Breaking Barriers: 5 More Inspiring Women-Owned Tech Companies in Africa (Part 2)

Continuing our exploration of inspiring women-owned tech companies in Africa, we’re shining the spotlight on five more incredible female founders who are leading the charge in tech entrepreneurship. These women are not just building successful startups; they are breaking barriers and inspiring others to do the same. Let’s dive into their journeys and learn how they’re making an impact in the tech industry!

1. Numida - Mina Shahid, Ben Best, and Catherine Denis

Catherine Denis is the co-founder of Numida, a fintech company based in Uganda that provides unsecured loans to small businesses through a mobile app. By leveraging data and technology, Numida is transforming access to finance for underserved small business owners in Africa, empowering them to grow their businesses without the usual hurdles of traditional banking.

Impact: Numida has disbursed millions in loans to small businesses, supporting entrepreneurs and driving economic growth in Uganda and beyond.

Takeaway: Use tech to solve real-world problems. Catherine’s story shows that tech startups can create powerful solutions for communities that need them the most.

2. Bamboo - Yanmo Omorogbe

Yanmo Omorogbe is the co-founder of Bamboo, a Nigerian fintech startup that allows Africans to invest in U.S. stocks easily from their mobile phones. Bamboo provides a seamless investment experience, opening up opportunities for individuals to build wealth and participate in the global economy. Yanmo’s journey emphasizes the power of financial inclusion and democratizing access to investment tools.

Impact: Bamboo is empowering a new generation of African investors, making global investment opportunities accessible and affordable for everyone.

Takeaway: Focus on inclusivity. Creating solutions that remove barriers and make things easier for everyday people can be a game-changer in any industry.

3. Shyft Power Solutions - Nadine Nembhard

Nadine Nembhard is the co-founder of Shyft Power Solutions, a Nigerian startup that uses IoT and software to optimize energy consumption and management for businesses. Shyft’s technology helps organizations track, manage, and reduce their energy usage, which is crucial in regions with unreliable power supply. Nadine’s work is at the intersection of technology and sustainability, making a tangible difference in the energy sector.

Impact: Shyft Power Solutions provides businesses with reliable power management tools, reducing costs and improving operational efficiency in challenging environments.

Takeaway: Look for tech opportunities in essential sectors. Energy, healthcare, and education are areas ripe for innovation, and they often provide fulfilling challenges for tech entrepreneurs.

4. Zuvaa - Kelechi Anyadiegwu

Kelechi Anyadiegwu founded Zuvaa, an online marketplace for African-inspired fashion, connecting designers from across Africa with a global audience. Through technology, Zuvaa empowers designers by giving them a platform to showcase their work and reach customers worldwide. Kelechi’s journey from a fashion lover to a tech entrepreneur highlights the potential of e-commerce in amplifying cultural heritage.

Impact: Zuvaa has helped many African designers grow their businesses, promoting African fashion and creativity on a global stage.

Takeaway: Follow your passion and leverage technology to scale it. Kelechi combined her love for fashion with tech, turning a personal interest into a thriving business that supports others.

5. Swipe2Pay - Angel Adelaja

Angel Adelaja is the founder of Swipe2Pay, a fintech startup in Nigeria that provides a mobile-based point-of-sale system for small businesses. Swipe2Pay helps merchants accept payments, manage sales, and grow their businesses with ease. Angel’s vision is to simplify commerce for entrepreneurs across Africa, making it easier for small businesses to thrive in a digital economy.

Impact: Swipe2Pay empowers small business owners with tools to streamline operations, enhancing their ability to compete and succeed in the marketplace.

Takeaway: Simplification can be revolutionary. By making it easier for people to do business, you can unlock growth and opportunities that have a lasting impact.

Keep the Momentum Going!

These inspiring women are leading the way in tech entrepreneurship across Africa, showing that with the right mix of passion, persistence, and innovation, anything is possible. They are not just building businesses—they are creating pathways for other women to follow.

If you’re looking to enter the world of tech startups, remember: every great idea starts small. Focus on solving a problem, leverage your unique strengths, and don’t be afraid to take risks. The future of tech in Africa is bright, and there’s plenty of room for more women to shine!