Organised by Womenovate in partnership with Tech Revolution Africa, the summit brought together policymakers, technology leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, engineers, academics and innovators to explore this year’s theme, “Engineering Africa’s Future: Innovation, Infrastructure and Inclusive Technology.”

Delivering the goodwill message of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Cecilia Bolaji Dada, said the continued exclusion of women from science, technology and innovation creates significant economic consequences.

“Africa cannot fully realise its potential if half of its talent is left behind. Women constitute a significant portion of our population, yet they remain underrepresented in many areas of science, technology, engineering, and innovation. This is not merely a gender issue, it is an economic issue, a development issue, and a competitiveness issue.”

She noted that over the past five years, WITESA has helped create a growing network of female innovators, entrepreneurs, engineers and technology leaders contributing to Africa’s development through mentorship, skills development and professional advancement.

The commissioner said Lagos State remains committed to creating opportunities that allow innovation to thrive through investments in digital infrastructure, research, entrepreneurship and technology-enabled governance.

“Every time a talented young woman is unable to access quality education, mentorship, funding, or opportunities in the technology ecosystem, we all lose, we all lose ideas, we lose innovation, we lose solutions to some of our most pressing challenges, and that is why inclusion must remain at the centre of our development agenda.”

The summit’s focus on inclusion was reiterated at the event, particularly as stakeholders examined how technology can drive economic growth while being accessible to women, young people and underserved communities.

The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, highlighted the need to close the digital divide across Nigeria.

“Today as we discuss engineering inclusive growth in the digital age. We must recognise that technology is shaping the future of nations, economies, and societies. However, for growth to be meaningful, it must be inclusive.”

He acknowledged Lagos State’s leadership in digital transformation but stressed that many communities still struggle with internet access, electricity, digital literacy and affordability of technology.

“Bridging this digital divide requires deliberate action from the government, the private sector, educational institutions, and society. We must invest in broadband infrastructure, digital education, skills development, and policies with technology accessible to women, youth, small businesses, and underserved communities.”

The deputy governor added that technology should become a tool for job creation, empowerment and improved quality of life across Nigeria.

Gautier Mignot, European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, described investment in women in science, technology and engineering as one of the smartest decisions any society can make.

He commended Womenovate and its partners for building a platform that connects policymakers, investors, innovators, students and industry leaders around critical conversations on digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, fintech and engineering.

“These awards matter. They matter for at least three reasons, recognition, representation, and responsibility.”

According to the ambassador, visibility is crucial in inspiring more girls and young women to pursue careers in STEM fields.

“Celebrating success must go hand in hand with a commitment to change the systems that make that success so hard.”

He further urged governments, companies, universities and development partners to take concrete actions that make it easier for women to study, innovate, lead and build businesses within the technology ecosystem.

At the heart of the summit was a celebration of women already reshaping industries and breaking barriers.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Motunrayo Opayinka, CEO of Womenovate and Convener of WITESA 2026, said the platform was created to recognise the often-overlooked contributions of women across STEM disciplines.

“This year is to celebrate your contributions to the STEM sector. It’s not an easy fit. I always tell people, for a woman to attain what she’s attained, she’s worked twice harder than a male counterpart. So take your roses, you deserve it.”

She explained that the award process was based on public nominations, revealing the impact recipients have made within their respective sectors.

“It was a public nomination, so it speaks greatly to your contributions, and also to let you know that people know people are looking and your efforts are recognised.”

Providing an overview of the summit, Glory Olamigoke, Co-founder and Director of Tech Revolution Africa and Co-convener of WITESA 2026, highlighted the conference’s growing influence in advancing female leadership across technology and engineering.

The first day of the summit featured keynote sessions, fireside chats, startup showcases and conversations with leading women executives from across the digital economy.

Ten female-founded startups participated in a pitch competition, with the top three receiving a combined grant support of N500,000.

“Thirty, forty, fifty years back it wasn’t common to find women playing in the technology and engineering space, but that has changed now. Not only are women being represented, they are also taking the charge, they are leading, and they are causing radical growth and impact across the ecosystem,” Olamigoke said.

The WITESA 2026 awards ceremony recognised outstanding individuals whose work continues to enhance Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and inspire the next generation.

Among the recipients were Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who received the Public Sector Engineering Leader of the Year (Male) Award; Professor Folasade Ogunsola, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, who won the Research Excellence Award in STEM; Oluwatosin Olaseinde, Founder and CEO of Money Africa and Ladda, named Female Innovator of the Year; and Odunayo Eweniyi, Co-founder of PiggyVest, who received the FinTech Innovation Award.

Other awardees included Damilola Olokesusi, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Shuttlers; Confidence Staveley, Founder and Executive Director of Cybersafe Foundation; Kemisola Bolarinwa, Founder and CEO of Nextwear Technologies; Adora Nwodo, engineering leader and author; Dr Success Ojo, Co-founder and CEO of GMIND AI; Bisola Alabi, Founder of Heels & Tech; Oluwatobi Otokiti, Vice President of Product at Raenest and Founder of Productive; and Bukola Ajayi, Chief Information Officer at MTN Nigeria.

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The Lagos State Government and industry stakeholders have issued a strong challenge to corporate Nigeria and policymakers to move beyond rhetoric and actively prioritize the creation of gender-inclusive environments in the science and technology sectors.

This call took center stage at the fifth edition of the Women in Technology and Engineering Summit (WITESA), which was held at the MUSON Centre, Lagos.

