africa | Women in Tech Africa [africa's largest women in tech group]

02 Jun 2015

Sticky Post By ethelcofie Posted in Blog, My Dream With 5 Comments Permalink

Let’s Get Girls very excited about Technology-My Dream

Sticky Post By ethelcofie On June 2, 2015 With 5 Comments

”It’s really fascinating to know that these codes can solve real human problems”. And that was what got me into this field.
Growing up as a student, I had a thing for Mathematics, Sciences, and Computer. I had always looked forward for opportunities to apply this knowledge to solve real problems facing our society.

I got myself tutored online with resources and practical lessons. I googled, binged and asked the internet on programming, design and software tutorials.
I started freelancing for some jobs and got some quick placements at some foundation, agencies and brands. Now I run my own Digital Software Company, Inspiriasoft.com- for 4 years now.

I was recently selected by Google to train at their Digital Business Manager Program and also now a partner at Microsoft. This experience for me has been inclusive and high growth stunner.
I want to solve the real problems faced by the African community especially women and youth related with simple digital solutions.

I recently launched a project with my team in Nigeria, Tech4Her. We are driven to expand economic opportunities for girls and women by equipping them with ICT, Tools and expertise. Women will be able to apply these technology tools to solve real problems they face such as education, violence, insecurity, funds etc.

We will be installing Digital labs (with computers, internet and learning packages) and facilitating Digital literacy classes in Secondary schools, Institutions and Communities.
More on www.tech4her.org.
Lagos, Nigeria
elizabeth.olorunleke@yahoo.com, ceo@inspiriasoft.com
+2348105445404
Linkedin: https://ng.linkedin.com/in/elizabetholorunleke
Twitter: @qween70
Websites: www.inspiriasoft.com, www.tech4her.org.

Elizabeth Olorunleke is Google Certified Digital Business Manager, Microsoft Partner and Founder of Inspiriasoft.com (Digital Software Company) with a BSC in Computer Science & Engineering. She worked with a CommonWealth Initiative, GLEEHD Foundation – a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering leaders in African countries. And was nominated as a delegate at the Nigerian Centennial celebration, UK.

In addition to humanitarian service, she has more than 5 year experience in Digital Arts, User experience, Sotware programming (PHP, Java, HTML5/CSS, Sql), Project Management, Team Management, Web design & Management, Mobile Development, Digital media marketing & Analyics. She has worked partly on projects with Firms such as CWG (Computer Warehouse Group), TINK Africa, UN-YFWP, Headstart Consulting and runs her Digital Firm, Inspiriasoft.

She is currently working on her project, ‘Tech4Her’ with a mission to enable women in ICT & STEM to expand economic opportunities for girls/women.

31 May 2015

Sticky Post By ethelcofie Posted in Blog, My Dream With No Comments Permalink

Technology as my Foundation-Lola Banjo

Sticky Post By ethelcofie On May 31, 2015 With No Comments

I chose a career in Technology because I just didn’t know what I wanted to do in life but I was confident I would do well as I’m a strong believer of the saying “Anything worth doing is worth doing well”.

As an IT student, I decided to take a part time job in an SEO company and specialized in Link Building and Search Engine Optimization without having a clue about it. I just knew I was going to be helping my company make millions of dollars online. I put my mind into it and eventually understood the complete basics of Web Marketing (Search Engine Optimization, Link Building and Online Marketing).

This experience opened doors of opportunity into the Online World where I got my first International Job via the Internet as a Web Marketing Analyst. My goal was simple – To Capture Online Users looking to visit China for the Summer Games in 2008.

With my Digital Marketing experience in China, I developed a career in Hospitality Digital Marketing for one of the best hospitality giants in the World and as I continue to evolve, I have gone further to achieve a Masters in Marketing to really understand how core fundamentals of Marketing combine with Core Digital and Information Technology to drive a business forward.

My Career Dream is to be best that I can in any field using my foundational IT skills to improve in everything I do. I am currently looking to take a course in General Leadership Management to integrate Technology into a business. We can’t run away from Technology in fact with the rate at which Technology is fast evolving, it has become fundamental to any business today. I am passionate about Technology as it has shown me how much of an impact it can be in one’s personal life and business today.

Image Source: http://sorianomedia.com/infographic-digital-marketing/

Lola Banjo

Lola Banjo is a seasoned Digital and Marketing Expert in the Hospitality, Travel & Leisure space.

