The conversation has moved beyond the need for representation to empowering women leaders as decision makers and innovators who bring unique value to the country’s digital transformation journey.

From participants to pioneers – women redefining digital strategy

Across the digital landscape, women are increasingly transitioning from passive participants to architects of change, steering the future of technology. Interestingly, women across South Africa are spearheading crucial initiatives, crafting innovative customer-centric solutions, and redefining success in the digital age.

They are at the forefront of developing fintech platforms for the unbanked and AI-powered solutions in healthcare and education, shaping both outcomes and strategic directions.

For instance, Zandile Mkwanazi, co-founder and CEO of GirlCode, and other award-winning female tech leaders are recognised for leading digital transformation, cybersecurity, and cloud computing projects, further demonstrating how women are reshaping South Africa’s digital landscape. These women leaders are transforming team performance and business models, driving growth, resilience, and enhancing customer trust.

Women in technology leverage their technical expertise alongside strong leadership abilities, steering teams confidently through challenges.

Their resilience provides a competitive advantage, enabling them to excel in tough business environments while overcoming personal hurdles.

The empathy, adaptability, and collaborative spirit women bring are invaluable during times of rapid change.

Inclusive digital solutions – a new imperative

The future demands hyperconnectivity, smart cities, fintech advancements, and AI must pivot towards inclusive innovation.

Technological solutions must blend sophistication with social relevance and accessibility to address South African realities.

Women possess the unique ability to fulfil this imperative. Balancing professional responsibilities with community roles grants them the insights needed to develop technology solutions that address real social challenges.

Bridging the digital divide, one community at a time

Meaningful progress in technology must go beyond innovation to make tangible impacts at the grassroots level.

The sector is focusing on using digital tools to bridge the digital gap, from improving school communication systems and providing e-learning access in rural areas to mentoring underrepresented young professionals.

Empowering women at the community level has far-reaching positive effects, benefiting families, communities, and driving significant economic growth.

A call for bold leadership

Recognising the technological achievements of women should inspire broader efforts to support them. We must actively identify and nurture women leaders to assume C-suite positions, board seats, and strategic roles in policy and investment decisions.

This initiative necessitates financial backing for digital literacy and STEM education programs targeting rural and township schoolgirls, equipping them with the skills needed for Industry 4.0 success.

Creating secure and inclusive environments is equally crucial, as it encourages women to innovate, take risks, and pursue growth. Innovation flourishes where diversity and psychological safety are prioritised.

As we support women in leadership and invest in diverse innovations, a tech ecosystem reflecting South Africa’s diversity will emerge, championing digital empowerment and inclusive progress.

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The initiative aims to inspire, connect, and empower women, particularly female entrepreneurs, by providing them with financial support, business skills training, and mentoring opportunities.

Abiodun Olubitan, Group Head W Initiative, stated that the Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton program creates an enabling environment for female entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.

Access Bank has been a strong advocate for women’s economic empowerment in Africa, and the W Initiative focuses on financing, capacity building, and networking opportunities for women.

Since its inception in 2019, the program has received over 150,000 applications, awarded Mini-MBA training to 300 women, and provided over N45 million in grants.

For the 2023 Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton program, Access Bank plans to increase the number of finalists to 120 women entrepreneurs.

The program will run to August 11, 2023. Eligible female entrepreneurs must have an existing business for at least one year, with at least 50% female ownership and be between the ages of 18 and 55. Interested applicants are required to fill out an online application on the website www.womenpreneur.ng.

The online applications will be reviewed and screened by independent business experts. Five hundred candidates will be selected to submit a sixty-second video pitch. From these submissions, the top 120 candidates will be chosen as finalists.

The program will span three months and include eight weeks of mini-MBA training in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The finalists will have the opportunity to pitch their businesses to a Pan-African jury panel and compete for financial grants and other consolation prizes.

In summary, the Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton Season 5 is a comprehensive program designed to empower female entrepreneurs across Africa through financial support, business training, and mentoring opportunities. Access Bank’s W Initiative aims to be the leading advocate for women’s economic empowerment in the region

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