South Africa is poised to build on a decade of progress in gender equality, and the technology sector is being called upon to lead the next wave of advancement as the country enters 2026. This isn’t simply a matter of social responsibility; it’s a crucial economic imperative. For us in Africa, unlocking the full potential of our population – all of it – is the key to sustainable growth and global competitiveness. The call to action comes at a pivotal moment, with African tech increasingly attracting investment from firms like TLcom, Partech, and Norrsken.

A Decade of Gains Provides a Foundation

Over the past ten years, South Africa has demonstrably improved its standing on gender equality metrics. While specific details of these measurements weren’t available, the overall trend is clear: progress has been made. This foundation provides a unique opportunity for the tech industry to accelerate these gains. We’ve seen how fintech, for example, can empower women financially, mirroring the success of M-Pesa in East Africa. The challenge now is to replicate and expand these successes across all tech verticals.

Bridging the Digital Skills Gap for Women

A significant barrier to gender equality in tech remains the digital skills gap. Many African women lack access to the training and education needed to thrive in this rapidly evolving sector. Initiatives focused on STEM education for girls, coupled with targeted upskilling programs for young women, are vital. We need more programs like those offered by Andela, but specifically designed to address the unique challenges faced by women entering the tech workforce. This requires investment from both the public and private sectors.

Investment in Female-Led Startups is Crucial

Despite the growing interest in African tech, funding for female-led startups continues to lag behind. According to available data, women entrepreneurs receive a disproportionately small share of venture capital. This isn’t due to a lack of viable businesses; rather, it reflects systemic biases in the investment process. Platforms like Flutterwave demonstrate the potential of African fintech, and we need to see similar success stories emerge from female founders, supported by increased funding from investors.

Building a More Inclusive Tech Ecosystem by 2030

Looking ahead to 2030, the goal is clear: to establish a truly inclusive tech ecosystem across our continent. This means not only increasing the representation of women in tech roles but also ensuring that technology itself is designed and developed with the needs of all Africans in mind. We must foster an environment where female entrepreneurs can access the resources, mentorship, and networks they need to scale their businesses and contribute to Africa’s economic transformation, driving growth measured in billions of ZAR, NGN, and KES.