administrator, Data Analytics, and Front-end and Back-end Web Development, we have a wide range of offerings to suit their interests and aspirations.”

The Tech Unite Africa Award for Excellence in Online Learning Platform of the Year shows ALX Africa’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the tech industry.

With this prestigious accolade, ALX reaffirms its position as a leading force in tech learning and a catalyst for positive change in Africa and beyond.

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ALX Nigeria Partners LSETF, NBA on Youth Empowerment via AI Training, Others https://techeconomy.ng/alx-nigeria-partners-lsetf-nba-on-youth-empowerment-via-ai-training-others/ https://techeconomy.ng/alx-nigeria-partners-lsetf-nba-on-youth-empowerment-via-ai-training-others/#respond Fri, 09 Feb 2024 19:25:48 +0000 https://techeconomy.ng/?p=124778 ALX Nigeria, the training arm of Sand technologies, has announced a new partnership with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to scale youth empowerment in tech skill acquisition. 

This was announced during a press conference in Lagos, today.

The partnership aims to provide young Nigerians with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the tech industry, which is playing an increasingly important role in the country’s economic development.

Ruby Igwe, Country General Manager for ALX Nigeria, highlighted the importance of the partnership: “Our mission is to ensure that millions of young talents across the continent find opportunities for expression, employment, and entrepreneurship. We have found that there is a deficit of young people across the country experiencing a youth bulge, at least over half of our Nigerian population is between 18 to 35. And that number is increasing.”

ALX Nigeria’s partnership with LSETF is playing a huge role in supporting aspiring entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts in Lagos State. 

The LSETF and NBA will play a key role in promoting the ALX programs to their members and constituents. 

Ufuoma Emonena, Funding and Partnerships Officer at LSETF, said: “The focus of our partnership is to leverage ALX’s expertise and resources to provide aspiring entrepreneurs in Lagos states with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in their career journey, navigate the dynamic digital landscape.”

Tobenna Erijokwe, Member of the National Executive Committee of the NBA, stressed the need for lawyers to adapt to technological advancements and remain competitive. 

We are hopeful that this entire exercise in the training of our members will lead to greater efficiencies in the work that we do, will lead to greater knowledge in the law and tech space, and then technology, generally,” he said.

We’re very excited about the opportunities that these training programs afford members of the Nigerian Bar Association.”

Seun Babajide-Duroshola, Country Growth Marketing Manager for ALX, noted the lifelong learning and community engagement approach taken by ALX, “We do a lot of fellowship, job readiness, and support for entrepreneurship,” she said.

We have a very rigorous curriculum, and our programs are actually very hard. We take pride in that, because we want to make sure that when people are finishing our program, they come up with so much quality and are able to make a difference in the workplace, or in their entrepreneurship journey as well.”

ALX’s programs cover a wide range of tech-related fields, including artificial intelligence, software engineering, data analytics, salesforce administration and cloud computing. 

With over 120,000 fellows across the country, ALX continues to expand its reach and impact, empowering individuals to pursue careers in technology and entrepreneurship.

To be eligible for the ALX programs, you must be between the ages of 18 and 34, be an African citizen living in Africa, and have a laptop or access to a laptop.

 

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