Women leaders in science, technology and corporations are calling for deliberate efforts to position women and start-ups at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi at the heart of today's African innovation and economic transformation.
Among the women at the STEM Africa Summit in Nairobi, Joyce Mutoni, the CEO and co-founder of Women at Technology and Innovation Africa (WITIA), urged her to take charge of the future of the continent by embracing the role of science and innovation leadership.
Muthoni said that while women's participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is growing, systematic barriers such as limited access to education, guidance and funding remain.
She highlighted the need to rethink the innovation ecosystem by dismantling outdated thinking and creating a comprehensive platform for African women.
“You're not the leader of tomorrow,” she told participants, pointing to role models such as Dr. Gladys Retic of Aerospace, Esther Kimani of Agritech, and Nubicchiboy of Digital Literacy, and women's proofs have already shaped solutions across the continent.
Muthoni said Witia is working to build innovation infrastructure through smart libraries, local mentorship and digital upskills programs.
She called on partners in government, academic institutions and private sectors to deliberately invest in a girl-centered STEM initiative.
Enhanced this agenda, Safaricom Senior Engineer Lilian Kiambati said innovation is essential to closing the gaps in inequality, especially in rural communities.
“Technology has evolved, but many still lack access. We need to integrate digital literacy into early education so that our children are not left behind,” she said.
Kiambati revealed that Safaricom has launched six initiatives aimed at high-tech women, including mentorship, robotics training, internships and school outreach.
“These interventions have increased the participation of women in technical roles in the company to 8-26%, with the aim to reach 40% in the near future,” she said.
She also sought an ethical digital ecosystem that maintains data privacy and promotes responsible artificial intelligence, ensuring support for innovation rather than avoiding African women.
Meanwhile, at a related event during China Trade Week in Nairobi, James Muleu, chairman of the Micro and Small Enterprises Bureau (MSEA), called for a change in language and thinking in the enterprise sector.
He proposed replacing the term “micro and small businesses” with “start-up companies,” saying that current labels are underestimating economic contributions.
“Small businesses are not at their limit. They donate over 40% of Kenya's GDP and employ 90% of the workforce. These are not informal actors. They are the engine of our economy.”
He challenged the Kenya Revenue Agency (KRA) to recognize the sector's contributions through indirect taxes, urging policymakers to include the voices of small and medium-sized enterprise owners in their national plans.
Citing lessons from the resilience of Chinese investors, Mulek encouraged local businesses to seize regional trade opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCFTA).
He highlighted government-supported programs such as Kenya Youth Employment and Training (KJET) and National Youth Opportunities for Change and Progress as a tool to empower young and female entrepreneurs.
“Women in particular show high levels of business accountability and sustainability. They must be at the heart of our corporate development policy,” he said.
Mureu warned that many companies risk being left behind in the digital economy without adopting digital platforms such as mobile banking, social commerce and e-commerce.
He officially opened a trade exhibition by urging entrepreneurs to abandon the conditions of self-limitation and rebrand themselves as a growth factor in Kenya's economy.
The two forums were focused, but reflected a shared message that continental transformation relied on inclusive innovation and empowerment of women and small business.
Stakeholders are working to maximize Africa's potential by strengthening collaboration, reforming policy frameworks and strengthening the ecosystem of innovation.
By Amina Bakari and Wendy Sheilla
