Women founders, technology professionals, innovators, investors, students and ecosystem builders from across African countries gathered in Lagos on October 10 for Tech Women Fest 3.0, an annual gathering focused on expanding opportunities for women in technology and strengthening their participation in Africa’s digital economy.
Held under the theme “The Bold Build: Disruptive Innovation and Africa’s AI Ascent,” the event explored the opportunities emerging from artificial intelligence and digital innovation, alongside discussions on entrepreneurship, STEM education for girls and the importance of creating pathways for women to participate in Africa’s evolving technology ecosystem.
Organised by NezaTech Africa, Tech Women Fest was established in 2024 to give women in technology a platform to learn, connect, collaborate and access opportunities. Since its launch, the festival has brought together women across different stages of their professional journeys, including aspiring technology professionals, established industry leaders, founders, investors and innovators.
The third edition continued this mission, with a focus on moving beyond conversations about representation to examining how women can participate more actively in building the products, businesses and solutions shaping Africa’s digital future.
Oluwatoyin Abioye, Founder of NezaTech Africa and convener of Tech Women Fest, said the goal of this year’s edition was to move the conversation from inspiration to execution.
As artificial intelligence continues to influence industries and reshape the way businesses operate, the festival provided a platform for participants to explore how women can engage with emerging technologies, identify opportunities and contribute to innovation across the continent.
Oluwafemi Akintilo, Head of Engineering at AB InBev, participated in a panel discussion examining Africa’s AI future and the importance of representation in decisions involving data, capital and product development. The discussion brought attention to the people and perspectives that shape how technology is developed and the opportunities available to those building within the ecosystem.
Ashley Immanuel, Chief Operating Officer of Semicolon, delivered a keynote address titled “How to Create Value in the Age of AI.” The session formed part of a broader programme designed to expose participants to perspectives on innovation, value creation and the changing technology landscape.
The festival also featured AI masterclasses, additional keynote sessions, panel discussions, exhibitions, mentorship corners and networking activities. These provided opportunities for participants to engage with industry practitioners, exchange ideas and build relationships with others working across technology, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Wema Bank, through its SARA by Wema proposition, and AB InBev supported the festival as lead sponsors. Other supporting organisations included 4Stone Capital, Stemnologist and community partners Kijana and Tech4Dev.
The participation of corporate organisations and ecosystem partners formed an important part of the event, bringing together stakeholders from different sectors around the development of women and young people in technology.
For Wema Bank, the partnership aligned with SARA by Wema’s focus on women-focused banking, financial inclusion and support for women-led businesses. The bank’s activities at the festival included a SARA booth, an account-opening drive, a financial literacy session and information on financing opportunities for founders.
These activities connected the festival’s conversations about professional and entrepreneurial growth with practical information about financial services and resources available to women building businesses.
AB InBev also supported the festival’s mission to create opportunities for women and young people in the digital economy. Oluwafemi Akintilo represented the company at the event, participating in discussions on technology and the development of Africa’s next generation of builders.
Other partners, including 4Stone Capital, Stemnologist, Kijana and Tech4Dev, contributed to the wider network of organisations supporting the gathering.
Beyond the discussions and networking, the festival highlighted the Tech Women Fest Laptop Initiative, through which seven young women received laptops with support from Amsha Foundation.
The initiative was established to support young women pursuing careers in technology who lack access to a personal device. For the 2026 cycle, it focused on eligible applicants in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo States who had already begun their technology journeys but did not own a working personal laptop.
Access to a personal computer can be an important part of developing technical skills, completing learning programmes and pursuing opportunities in the technology sector. By awarding laptops to seven recipients, the initiative provided practical support to young women working towards their technology career goals.
The laptop awards reflected another dimension of the festival’s work: connecting conversations about women’s participation in technology with practical interventions addressing some of the barriers they face.
Tech Women Fest forms part of the broader work of NezaTech Africa, which has reached more than 10,000 young people and women through technology training, mentorship, professional development and access to opportunities, according to the organisation. Participants have progressed into jobs, internships and entrepreneurship.
Through its programmes, NezaTech Africa works to support young Africans and women in developing skills, accessing professional opportunities and participating in the digital economy. Tech Women Fest serves as its flagship annual gathering, bringing together women founders, innovators, technology professionals, investors and ecosystem builders to learn, connect and unlock opportunities across Africa.
Three editions into the festival, the gathering continues to bring attention to the importance of women’s participation in Africa’s technology ecosystem. The 2026 edition combined conversations about artificial intelligence and disruptive innovation with corporate engagement, professional development, networking and direct support for young women pursuing careers in technology.
As Africa’s digital landscape continues to evolve, the festival provides a platform for women to engage with emerging opportunities, build connections and participate in conversations about the technologies and innovations shaping the continent.
