In a significant boost to the burgeoning field of technology and artificial intelligence across Africa, 15 women entrepreneurs have been awarded grants and comprehensive support for their innovative businesses.
This initiative, driven by a partnership between UNESCO, the AI Movement, and the OCP Foundation, recognizes and nurtures the contributions of women in tech and AI throughout the continent.
The selection process culminated in a rigorous evaluation by a jury composed of experts from UNESCO and the AI Movement, alongside representatives from the OCP Foundation.
The selected entrepreneurs, hailing from 28 African countries, will receive financial grants ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 USD. In addition to the financial support, the winners will benefit from tailored coaching on fundraising and bespoke technical assistance to further develop their ventures.
This initiative followed a comprehensive three-month training program, designed and funded by UNESCO’s new Category 2 Institute, Ai Movement, and Morocco’s OCP Foundation.
The training included an online course and a two-week intensive Summer Camp held in July 2024 at the Ai Movement Artificial Intelligence Centre in Rabat.
The program aimed to enhance the entrepreneurs’ technical skills, support their startups, and foster a continent-wide network of women in AI, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
The 15 grant recipients are pioneering solutions that leverage AI and technology for sustainable development. Their projects span a range of critical areas, from agriculture and energy to healthcare and environmental sustainability. Here are the entrepreneurs and their groundbreaking initiatives:
- Jihane Ouhejjou from Morocco – MAEIA: AI-powered water loss management.
- Nguse Geofrey Ngulumbi from Tanzania – TokomezaPPR: Eliminate PPR to save livestock.
- Ramatou Konate from Burkina Faso – Solar Cell for Onion Bulb Preservation.
- Godiana Hagile Philipo from Tanzania – AnT Smart Energy Tech Solutions: Energy usage monitoring and management.
- Cesilia Mambile from Tanzania – FirePredict: A system to save lives and protect the environment from fire hazards.
- Michele Mukeshimana from Burundi – AI-Based Monitoring and Early Warning System for floods and landslides in Imbo Plains.
- Hanane Yaagoubi from Morocco – 3D Building Morocco: Integrating AI in 3D concrete printing for eco-innovative construction.
- Aminata Dembele from Mali – Massa Mousso Queens of Technologies: Empowering Malian women through AI.
- Nighe Annie Gwaza from Malawi – Smart Fertilizer Sensor: Advanced sensor technology for empowering agriculture.
- Apiwe Hotele from South Africa – Enlighten: AI-powered educational technology solutions.
- Claire Babirye from Uganda – Deep Learning Indaba: Inferring crop pests and diseases from soil image data.
- Consolata Mwirichia from Kenya – Innovate AI Health Lab: Enhancing HIV testing and awareness.
- Jacqueline OKEYO from Kenya – WIKA: Creating awareness around and preventing sexual violence.
- Thokozile Manaka from Lesotho – MultiVA: Reimagining public health in Africa.
- Faith Obafemi from Nigeria – Fezzant: Making cybersecurity accessible and inclusive with AI.
This landmark initiative not only supports the individual entrepreneurs but also contributes to the broader goal of advancing technology and innovation across Africa, fostering a robust network of women leaders in tech.
