5 Nigerian women leading the tech scene

Nigeria’s technology ecosystem is no longer a boys’ club. Across fintech, digital infrastructure, software engineering, and space technology, Nigerian women are building platforms, leading companies, and redefining innovation.

These women are not only breaking barriers but also creating opportunities, mentoring the next generation, and shaping Africa’s digital future.

Here are five Nigerian women whose influence continues to drive the country’s tech revolution.

Funke Opeke – Powering Nigeria’s internet backbone

Funke Opeke is the Founder and CEO of MainOne, one of West Africa’s largest digital infrastructure companies. After years of experience in the U.S. telecoms industry, she returned home to tackle Nigeria’s connectivity challenges. MainOne’s 7,000km submarine cable significantly improved internet speed and access across Nigeria and the region, laying a foundation for today’s digital economy.

Odunayo Eweniyi – Redefining Digital Finance

As Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of PiggyVest, Odunayo Eweniyi has helped millions of Nigerians embrace digital savings and investment. A computer engineering graduate, she blends technical expertise with financial inclusion advocacy. Beyond fintech, she is also a prominent voice for women’s economic empowerment, proving that technology can drive both profit and social impact.

Ire Aderinokun – Championing Software Development

Nigeria’s first female Google Developer Expert in Web Technologies, Ire Aderinokun is a Co-founder and VP of Engineering at Helicarrier. A self-taught developer, she also runs Bits of Code, a platform dedicated to simplifying programming for beginners. Through mentorship and education, Ire continues to inspire young women to pursue careers in software engineering.

Fara Ashiru Jituboh – Building Africa’s Open Banking Future

Fara Ashiru Jituboh is the Co-founder and CEO/CTO of Okra, a fintech company driving open banking in Africa. Her platform allows businesses to securely access financial data and build smarter financial products. With deep technical expertise and bold leadership, Fara is helping reshape how Africans interact with financial systems.

Abimbola Alale – Leading Nigeria’s Space Technology Drive

As Managing Director and CEO of NigComSat, Abimbola Alale made history as the first Nigerian woman to lead a satellite communications company. Her leadership has strengthened broadband access, satellite services, and national communication infrastructure, showing that women can thrive at the highest levels of advanced and strategic technology sectors.