Six female tech entrepreneurs from South Africa (2), Nigeria (2), Kenya (1), and Uganda (1) have been selected as the best emerging female technology executives at the second annual search for Africa’s next generation of top female technology innovators and entrepreneurs ahead of the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa which is scheduled to be held on 3rd to 5th May in South Africa, under the theme “Achieving Inclusive Growth”.
The search which was Co-Chaired by Winnie Byanyima was open to any female entrepreneur whose business is less than three years old, uses innovative technology or business models, and has at least one year of revenue generation. In addition, the business was also supposed to demonstrate social and economic potential.
According to CJ News who reported this, the search was initiated to demonstrate the positive role that women are playing in helping drive growth, create employment and prepare the region for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Hundreds of entries were received but only six emerged winners.
Here are the six female tech entrepreneurs that were selected:
Darlene Menzies and Aisha Pandor – from South Africa
Her FinFind innovation aims to remove a major bottleneck to Africa’s growth while Aisha’s SweepSouth innovation has created employment opportunities for 3000 domestic cleaners in the country since it was founded in June 2014.
Oluwayimika Angel Adelaja – from Nigeria
Her business of Fresh Direct has pioneered stackable container farms helping urban populations gain access to high-quality produce, reduce stress on land use and reduce the need to import vegetables has also been selected.
Temie Giwa-Tubosun – from Nigeria
Her LifeBank firm innovation is deploying the latest in digital supply chain thinking to deliver blood and other high-value medical products to hospitals and health centers using predictive modeling, also makes the list.
Esther Karwera – from Uganda
Her company Akorion has developed software that integrates smallholder farmers into digital value chains, helping them sell directly to agribusinesses.
Charity Wanjiku – from Kenya
Her Strauss Energy has received the nod for the company’s proprietary solar roofing tiles are able to undercut conventional solar tiles by 30%.