Over 10 years’ experience across Asia, Middle East & Africa

Connect with Me on Linked In. https://ae.linkedin.com/in/lbanjo

30 May 2015

Sticky Post By ethelcofie Posted in Blog, My Dream With 1 Comment Permalink

IMPACTING AFRICAN BUSINESSES: ONE BUSINESS AT A TIME

Sticky Post By ethelcofie On May 30, 2015 With 1 Comment

My dream is to become a business management expert. I chose this career because, I want to help businesses make the right business decisions for success.
The journey has not been easy because I never studied any business related course in high school or the University for that Matter except a little entrepreneurship I studied as a minor course during my undergraduate studies in Bsc. Agricultural Engineering. After graduation, I was posted to a bank to do my national service. I found it very confusing working in a business environment when I was coming from an engineering background. But I later realized that I was doing very well in that area. When I completed my national service, my mum who also runs multiple businesses, employed me as a manager for her businesses that gave me the opportunity to nurture my skills and gain a certain level of expertise. I began to execute my duties with so much flare and translated leads into sales.
My appointment as regional coordinator for Youth Enterprises and Skills Development Center (YESDEC) catapulted my business management desire to another level. My region was adjudged the best during the project period. Since then I have managed and still managing other promising businesses.
My dream is to reach the highest echelon in business management and strategy not only in Africa but internationally. Also to impact positively into the business culture focusing on African businesses.
In order to achieve this, I will equip myself with the right knowledge, gain more practical experience and make a positive impact at every opportunity that comes my way.

SHORT BIO

Selasi Segbedzi holds a BSc. in Agricultural Engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. She also holds an Executive Certificate in Projects Management. She
Oversees the day-to-day management and strategic direction of Jayset Consulting. She focuses on building high-performing teams, continuously improving our solutions and clients’ experiences, and identifying new services at the center of transparency and accountability, results management.
Selasi Segbedzi also served as the Regional Coordinator for Youth Enterprises and Skills Development Centre (YESDEC), a social intervention and innovation programme that develops the skills of young entrepreneurs, creating jobs and making jobs more accessible and actionable. Selasi has extensive experience in management, team leading and projects/programmes management, and working with governments and donors.
Previously, Selasi worked with Ghana Commercial Bank as a Back Office Executive, Barclays Bank as a Support Staff and currently at Afromod Trends as Operations Manager

28 May 2015

Sticky Post By ethelcofie Posted in Blog, My Dream With 3 Comments Permalink

Our Android development Lecturer is a lady-Rachael Orum

Sticky Post By ethelcofie On May 28, 2015 With 3 Comments

Not just Girls go to school; it is Girls to Tech …

Our Android development Lecturer is a lady!!!

I get this expression of surprise from students every time I step into a class for the first time. My name is Rachael Orum or [G+], and I am a woman in Tech.
I have great passion for Technology, this passion begun 8years ago (2007) when I was a level 100 student in the ICT Department at the “Université Africaine de Technologie et Management” Cotonou, Republic. of Benin
I finished my Masters in Software Development Engineering in 2012. I learnt a lot while serving as an intern in some software laboratories in Benin and in Cameroun during my studies.

Coupled with my software orientation is a Degree in Linguistics which I acquired at the “Université D’Abomey Calavi”, Calavi. Rep. of Benin in 2009.
I am an impending Doctorate Degree student in Computer Linguistics; I developed a prototype “Yoruba Language Individualized Language Learning ” software which I intend to work on.

I lecture programming languages (web and mobile) and databases at the “Université Africaine de Technologie et Management” since 2012. I also founded the [UATM Developers Orb] and the [Cercle de s développeurs de l’UATM]

I run a start up company [SENS ORBIT] since 2013; we have deployed soft solutions for some companies here in Benin. I am currently leading the Google Developers Group [Women Tecmakers’ community at Abomey Calavi], Republic of Benin.

I Chose Software Development engineering because I want to make the world a better place by creating software that solve people’s problems. Also, sharing what I know is an exciting thing for me. I love to teach young and passionate youth like myself.

Down the road of teaching tech.

My interest in Female Technological Awareness aroused when I was in level 100 in the University and found myself in a class of 40 boys with only 2 girls. I immediately realized that most girls do not have the luxury of having parents and folks like mine who made me believe I can do anything I love to do.

This became a clarion call for me. Through my few years of Lecturing, I encourage my students to go for the Software Development specialty; the female students in particular.

This has not yielded much fruit as the number of female students in the ICT department is still very few and those of them going for the Software Development specialty are even fewer. I cross-checked with other schools here in Benin, The statistics are the same.

This is because most students if not all, already decide what they want to become before filling a university admission form.

The solution to this, would only be introducing programming to girls before they are able to decide which career they want to venture in; that is WHEN THEY ARE STILL IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS/HIGH SCHOOLS.

Decision comes from interest; interest is birthed by knowledge.

