In the recently released Top 100 Career Women by 9to5Chick, the premier career development platform highlighted the success of professional women, recognised for spectacular contributions to the tech industry.
The annual list showcases the outstanding accomplishments and contributions of female leaders in entrepreneurship, governance and policy, STEM, FMCG and corporate roles across the African landscape.
In a male-dominated sector, many women are beginning to rise to take up various top leadership positions in organisations.
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From robotics to fintech, women are making waves in their industries. By broadcasting their success to such a wide audience, 9to5Chick hopes to remind women and girls that their contributions to humanity are both possible and valuable.
According to the president of the 9to5Chick, Glory Edozien PhD “All across corporate Africa, women are doing phenomenal work. However, from institutional structures to social constructs hold us back from being seen and rewarded for the work we do. This is why for the last 4 years, at 9to5Chick we have focused on amplifying the work of African career women on the continent.”
The 2024 list features women from 5 African regions across 18 countries who have been evaluated based on the influence of their role, their leadership excellence, personal accomplishments, dedication to knowledge sharing, and commitment to fostering inclusion. The breakdown of the representation from the different African regions consists of West Africa (60), East Africa (18), Southern Africa (15), Central Africa (1), and North Africa (6).
The women from the technology space who were recognised include:
Mirna Arif, General Manager, Microsoft Egypt (Egypt) who has over 20 years of experience in the technology industry, having worked for multinational organizations and public sector entities across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Prior to joining Microsoft, Arif held several senior positions at GE Oil & Gas, Emerson Automation Solutions, and Surface Business Group. Under Arif’s leadership, Microsoft Egypt has made significant progress in helping Egyptian businesses and the country embrace the digital future.
Ogochukwu Onwuzurike, Country Manager Truecaller (Nigeria) who is a trailblazer in business strategy, contributing significantly to the success and growth of ventures. She was recognized for her strategic prowess at Truecaller in scaling operations, navigating regional launches, engaging commercial partners, and building high-performing teams for enhanced productivity.
Charity Wanjiku, Senior Project Manager, EA, Africa Data Centres (Kenya), is renowned for leading multicultural teams and projects in mission-critical infrastructure, sustainable building, and has been recognized by Forbes as one of the “Top 50 Women in Tech in the World” in 2018 and honored as an “African female tech entrepreneur” by the World Economic Forum in 2017.
Aalaa Gamal, Regional Manager, Flutterwave (Egypt) . She has extensive experience across banking, career tech, and now Fintech. She has supported and led the launch of projects and products in various international markets in the MENA Region. She’s worked in Financial technology, specializing in international payment regulations, compliance, and infrastructure.
Folasade Femi Lawal, Country Manager, Mastercard (Nigeria) recognized for her role in building a more connected and inclusive digital economy in West Africa. She has successfully led initiatives in Mobile Financial Services and Digital Banking Strategy at one of Nigeria’s Tier 1 banks.
Napa Onwusah, Startups Segment Leader, Middle East, Africa and Turkey, Amazon Web Services (AWS) (Nigeria). She has over two decades of leadership experience from top-tier corporations like AWS, Google, Visa, Nokia, Microsoft, SAP, and Cisco. Currently serving as the Executive Director of the Jeremiah Foundation, Napa collaborates with a dedicated team to support at-risk teenagers and low-income families, driven by principles of integrity, humility, kindness, and empathy.
Juliana Rotich, Head of Department – Fintech Solutions/Safaricom Plc (Kenya), is a globally renowned Technologist, MIT Media Lab Director’s Fellow, TED Senior Fellow and currently serves as Chair of the World Economic Forum Global Agenda Council on Data Driven Development. M. In addition, she serves as a strategic advisor to prestigious organizations including BASF, Microsoft 4Afrika, and Waabeh Limited.
Olayemi Funmilayo Dickson, Assistant Chief Research Officer, National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM). She has been instrumental in conducting policy research, evaluation, and review for dynamic technology-driven, knowledge-based development. Her field of expertise is transport planning and policy, with a focus on inclusive transportation, public transport systems, and urban mobility.
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The selection process was meticulously conducted by an independent advisory panel comprising respected leaders, including Chief Executive Officer at Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation, Osayi Alile; Global Talent Acquisition Director at CVPEOPLE Tanzania, Dr Naike Moshi; Dist. Fellow, ILMMD and Founder/CEO of Exquisite Magazine, Tewa Onasanya; Chief Executive of Business Engage, Colleen Larsen; Deputy Head of Operations for StanbicIBTC Bank, Funke Amobi and Chief Talent Officer at YF Talent Partners, Yemi Faseun.
