In a world increasingly driven by technology, the question of who is shaping these tools and solutions has never been more important. This past week, the Uzemi Leadership Summit 2.0, held in Ikorodu, Lagos, made a powerful statement on this issue, bringing together women leaders, aspiring tech professionals, and innovators from across the technology spectrum to empower women’s leadership in tech. Organized by the Uzemi Technology Empowerment Initiative, the summit had a singular mission: to transform women into powerful leaders in tech, with a special focus on artificial intelligence (AI) as the driving force of future innovation.
The Significance of Uzemi Leadership Summit 2.0
Women face a well-documented gap in tech, from underrepresentation in leadership positions to fewer opportunities in AI and tech-driven fields. The Uzemi Leadership Summit 2.0 is more than just a conference; it is a powerful platform to address these imbalances. With AI rapidly transforming every sector, the summit’s theme, “Leading with AI: Women Pioneering Tomorrow’s Technology,” sought to prepare women not only to participate in these changes but to lead them. This mission reflects a broader, urgent shift in the global tech community toward inclusivity and diverse perspectives in AI development, where innovation and ethical considerations benefit from diverse voices.
Empowering Women in Tech: Objectives and Themes
The summit’s objectives included:
- Empowering Women in Technology: The summit sought to uplift women by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and networks essential for tech success.
- Promoting AI Literacy and Ethical Application: With AI as a focal point, the summit aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of AI’s capabilities, ethics, and real-world applications, especially in their own communities.
- Fostering Professional and Peer Networks: The event provided ample opportunities for attendees to network with each other, tech leaders, mentors, and industry veterans who could provide guidance and potentially lead to future partnerships.
The idea was not only to help women climb the career ladder but to inspire them to create businesses, drive meaningful projects, and develop technologies that consider diverse viewpoints and underserved communities. As AI and tech continue to impact every facet of life, having women at the forefront of these advancements will help ensure that the technology is built and deployed with an inclusive mindset.
Spotlight on Keynote Speakers and Influential Figures
The Uzemi Leadership Summit 2.0 gathered some of the most influential voices in the Nigerian tech industry, each of whom shared their personal journeys, insights, and advice to inspire attendees. These speakers underscored the importance of resilience, mentorship, and dedication, especially in a sector as dynamic and challenging as technology.
- Olatomiwa Williams, Founder of Uzemi
Williams opened the summit with a stirring address, focusing on why women’s leadership in technology is more important than ever. She emphasized Uzemi’s commitment to supporting women from the ground up, helping them navigate the complexities of tech and empowering them to reach leadership roles. Williams’s speech set the tone for the summit, establishing a clear vision that the future of tech leadership is diverse, inclusive, and driven by innovation. - Funke Opeke, CEO of MainOne
As a celebrated figure in African technology, Opeke’s goodwill message underscored the importance of resilience in overcoming challenges unique to women in tech. Her personal story of resilience as a trailblazer in an industry dominated by men was both inspiring and instructive, showing how grit and vision can drive success even when the odds are stacked against you. - Rachel Adeshina, Chief Information Officer at First Bank
Adeshina’s keynote address, “Women in Tech: A Rising Force,” delved into the current landscape of women in technology, highlighting the increasing influence women have and the opportunities emerging as companies and organizations embrace diversity. She provided actionable insights for women to leverage their strengths and discussed the impact of AI on industries ranging from finance to education.
Panel Discussions: Breaking Barriers in Technology Leadership
The summit’s panel discussions brought together industry leaders to discuss actionable strategies for overcoming challenges, breaking down barriers, and paving the way for future generations. Moderated by Olaide Isijola, Senior Account Executive at Microsoft, the panel featured diverse voices, each bringing a unique perspective on the role of women in tech.
- Sandra Adebayo, Social Media/Community Manager at Technext, spoke about the critical role of community and visibility in tech, particularly for women. She encouraged attendees to leverage online communities to find support, resources, and new opportunities.
- Obi Asika, Chairman of OTM, offered a perspective on leadership, stressing that women must not only occupy roles in tech but also be at decision-making tables where impactful policies are shaped.
- Ogo Maduewesi, CEO of the Vitiligo Support and Awareness Foundation (VITSAF), highlighted her journey of building a tech-driven health community and the importance of using tech to address social issues.
