Abiola Laseinde, a business executive, lawyer, and convener of the CIO and C-Suite Awards, recently spoke about the state of female empowerment in Nigeria's tech sector. According to a 2022 report by BUDgIT, only 30% of tech company founders in Nigeria are women. This statistic highlights the disparity in the country's tech ecosystem, where women face limited access to capital, fewer opportunities for leadership exposure, and cultural expectations that discourage entrepreneurship.
The report suggests that inclusion in the tech sector is still a far cry from being achieved. The ecosystem needs to become more intentional in its efforts to support women, translating conversations into investment decisions, hiring practices, and opportunities for women to build and scale technology ventures. Despite the challenges, women are stepping forward, building solutions, and claiming their space in the industry.
However, Laseinde identifies access as the most persistent barrier for women trying to build careers in technology in Nigeria. Women often lack the platforms and connections that help accelerate their careers, and they face unconscious bias, which can hinder their progress. To overcome these challenges, Laseinde recommends intentional skill development, visibility and access to the right networks, and community and structured support systems.
These strategies have helped women rise into leadership and decision-making positions in the tech sector. For instance, the Ladies in Tech & Leadership Network, founded by Laseinde, provides a platform for women in technology, business, and leadership to connect, learn from each other, and build meaningful connections that translate into real opportunities.
Abiola Laseinde's candid assessment of the tech sector's failure to support women highlights the need for systemic change. The 30% statistic is a stark reminder that progress is not being made at the pace required to bridge the gap. To create a more inclusive ecosystem, institutions must move beyond mere conversations and invest in programs that provide women with the skills, networks, and opportunities they need to succeed. By doing so, they can help create a level playing field for women in technology and unlock their potential to drive innovation and economic growth.
