African women entrepreneurs in technology are set to receive a major boost following the launch of a $100,000 grant competition by Tech FoundHER Africa. The initiative seeks to empower female founders across the continent with funding, mentorship, and access to global investor networks—addressing long-standing barriers that have limited women’s participation in the tech industry.
Leveling the Playing Field
Despite Africa’s tech ecosystem being one of the fastest-growing in the world, attracting billions in venture capital, female founders continue to face systemic challenges. Industry data reveals that less than 5% of venture capital funding in Africa reaches women-led startups, exposing a glaring gender gap.
Tech FoundHER Africa’s grant competition aims to close this divide by providing not just financial support, but also the visibility, resources, and networks needed for women to scale their businesses.
“Women are building world-class solutions in Africa, but many are locked out of opportunities due to structural barriers,” said Nana Mensah, Director of Programs at Tech FoundHER Africa. “This fund is about rewriting that narrative by giving women the tools to compete and succeed on a global stage.”
What the Grant Offers
The program will award a $100,000 equity-free grant to selected women tech founders across Africa. Beyond the funding, winners will also benefit from:
- Tailored Mentorship: Guidance from experienced leaders in technology, strategy, and venture building.
- Investor Networks: Direct connections to venture capitalists, angel investors, and accelerators.
- Capacity-Building Workshops: Covering leadership, fundraising, product development, and scaling strategies.
- Global Exposure: Showcasing innovations at leading tech events and conferences.
Applications are open to women-led startups across Africa, particularly those innovating in fintech, healthtech, agritech, climate tech, and edtech.
Breaking Barriers
Gender inequality in entrepreneurship is often tied to limited access to capital, cultural stereotypes, and underrepresentation in decision-making spaces. Women founders are disproportionately self-funded, restricting growth and scalability.
By combining financial backing with mentorship, Tech FoundHER Africa aims to spark a ripple effect that inspires more women to pursue tech entrepreneurship. “This grant is not just about capital—it’s about confidence, connections, and credibility,” said Dr. Aisha Bello, a Nigerian entrepreneur and past recipient of Tech FoundHER mentorship support.
Driving Africa’s Digital Future
Empowering women entrepreneurs is essential to unlocking Africa’s digital economy. Studies show that gender-diverse companies are more profitable and innovative. Africa’s pressing challenges—from financial inclusion to climate resilience—require inclusive solutions, and ensuring women’s participation strengthens the continent’s global competitiveness.
Looking Ahead
The $100,000 grant is part of Tech FoundHER Africa’s broader mission to support 10,000 women in technology by 2030 through funding, training, and advocacy. Applications remain open until November 2025, with winners to be announced in early 2026.
For many women founders, this initiative represents more than growth capital—it’s a step toward reshaping Africa’s innovation landscape.
