BY ELIEZER LUNGU

In recent years, Africa has witnessed an inspiring rise in female entrepreneurship and tech innovation. Initiatives focused on supporting women in these fields are making significant strides, yet a significant challenge remains: the need for comprehensive and sustained support that goes beyond initial training and mentorship.

The Landscape of Female Entrepreneurship and Tech in Africa

Africa’s entrepreneurial and tech ecosystems are burgeoning, with numerous programs aimed at fostering growth and innovation among female entrepreneurs and tech professionals. These programs offer vital resources such as business operations training, digital transformation support, and mentorship. However, the challenge of translating these resources into sustainable success remains.

The Paradox of Empowerment

While these initiatives have equipped many women with skills and knowledge, a paradox exists. Female entrepreneurs and tech professionals often find themselves with enhanced capabilities but lacking the necessary resources and networks to fully capitalize on their potential. The gap between empowerment and actual resource availability is a critical issue. Despite the skills and mentorship provided, many women struggle to secure the financial support necessary to scale their businesses and achieve long-term success.

The Funding and Resource Gap

One of the most pressing issues is the gap between empowerment and actual resource availability. Female entrepreneurs and tech professionals frequently encounter difficulties in accessing funding and support beyond the initial stages of their journey. Traditional financing options can be restrictive, and while there are efforts to promote venture capital and angel investments, these resources remain limited.

Moreover, even with mentorship and training, the lack of financial resources can stifle growth. Entrepreneurs and tech professionals need more than just guidance they require robust financial backing to scale their ventures, innovate, and compete in an increasingly dynamic market.

The Impact of Insufficient Support

This imbalance has far-reaching consequences. For individuals, it means unrealized potential and frustration. Women who have invested time and effort into developing their skills may struggle to translate their expertise into successful ventures due to financial constraints. On a broader scale, this lack of support undermines economic development by limiting job creation and innovation, essential drivers of economic growth.

Addressing the Imbalance: A Multifaceted Approach

To bridge the gap, a holistic approach is necessary. Initiatives must evolve to not only provide initial support but also ensure that ongoing resources and funding are accessible. This involves encouraging private investments, fostering venture capitalism, and implementing supportive government policies.

Public-private partnerships can play a pivotal role in creating comprehensive support systems. Collaborations between financial institutions, corporations, and international donors can offer combined training and funding solutions. Additionally, exploring alternative funding models, such as crowdfunding and impact investing, can provide new avenues for financial support.

Unlocking Africa’s Potential: A Call to Action

The journey towards balancing empowerment and support for women entrepreneurs and tech professionals in Africa is crucial for unlocking the continent’s full potential. Stakeholders, including government bodies, private investors, and support organisations, must collaborate to create a robust ecosystem where women can thrive. By addressing the gap between training and funding, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and innovative future.

BongoHive, Lusaka’s innovation and technology hub, plays a critical role in this ecosystem. By working with great minds to build viable solutions that change the world, BongoHive provides a range of startup and tech programs, workshops, and events aimed at making Zambia Africa’s next hotbed of innovation. These programs guide startups through the entrepreneurial journey from idea to investment, with extensive collaboration with like-minded organisations and industry leaders to ensure relevance and success.

In addition to startup programs, BongoHive organises issue-specific workshops and seminars, supports community developer groups on topics like gaming and robotics, and hosts a wide range of industry networking events. 

Women across Africa are brimming with potential and innovative ideas. With the right combination of support and resources, they can turn these ideas into successful ventures, driving economic growth and technological advancement across the continent.

What role will you play in bridging the gap and supporting Africa’s women in tech and entrepreneurship?