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NextFrontier Africa is a media platform spotlighting Africa’s emerging opportunities in technology, tourism, aviation, agriculture, health, logistics, real estate, trade, education, and e-commerce.

July 06.2025

2 Minutes Read

How Dataleum's AI4Her Is Empowering Women to Shape the Future of Work

AI4Her conference empowering women speaker presenting.

Empowering Women in Tech: The AI4Her Initiative

On June 27, 2025, Nigeria’s vibrant tech community gathered in Lagos for the AI4Her conference, a pivotal event focused on fostering women’s empowerment through artificial intelligence. This conference addressed the multifaceted challenges women face in the tech industry while illuminating the opportunities AI presents for growth and innovation.

AI: A Tool for Empowerment, Not Replacement

During the opening keynote, Ayo Babajide, Head of Data and AI at Flutterwave, dispelled prevalent fears surrounding AI and job loss, asserting, "AI is for everybody." Ayo emphasized that rather than replacing jobs, AI enhances individuals' capabilities, particularly for women who excel in multitasking and empathy. However, he also cautioned against underestimating AI’s potential biases, especially those that overlook African contexts, urging attendees to critically engage with the technology.

Financial Empowerment as a Cornerstone of AI Adoption

A significant segment of the conference spotlighted financial empowerment. Gbemisola Ajibulu from Access Bank introduced the W Initiative, which facilitates access to funding for women-led enterprises, offering amounts up to ₦100 million tailored to businesses' capacities. This program is pivotal for fostering women’s confidence and supporting their journeys in the tech world through mentorship and educational resources.

Bridging the Gap: Integrating AI Into Business

In a dynamic session, AI Data Specialist Opeyemi Obadimu and Associate Solutions Engineer Victoria Braimoh guided participants through the intricacies of incorporating AI into their businesses. They shared practical insights on leveraging AI to extract valuable business insights, emphasizing that maintaining uniqueness is vital in an increasingly digital landscape. The message was clear: AI is an enabler, not a competitor.

A platform for Innovation and Growth

The pitching session was a highlight of the day, where women showcased innovative ideas and received constructive feedback from peers. This collaborative environment fostered growth and community engagement, proving that innovation thrives in supportive networks. With additional resources from CloudPlexo, such as AWS credits and funding guidance, AI4Her emphasized the critical role women play in shaping the narrative around artificial intelligence.

Conclusion: A Future Shaped by Women

As AI continues to evolve, platforms like AI4Her play an essential role in empowering women, urging them to seize opportunities and challenge existing narratives. This collective effort not only builds confidence among women but also ensures their integral participation in shaping the future of technology.

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