I believe that the decrease in the number of females in the software industry is not a question of lack of interest but rather that of orientation. My vision is to have a lot Girls who go to school to study software development
This vision will become a reality when more girls decide to dive into the world of information Technology at all levels.

This can be achieved if we center where girls can learn programming after school.
We are sure to raise over 5000 girl developers within the space of 3 years.

THIS IS MY DREAM…

Bio

Lecturer

African University of Technology and Management

Algorithms, Web Programming, Xml galaxy and Databases

Links

[G+]

[Girls who code]

[SENS ORBIT]

[Women Techmakers community at Abomey Calavi]

[UATM Developpers Orb]

28 May 2015

Sticky Post By ethelcofie Posted in Blog, My Dream With 2 Comments Permalink

Technology is About Efficiency -Sherifah Tumusiime(My Dream)

Sticky Post By ethelcofie On May 28, 2015 With 2 Comments

Wikipedia defines technologist broadly: A technologist is a specialist who is trained to perform work in a field of technology. I believe a better definition of a technologist is “a person who manipulates resources in the most efficient manner using specialized technology available to complete a task”.

This really appeals to me as efficiency, sufficiency and creative thinking have been part of my life from when I was very young and thus has fuelled my desire to become a Professional technologist.

There have been uncountable engineering feats that have awed the world. From the first moon landing, the construction of the Hoover Dam, the Panama Canal, the Millau Viaduct to the Hadron Collider, used to discover the birth of the Universe, to the mechanics of a can opener, irrespective of the size of the project, engineering principles coupled with diligent application, have enhanced the accelerating technological age and have made our lives easier. On the flip side, it does not take long before one reads in the world headlines the signs of climate catastrophe, diminishing resources and human tragedy resulting from malfunctioning, poorly designed equipment and/or poorly engineered technology. These are the avoidable issues that we cannot afford to ignore.

From international world class mountain bikes to nail clippers, practically any part of anything man-made can be attributed to an engineer or more probably a team of engineers using a particular technology. Opportunities for improvement are everywhere; we just need the right sort of people and the technology to achieve them.
I have been strongly influenced by having grown up in an environment of computing and technology. My mother, an IT officer, has always shared the benefits and challenges of her job and the way it impacted the rest of the organization and this sparked my enthusiasm for technology. I started out by being an intern in the network department of MTN, a multinational African telecom rising up to being a leader of a team of Data Centre Operations Engineers. I am currently the CEO of Zimba Group LTD, an IT firm that develops e-solutions for small and medium enterprises with a focus on women-led organisations.

I intend to be part of the new generation of technologists who help Africa rise to the challenge of developing efficient, ecologically aware and forward thinking regarding systems and technologies.

Technology is about using resources efficiently to find solutions to challenges. I find this not only fulfilling but enjoyable. I want to go to work each day, being part of a team and doing something to make a difference in Africa, is a dream job in my eyes.

Bio

Sherifah Tumusiime(Uganda)

A fiery entrepreneur and independent thinker with proven abilities in web development, project management, communications, and IT services. She is an enthusiastic and high-achieving IT professional with a Bachelor of Computer Science with over 5 years’ experience in information systems. She is currently the CEO of Zimba Group Ltd, an Adtech company providing technical and software solutions for SME’s.

26 May 2015

Sticky Post By ethelcofie Posted in Blog, My Dream With 2 Comments Permalink

KEEPING PACE-YERE-ISIBOR MIRIAM (My Dream)

Sticky Post By ethelcofie On May 26, 2015 With 2 Comments

Early enough in life I decided to always explore alternatives.
I had expected it would always be sufficiently easy to execute any lifestyle changes I contemplated.
From young years of wanting to be a lawyer to a brief turn-around in favour of medicine before finally settling into a soothing lull where I simply told myself I was going to be an engineer. An affinity for lighted screens, disassembling and assembling small gadgets was not enough

When I gained a first degree in Statistics and tried and failed to get a job and no mentor or professional body that would teach me to be the great statistician I so wanted to be, I acquired skills in web design.
Seeming simple at the beginning, I discovered the field was much wider than I had been tutored. I soon began to feel like one very tiny fish in an exceedingly large ocean. When you do things that take you outside your comfort zone, you will constantly have to remind yourself that pain may be inevitable but misery is optional. Get ready.

One day in March 2015, I saddled up and began to take online classes to enhance my knowledge. Coupling it with my NGO job was not easy as there were many sleep-truncated nights. I sought out other web designers and asked questions. I did not get it instantly as even now I sometimes have to retrace my steps.

