On Saturday, September 28, 2024, the Wetech community marked its fifth year of existence, proudly celebrating “Five Years of Women Redefining Technology and Entrepreneurship.” Hosted at the Landmark Conference Center in Lagos, Nigeria, the event attracted nearly 1,500 women from Nigeria and possibly beyond. The event was quite purposeful as women connected, shared ideas, and learned from some of the most influential female leaders in the tech industry.
Founded by two sisters, Gabriella and Flora Uwadiegwu, Wetech was created with a singular mission in mind which is to close the gender disparity in the technology and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Since its inception in 2018, the organization has made significant efforts to break down barriers for women in tech, providing them with access to resources, mentorship, and career opportunities.
Panel and Break-Out Sessions
Wetech2024 kicked off with an inspiring fireside chat moderated by the Multimedia journalist, Lady Kay, where co-founders Gabriella Uwadiegwu and Flora Uwadiegwu shared their journey of building Wetech against all odds. Gabriella opened up about the importance of being a little “delusional,” explaining how believing in something bigger than oneself—often when it seems impossible—is essential for pushing beyond perceived limits. Flora, who transitioned into tech from a non-traditional background in chemistry, shared valuable insights on consistency, urging attendees to stay committed to their goals despite setbacks.
Breakout sessions offered practical insights, including Mastering Tech Interviews in an AI-Driven World, focusing on how women can scale AI-driven hiring processes, and The Art of Design: Creating Inclusive and Accessible Products, which explored the importance of inclusive tech design. Another breakout session, Sustainable Business Practices for African Startups, provided strategies for building sustainable tech businesses in Africa.
Wetech Startup PitchHER: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
The event also featured a PitchHER contest, which brought together women entrepreneurs who pitched their innovative business ideas for a chance to win funding and mentorship. The grand prize of ₦4 million, generously sponsored by Flutterwave, was awarded to Middleman cofounded by Omalara Sanni, a business that connects Nigerians with the Chinese market, acting as a bridge for seamless transactions and services.
Networking and Career Fair
The event concluded with a networking session and a career fair, where attendees had the chance to interact with industry leaders, tech professionals, and recruiters. It was a unique opportunity for the women to engage directly with representatives from the event’s sponsors and partners, learning more about available job opportunities and discussing potential collaborations.
Breaking Barriers and Empowering the Next Generation
As Africa’s population continues to grow, with 70% of sub-Saharan Africa under the age of 30—many of them women—initiatives like Wetech are critical to bridging the gender gap and promoting inclusivity in the technology space.
Here at TechAfrica News, we are genuinely excited about initiatives like Wetech that are driving digital transformation across Africa. We look forward to seeing how these efforts will continue to shape the future of technology on the continent, bridge the gender gap, and empower more women to make their mark in the tech ecosystem.
Congratulations to the entire Wetech team and all the women who made this event possible. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for women in tech!