These discussions emphasized that leadership goes beyond technical skills; it’s about understanding your community’s needs, having the courage to challenge norms, and creating a culture where diverse voices are valued.
Breakout Sessions: Skill-Building Across Different Career Levels
To meet the needs of women at different career stages, the summit hosted tailored breakout sessions:
- Student-Level: Building the Foundation for Tech Leadership
Facilitated by Michael John from Tech4Dev, this session targeted students looking to start a career in tech. The session provided foundational knowledge and a roadmap for getting into technology, covering everything from coding basics to understanding the importance of soft skills. - Internship Level: Building Technical Skills and Confidence
Jacquelyn Ekwueme of Microsoft ADC led this session, focused on helping young women gain the confidence and technical abilities needed to excel in their early tech careers. This session provided hands-on experience, and attendees could engage in coding exercises and real-world case studies. - Managerial Level: Leading with Impact
Azeez Omosun, Managing Consultant at Collavare Solutions, provided insights into leading teams effectively, especially in high-stakes, tech-driven environments. This session emphasized leadership skills such as conflict resolution, effective communication, and strategic decision-making. - Entrepreneurial Level: Navigating Tech Startups and Leadership
Led by Adebola Omololu, CEO and Co-Founder of GetFundedAfrica, this session aimed to equip budding entrepreneurs with the knowledge and resources they need to build and sustain tech startups. Topics included fundraising, business development, and navigating the challenges of leading a tech company.
These breakout sessions reflected the summit’s holistic approach, equipping women with both technical and interpersonal skills essential for leadership in the tech space.
Skill Development and Philanthropic Opportunities
The Uzemi Leadership Summit 2.0 didn’t just focus on career advancement; it also highlighted philanthropic efforts within the tech community. Audrey Odogwu, Philanthropies Lead at Microsoft, presented a session on the importance of giving back and using tech to benefit society. She discussed Microsoft’s initiatives that provide skill development resources, especially for underserved communities, encouraging attendees to contribute to similar efforts that expand tech access and literacy for all.
SAIL Innovation Hub: A New Era for Tech Access
A highlight of the summit was the introduction of the SAIL Innovation Lab by Timothy Aluko from CcHub. This new tech hub, based in Ikorodu, aims to make tech resources accessible to those outside major cities. By establishing the SAIL Innovation Lab, CcHub and SAIL Empowerment Foundation are taking steps to bridge the gap in tech accessibility, especially for communities often overlooked in urban-centric tech growth.
Building a Lasting Impact: The Broader Vision of Uzemi
The Uzemi Technology Empowerment Initiative, the force behind the summit, has a long-term vision of building a diverse tech ecosystem that is both equitable and inclusive. The organization is rooted in a philosophy of “growth, multiplication, and nurturing to give life,” which reflects its mission of empowering women, promoting social change, and developing tech solutions that benefit the community as a whole. By focusing on women’s leadership, Uzemi is fostering a tech culture where women are not only included but lead with innovation, empathy, and purpose.
Looking Ahead: The Impact and Future of Women in Tech Leadership
The Uzemi Leadership Summit 2.0 has sparked conversations and established connections that are likely to yield tangible results in the coming years. Participants left with newfound inspiration, valuable knowledge, and connections that can help them navigate the tech landscape. As the tech industry continues to evolve, so too will the need for women leaders who understand the complexities of AI, innovation, and ethical decision-making.
Beyond individual impact, the summit symbolizes a broader shift within the tech world—an industry that recognizes the power of diversity and the importance of inclusive leadership. Events like the Uzemi Leadership Summit 2.0 aren’t just shaping the future of technology; they’re transforming communities, building economies, and laying the groundwork for a more inclusive, just, and innovative world.
Conclusion: Uzemi’s Role in Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders
The Uzemi Leadership Summit 2.0 exemplifies how a focused initiative can bring together aspiring leaders, innovators, and mentors to create lasting change. With the convergence of AI, women’s empowerment, and community-focused tech development, the summit highlighted the powerful role women will play in driving the next wave of technological transformation. For those interested in supporting or participating in Uzemi’s future initiatives, the Uzemi website offers resources, volunteer opportunities, and updates on upcoming programs.
As technology becomes an increasingly integral part of our lives, the role of women in tech leadership is crucial. The Uzemi Leadership Summit 2.0 has set the stage for a new generation of women ready to lead, innovate, and shape the future of technology for everyone.
