Women Driving Change in Africa’s Tech Ecosystem

People from diverse backgrounds have contributed immensely to the growth of Africa’s tech ecosystem. At the center of these impressive innovations are women, some of whom work behind the scenes but are doing remarkable things.

The Journey into Tech

For Bukola Alawiye and Busola Oluwatobi, their journeys into the exciting field of technology began with studying unrelated courses—English language and biological sciences, respectively. Today, both women are building careers at Redtech, a Nigerian fintech company: one shaping products, the other building the teams that power them.

In commemoration of International Women’s Day, they share how their early curiosity about technology evolved into full careers in fintech, what they see as the African woman advantage, and why more women should take leadership roles in the ecosystem.

Early Interactions with Technology

Bukola Alawiye

"My first interaction with the corporate environment was in communications. I quickly realized that technology is a great enabler for almost everything related to communications and marketing. Seeing how much technology impacts various areas of our lives—from marketing and products to business operations—was intriguing. This curiosity pushed me to understand how things worked beyond the surface.

I began speaking with experienced individuals in the tech space. Every question led to answers, which in turn sparked even more questions. This curiosity became my first real interaction with technology, particularly around websites and web development, and it laid the foundation for my interest in the tech space.

My first role was in corporate communications, followed by a position as a digital marketer. I particularly enjoyed social media management, which helped me understand data and insights. Eventually, this exposure led me to product marketing, where I realized that to market a product effectively, I needed to understand it deeply. This zeal to understand how products are built and how they create value for users pushed me into product management."

Busola Oluwatobi

"My academic background is in biological sciences, but I always wanted to solve business problems. To gain clarity, I attended several boot camps and career sessions. I started from the bottom by interning at an HR consulting firm. While gaining practical experience, I also pursued courses to build my theoretical knowledge.

During my time there, I was given leadership opportunities because I showed interest and demonstrated the ability to handle responsibilities beyond my role. My next role involved setting up an HR department from scratch for an oil and gas servicing company, which gave me deep exposure to business decision-making.

After several years, I wanted to work with a different demographic, particularly younger tech professionals. This desire eventually led me into the fintech ecosystem. I joined a startup and later moved to Redtech, drawn by the company’s vision and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful growth."

Impact of African Women in Tech

Bukola Alawiye

"There has been significant progress compared to where we started. Over time, we have demystified the idea that tech is only for men. The focus now should be on creating a more balanced ecosystem and ensuring that organizations recruit based on capability rather than gender. Women are already proving they can deliver strong results in tech. What we need now is more participation, especially in leadership and decision-making roles."

Busola Oluwatobi

"Yes, we are making an impact, but there is still room to do more. There are many pioneers within the tech space whose work we see every day. Their stories are inspiring and show what is possible. However, I would love to see even more women leading major tech companies in Nigeria and across Africa. Imagine a future where the top five tech companies in Africa are led by women. That is the kind of progress I would love to see."

Challenges Faced by Women in Tech

Bukola Alawiye

"One major challenge is the perception that hiring women is about filling quotas rather than recognizing merit. Another challenge is defining balance. Careers in tech can be demanding and often extend beyond the typical nine-to-five structure. For many women, finding the right balance between professional growth and personal responsibilities requires constant adjustment."

Busola Oluwatobi

"Many challenges revolve around biases, stereotypes, and limited access to resources or sponsorship. For example, I once faced bias when I held a leadership role at a relatively young age. Some people assumed that because of my age or gender, I might not be capable of leading effectively. These experiences are common, but they shouldn’t define us. We must continue breaking these biases and creating opportunities for other women."

Roles at Redtech

Bukola Alawiye

"As a product manager, my focus is on building solutions that empower businesses. The goal is to make it easier for businesses, from large enterprises to SMEs, to collect payments seamlessly while focusing on growth. We also work with smaller business groups, including women-led communities, helping them digitize their operations and reach broader markets. Our products allow them to accept payments globally and expand their reach beyond local markets."

Busola Oluwatobi

"From an HR perspective, my role sits at the intersection of product, engineering, compliance, sales, and operations. My job involves removing blockers and equipping managers and teams with the tools and knowledge they need to perform at their best. We operate a cross-functional structure where different departments collaborate closely, setting clear goals and assigning ownership to ensure teams can work together effectively."

The African Woman Advantage

Bukola Alawiye

"One major advantage is our direct interaction with our culture and society. This perspective helps us innovate in ways that are relevant to our environment. Sometimes, people focus too much on global models rather than understanding local market realities. Being deeply connected to our social and cultural environment allows us to build products that truly address real problems. Another strength is tenacity; many opportunities are not handed to women easily, so we’ve learned to keep pushing until doors open."

Busola Oluwatobi

"When I think about the African woman, three words come to mind: strength, resilience, and adaptability. Women are naturally capable of managing complex situations. We are emotionally intelligent, able to multitask, and often perform effectively under pressure. These qualities are powerful leadership skills, and many women have used them to stand out and become trailblazers in the workplace."

Advice for Young Women in Tech

Bukola Alawiye

"My advice is simple: evolve continuously. We live in a fast-paced world where knowledge quickly becomes outdated. Always look for opportunities to learn and improve yourself. Be willing to stretch beyond your comfort zone. When new responsibilities or challenges appear, take them on. You may be surprised at how much you can achieve."

Busola Oluwatobi

"First, build depth in your skills. Don’t focus on titles or positions; focus on developing real expertise. Second, understand the language of the business you work in. When you understand how a business operates, you are more likely to be invited into decision-making conversations. Finally, find mentors and sponsors who can support your growth and advocate for you in rooms where you may not yet have access. When opportunities come your way, be ready for them. They may stretch you, but those experiences will reveal your true potential."