OFFICEPHASE INSIGHTS | SPECIAL FEATURE

From the Legacy of the Nana Benz to the Future of Tech: Women Rising in Africa’s Economy

Few images in African entrepreneurial history are as iconic as the Nana Benz of Togo—trailblazing women draped in vibrant prints, cruising through Lomé in Mercedes Benz cars. Between the 1940s and 1980s, these powerhouse businesswomen transformed fabric sales into million-CFA enterprises and became symbols of African female enterprise.

Fast-forward to today—and despite the powerful legacy of the Nana Benz—many African women still face significant barriers in accessing opportunities, particularly in tech. At OfficePhase, we believe that understanding these barriers—and spotlighting those breaking through—is crucial for building more inclusive business ecosystems.

The Gender Gap in Africa’s Tech Landscape

Women represent just 20–30% of Africa’s ICT workforce, with even fewer holding leadership roles, according to the International Telecommunication Union. Despite the tech sector’s reputation for progressiveness, challenges persist—limited access to funding, gender bias in hiring and promotion, and outdated cultural perceptions.

As Ethel Cofie, CEO of EDEL Tech and founder of Women in Tech Africa, puts it:

“We’ve come far, but not far enough. The problems of workplace misogyny and discouragement of girls in sciences are still deeply rooted.”

Voices from the Frontlines

Angela Mirembe Semwogerere, founder of Coding in Heels and tech policy leader in Uganda, shares her lived experience:

“I walk into a meeting and people assume I’m there to serve tea. I’m 5’2″, but my ideas carry just as much weight. That’s why representation matters.”

From Uganda to Ghana to Ethiopia, female tech leaders are stepping up to change the narrative, not only by building companies but by mentoring the next generation. Initiatives like Coding in Heels and iCog Labs in Ethiopia (founded by Betelhem Dessie) are providing training in robotics, AI, and coding to girls as young as six.

What’s Holding Women Back?

Despite the progress, data reveals persistent structural barriers:

• Access to capital: Women-led businesses face a $42B funding gap in Africa.
• Leadership pipeline: Only 25% of board members in African companies are women.
• Education drop-off: Girls start off just as interested in STEM, but lose that sense of “belonging” as they climb higher in academia.

And while every African president promises to build the “Silicon Valley of Africa,” as Cofie notes:

“There’s too much fluffy talk, not enough KPIs. We need clear strategies and targeted policies.”

Governments + Tech Must Take Action

Fara Ashiru Jituboh, co-founder of fintech firm Okra, is a champion of systemic change:

“To really shift things, we need women in leadership—not just in startups, but in VC funds, corporate boards, and government. That’s how we break the cycle.”

She’s right: funding women’s businesses doesn’t just boost GDP—it changes lives. Studies show women reinvest up to 90% of their earnings back into families and communities, compared to just 40% for men.

Be Fearless, Stay Relentless

Until systems shift, women are doing what they’ve always done—relying on courage, confidence, and community. At OfficePhase, we stand with the entrepreneurs who continue to lead with grit and vision.

A final word from Jituboh:

“Take every ‘no’ as fuel for your next ‘yes.’ Ask for that raise. Demand your seat at the table. Own your brilliance.”

And from Semwogerere:

“It’s male-dominated—but you belong. Keep your confidence high and never shrink yourself.”

CALL TO ACTION
Whether you’re a tech founder, an investor, or building your first business plan—ask yourself:

How am I supporting inclusion and access for women in tech and entrepreneurship?

Let’s start real conversations. Let’s build smarter ecosystems. Let’s push Africa forward—together.