Representing the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Olatunbosun Alake, used the summit to demand immediate collaboration across the tech ecosystem.

“We need to move beyond conversation to collaboration in creating an environment where women can thrive, where they can lead, and where they can innovate,” Alake stated.

He emphasized that for Lagos to maintain its trajectory as a digital hub, innovation must be inclusive, particularly in fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, and renewable energy.

Speaking from an investor’s perspective during one of the panel sessions, Dr. Ponmile Osibo, managing partner at Kokujin, said practical steps are needed to bridge the education gap in term sheets.

These gaps often challenge female founders. He linked this to broader efforts to create a more gender-inclusive investment environment.

He noted that, in his experience, the greatest challenge comes from aligning the goals of investors and founders. This includes ensuring fair access and understanding for both parties.

The summit, organised by Womenovate, reflected a practical response to the government’s call for greater gender inclusion. Speaking at the session, Njideka Jack, general manager, Enterprise Marketing at MTN Business, said MTN has embedded this commitment into its internal policies.

She noted that women make up 41.4 percent of the workforce and 46.4 percent of executive leadership. This provides a data-driven example of gender parity that aligns with the state government’s call for wider private sector adoption.

The WITESA also served as a platform to celebrate the trailblazers who have significantly contributed to the advancement of science and technology in Nigeria.

A prestigious award ceremony, scheduled for 24 June, will honor industry leaders such as Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, chairman of Access Holdings PLC and Coronation Group, and Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho, CEO of Future Software Resources Limited, whose efforts have actively dismantled barriers to entry.

By recognizing these visionaries, the event not only celebrated past achievements but successfully set a new benchmark for what corporate responsibility and inclusive engineering should look like for the future of Africa.

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Kashifu Inuwa, NITDA’s Director General, who was represented by Mrs. Tarindu Ndoni, the Agency’s Head, SERVICOM Unit and Mrs. Iklima Musa, the Special Adviser to the DG on Strategy and Innovation, expressed his optimism at the collaboration during the International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), which is an annual international awareness campaign that celebrates the achievements of women in engineering.

The DG stated that women play an important role in all facets of life, and their invaluable contributions shape the world we live in, drive progress, foster inclusivity, and inspire future generations.

“The Women in Tech and Engineering Summit is the perfect opportunity for women to come together and share their experiences which can contribute to the growth and development of female involvement and empowerment in ICT,” he opined.

The NITDA Boss disclosed that the new digital age, also known as the fourth industrial revolution, has brought about technologies that are reshaping the world around us today and integration of these technologies and the innovations derived from them have the potential to impact growth, economic well-being, and survivability of our socio-economic landscape.

Inuwa stated that with Nigeria being a hotbed for innovation, harnessing these technologies allows the nation to create wealth, create jobs, implement economic diversification, and open more opportunities to expand economic fortunes.

“It is, however, impossible to harness these technologies without distilling the necessary skills – a venture that Womenovate has also taken upon themselves,” he said.

He further explained that “The local and global tech industries are the fastest growing and most lucrative sectors of the economy. Accordingly, NITDA bears the responsibility to encourage and coordinate transformative digital innovation at a national level. The Agency has taken the necessary steps to create an enabling environment that maximises the potential of women, girls, and other underserved communities in Nigeria and promotes their ability to contribute to the economy.”

The DG mentioned that ensuring gender equity in our digital economy and tech ecosystem is not just a matter of inclusion but a prerequisite for sustainable development.

He added that according to the Council on Foreign Relations, if women’s participation in digital economy sectors nears parity, Nigeria stands to gain USD 229 billion in GDP growth by 2025.

“This means that a larger share of the global digital economy, which the World Economic Forum (WEF) projects to be worth US$20.8 trillion by 2025 will be fully harnessed,” he said.

He further asserted that NITDA is dedicated to creating life-transforming opportunities for women, which it is accomplishing through the implementation of the NITDA Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP), a child of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS).

“Our collaboration with the World Bank has aided in the provision of resources for women. Over 560 women across Nigeria have been given the resources to promote their entrepreneurial and career pursuits both locally and remotely” NITDA DG mentioned.

Inuwa said these opportunities grant women the chance to bring in unique perspectives, experiences and skills that are more likely to focus on social issues and address the needs of underserved communities.

He further noted that Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy to bridge the gender digital divide and address concerns that arise from accessibility, digital literacy, and the promotion of safe online environments is currently underway.

“It will promote digital literacy for women and girls, encourage digital entrepreneurship, and will eventually create a culture of digital use in services by women across Nigeria,”

DG NITDA explained.

He reiterated that “NITDA remains committed to accelerating national progress to a more digitally enabled economy, and we believe that the involvement of women plays a vital role in accelerating the development of Nigeria’s tech sector and will create and inspire future technology leaders who will continue to transform the Nigerian tech ecosystem”.

He urged the participants, awardees and everyone present to be open-minded and to apply what they learned in all their ventures stating that their creativity, innovative ideas, and inventiveness are the driving factors that will open new markets, expand investment opportunities, and boost income.

Earlier, Motunrayo Opayinka , the Executive Director, Womenovate LLC, while giving her welcome address expressed her delight in the cause to raise awareness and promote the value of women in technology and engineering.

She identified some expected outcomes of the program, the increased representation of women in technology and engineering leadership positions, increased employment of female STEM graduates, and a supportive and collaborative community of female technology and engineering experts who can mentor, advise and support each other.

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