The greatest thing of all is I got better at my jobs.
I dream of building wonderful, unconventional websites.
I dream of inventing exceptional applications, soft-wares probably with programs so complex it would take almost donkey years for anyone to decode and make geniuses salute me.
Every day I learn something new about technology that thrills me. And that thrill? That’s what assures me my dream is not a lie.

Bio

Miriam Iyere-Isibor(Nigeria) begun a freelance career in technology through web design and social media platform management.Miriam is a Statistician and IT Manager at Yeve Logistics And Procurements Limited.Owner of QEREN WEB AND GRAPHICS DESIGN, a company still in infancy, she also authors two blogs where she writes her personal musings on life issues and advertises events.Accompanying an intense love for music is an interest in travelling.

21 May 2015

Sticky Post By ethelcofie Posted in Blog, My Dream With No Comments Permalink

Nisha follows her Instincts

Sticky Post By ethelcofie On May 21, 2015 With No Comments

Portrait of an attractive African American business woman smiling confidently

My name is Nisha Maharaj, MD of Niche Integrated Solutions- South Africa. I have an accumulated service record of 20 years within the Banking, Financial services and Telecommunications sectors of which more than 14 years have been served at either Senior or Executive Management level. In addition, I am a specialist in unsecured lending (microfinance). After having spent decades in financial services, I decided to embark on my own entrepreneurial journey in business.

Whilst exploring my options, I stumbled into the world of business in technology. All my consulting assignments led to problems around operational efficiencies which only technology could solve. In the space of the commercial and financial services arena in South Africa, we do not have very robust home grown technologies so I researched the globe to find solutions that could bring value to South Africa.

I was very fortunate to have cultivated partnerships with some of the global leaders in technology, to bring these solutions to my country. We have made headlines since my first year of operation having won two major bids with two South African banks, I saw success instantly with technology. Not only am I happy that I Decided to follow my instincts, I am also making a significant difference to the South African financial services arena, and our customers are satisfied. Technology has the potential to make your dreams come true –it changes the past, present and future

Author BIO

Nisha Maharaj(South Africa) CEO of NICHE INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS-SOUTH AFRICA

18 May 2015

Sticky Post By ethelcofie Posted in Blog Permalink

Job Opportunity : Developer

Sticky Post By ethelcofie On May 18, 2015

Job Title: Consultant Developer

Job Type: Permanent

Location : Could be remote or in Ghana

We are currently looking to fill a very exciting opportunity as Consultant / Developer within the our organisation.

We are seeking a Senior PHP Developer capable of leading teams of Developers on projects and acting as the technical authority within the team.

This role is a full SDLC position and you will be communicating with all kinds of end users across the world via phone, Skype and email. Therefore strong communication skills are essential and you must be able to listen to what the end user needs, Consult them on how it can be done and any alterations or be able to actually develop and build that from scratch.

The key skills are

– C# / ASP.NET

– PHP /Word press development

– HTML / CSS / JavaScript / JQuery

– Strong communication skills

The nice to haves

– Prince2 qualification or the desire to take it

The ideal candidate will be very self-motivated, have a passion to learn new technologies and keep themselves up to date.

You must show a willingness to learn and be able to work well both independently and within a team.

If this seems like the opportunity you are looking for please do apply and I will be in touch to discuss further.

We would love to hear back from you, so If you are interested or want any more information on the role then email me your CV at services@edelitconsult.com

05 May 2015

Sticky Post By ethelcofie Posted in Blog, Event With No Comments Permalink

CEO of Airtel,Dep MD of UT Bank and others Speak at Women in Tech Africa

Sticky Post By ethelcofie On May 5, 2015 With No Comments

Women in Tech Africa (Ghana Chapter) in collaboration wit USAID and IREX on the 27th of April organized a special session Women and Technology at the Alissa Hotel in Accra.

Speaking at the events was :

CEO Airtel Ghana ( Lucy Quist) first female CEO of a multinational telecommunications company in Ghana

Deputy Managing Director UT Bank and one of the most powerful personalities in Banking in Ghana( Pearl Esua-Mensah)

Director of Mobile Web Ghana ( Florence Toffa)

Director of Innovation Grameen Foundation

CEO of EDEL Technology Consulting and Founder Women in Tech Africa

Citifm was on hand to feature our speakers on their #Cititrends program . listenhere

27 Jan 2015

Sticky Post By ethelcofie Posted in Blog Permalink

Edel Technology at USAID Digital Development Summit

Sticky Post By ethelcofie On January 27, 2015

Edel Technology Keynoted at the USAID Digital Development Forum at Labadi Beach Hotel | Accra, Ghana on Monday ,Jan 26, 2015

We were represented by our CEO Ethel Cofie , who spoke in the future of Technology in Africa.

Please See Presentation Below