Tech Women Fest 3.0: Africa’s Women Are Not Waiting for the Future, They Are Building It
The Lagos gathering brought together women across Africa’s technology ecosystem, explored the continent’s AI future and awarded laptops to seven young women pursuing careers in technology.
Tech Women Fest 3.0 brought together women founders, innovators, technology professionals, investors, students and ecosystem builders from across African countries in Lagos on October 10, 2026, under the theme “The Bold Build: Disruptive Innovation and Africa’s AI Ascent.”
Tech Women Fest 3.0 brought together women founders, innovators, technology professionals, investors, students and ecosystem builders from across African countries in Lagos on October 10, 2026, under the theme “The Bold Build: Disruptive Innovation and Africa’s AI Ascent.”
Organised by NezaTech Africa, the third edition of the annual gathering focused on emerging opportunities in artificial intelligence, disruptive innovation and Africa’s digital economy, with discussions on women’s participation in technology, STEM education for girls and the continent’s growing innovation landscape.
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.
Launched in 2024, Tech Women Fest was created to give women in technology a platform to learn, connect, collaborate and access opportunities. The 2026 edition expanded on that mission, bringing together participants from different parts of the technology ecosystem for keynotes, panel discussions, AI masterclasses, exhibitions, mentorship and networking.
Artificial intelligence featured prominently in the programme, with discussions examining Africa’s place in the rapidly evolving technology landscape and the importance of women participating in building the products and solutions that will shape its future.
Oluwafemi Akintilo, Head of Engineering at AB InBev, spoke on a panel that addressed Africa’s AI future and the importance of representation in decisions concerning data, capital and products. Ashley Immanuel, Chief Operating Officer of Semicolon, delivered a keynote titled “How to Create Value in the Age of AI.”
The programme also provided opportunities for participants to engage with technology practitioners, exchange ideas, explore emerging trends and build connections with others working across the ecosystem.
Wema Bank, through its SARA by Wema proposition, and AB InBev served as the festival’s lead sponsors. The event also received support from 4Stone Capital and Stemnologist, alongside community partners Kijana and Tech4Dev.
Wema Bank’s participation aligned with SARA by Wema’s focus on women-focused banking, financial inclusion and support for women-led businesses. Activities at the event included a SARA booth, an account-opening drive, a financial literacy session and information on financing opportunities for founders.
AB InBev supported the festival’s focus on creating opportunities for women and young people in the digital economy. Oluwafemi Akintilo represented the company at the event and also participated in the panel discussion on Africa’s AI future.
A major highlight of the festival was the Tech Women Fest Laptop Initiative, through which seven young women received laptops with support from Amsha Foundation.
The initiative addresses a practical barrier facing young women pursuing careers in technology: limited access to a personal device. For the 2026 cycle, the programme focused on young women in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo States who had begun their technology journeys but did not own a working personal laptop.
The seven laptop awards formed part of the festival’s wider programme of activities, providing practical support to young women working towards careers in technology.
Beyond the annual festival, NezaTech Africa 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 work, NezaTech Africa seeks to empower young Africans and women by connecting them with opportunities to develop skills, advance their careers and participate in the digital economy.
The third edition of Tech Women Fest brought these priorities together with conversations about artificial intelligence, innovation and the future of technology in Africa, while creating opportunities for women across the ecosystem to connect, learn and engage with industry leaders.
As the continent’s technology landscape continues to evolve, the festival’s central message remains clear: African women are not waiting for the future to arrive. They are building it.
About Tech Women Fest
Tech Women Fest is the flagship annual gathering of NezaTech Africa, bringing together women founders, innovators, technology professionals, investors and ecosystem builders to learn, connect and unlock opportunities across Africa.
About NezaTech Africa
NezaTech Africa is a technology organisation focused on building technology for good and empowering young Africans and women through training, career development and access to opportunities in the digital economy.
