Staff Reporter
JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 2 — The Africa Tech Festival 2023, set to take place in Cape Town from November 13 to 16, is gearing up to showcase an exceptional lineup of accomplished African women in the technology sector. This initiative aims to be a catalyst for a significant shift in the industry’s power dynamics, addressing the historical underrepresentation, funding constraints, and other barriers that have hindered the full inclusivity of women in the technology sector.
In a study conducted by the festival organizers in March 2023, alarming findings highlighted the persistent challenges that women face in the technology field. These issues include stereotypical attitudes hindering career advancement, unequal pay for equivalent or even superior skills, and limited access to education and skill-building opportunities that deter girls and young women from pursuing technology careers.
Despite evidence from OECD research revealing that more than a quarter of all businesses in Africa were either founded or are managed by women, African women continue to face obstacles, particularly when it comes to securing funding. The festival will host a panel discussion on this pressing issue, titled “Boosting Funding for Women Entrepreneurs in Africa,” led by keynote speaker and social media expert Amélie Ebongué, Global Brand Marketing Manager, and Author of the Amazon Bestseller “Génération TikTok.”
Amélie Ebongué will also spearhead other essential discussions during the Africa Tech Festival, exploring topics such as the future of streaming, leveraging performance marketing to boost startups, and the prospects of Web 3.0.
The festival features several other sessions dedicated to women’s empowerment. On Wednesday, November 15, at the AfricaTech Centre stage, attendees can participate in a panel discussion titled “Empowering Voices: Women Leading the Tech Revolution in Africa.” This panel will showcase inspiring women who have excelled in various technology domains, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software development, and entrepreneurship. Among the esteemed speakers is Unathi Mtya, Group Chief Information and Digital Officer at African Bank.
While businesses have taken steps to promote diversity, equity, and inclusivity, there are still significant challenges in achieving real change. To address these underlying issues, the AfricaCom Centre Stage will host a panel addressing “Closing the Gender Digital Divide in Africa: What Can Connectivity Providers Do?” led by Tom Koutsky, Senior Connectivity Policy Advisor, Digital Inclusion Team Lead, USAID Innovation, Technology, and Research Hub.
James Williams, Senior Director, Events | Connecting Africa | Informa Tech, emphasized the importance of highlighting powerful women in the tech industry, stating, “We have made a conscious choice to attract powerful women in tech to showcase Africa’s female voices and their impacts on businesses, economies, and societies this year. As echoed by many of our luminary speakers, without providing a platform to showcase their achievements, it will be difficult to attract more women to enter the industry.”
Throughout the Africa Tech Festival, there will be dedicated features to spotlight African female tech leaders and emerging talents. One of these highlights is the InspiringFifty Africa Awards, presented at an exclusive gala dinner and organized by EQL: HER, a global network and event series committed to gender balance in the technology sector. This prestigious initiative recognizes the top fifty women making significant strides in tech careers across the African continent. The winners will be unveiled during a celebratory gala dinner on November 13 at the Mount Nelson Hotel, and the finalists can be viewed here.
In addition to the InspiringFifty Africa Awards, EQL: HER will host various female-focused initiatives, including a new networking space, the EQL: HER Lounge, situated in the Ballroom area of the CTICC from November 14 to 16. This lounge will serve as a platform for women and allies to connect, share experiences, engage in Q&A sessions with main-stage speakers, participate in intimate fireside chats, and join power-hour networking sessions. Notable sessions include a workshop titled “Womenomics – Unlocking the Financial Potential of Investing in Women” and a fireside chat on “Cultivating a Sustainable Talent Stream for Women in Tech.”
Funke Opeke, CEO of MainOne and a judge and sponsor of this year’s InspiringFifty emphasized the importance of supporting women in tech, saying, “Africa Tech Festival is a leader in championing women playing a key role in tech on the continent. The focus has not been limited to the few who have risen to the top of their careers but also supporting programs such as InspiringFifty to ensure we leave the door open and actively support those who come behind us. True parity will be achieved when all leaders in tech mentor, support, and uplift the next generation of women in technology, given that talent knows no gender boundaries.”
Diversity is not a mere buzzword; it’s a fundamental necessity. In the tech industry, diversity brings fresh perspectives, innovative thinking, and creative solutions to complex problems. Women, historically underrepresented in STEM and STEAM fields, offer a unique perspective that can drive innovation and progress in the tech world.
Darshani Persadh, Technical Co-Founder at DARJYO and a visionary speaker at EQL: HER, emphasized that diversity is a catalyst for innovation and progress in the tech industry. Studies consistently show that diverse teams are more creative and better equipped to address the multifaceted challenges of the digital age. Encouraging women to enter STEM and STEAM fields contributes to the overall development of technology for the benefit of all.
EQL: HER is co-hosted over the three days with Inspiring African Women NPC, along with the Digital Council Africa and WomHub.
Don’t miss these crucial and transformative conversations. Secure your seat at the table by registering for a free delegate pass – see below for details.
For more information, please visit the website: Africa Tech Festival 2023 – The Home of AfricaCom & AfricaTech.
Explore all ticket options for the Africa Tech Festival, including start-up passes, here.
