The flagship event of the year for women entrepreneurs and executives in the technology sector, the Women Entrepreneurs and Executives in Tech Summit (WEETS) 2024 in Lagos, brought together the brightest and most innovative minds in the business world. This year, the theme “Leadership in Artificial Intelligence: Navigating the Future of Women in Business” was the focus of the lively discussions.
Kashifu Inuwa, Director General of NITDA, highlighted the growing importance of women entrepreneurs in today’s economic landscape. Indeed, reports show that 46% of start-ups in Nigeria are led by women, an increase from previous years. Furthermore, women account for 43% of businesses in the country, a figure that reflects a notable increase in their leadership and empowerment.
Inuwa highlighted that women entrepreneurs play a vital role in job creation, innovation, poverty reduction and human development. He also highlighted the fact that women make up 30% of the global AI workforce. This statistic reveals how women can contribute significantly to such a rapidly evolving sector.
To support this positive trend, NITDA is committed to promoting the inclusion of women in Nigeria’s digital economy. By engaging women in digital skills development programs, NITDA aims to enhance their impact in their communities and foster their success in the rapidly growing tech sector.
The role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in today’s economy cannot be underestimated. According to Forbes, the AI market is expected to reach $407 billion by 2027, opening up major opportunities for women entrepreneurs. It is therefore imperative that women are equipped with the right digital skills to leverage these technological advancements and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
At the opening ceremony of WEETS 2024, Founder, Ms. Ugochi Emmanuel, urged participants to embrace the opportunities presented by the technology sector. She noted that the future is full of opportunities for women to take the lead in AI and business. Encouraging women to push boundaries and build lasting partnerships, Ms. Emmanuel emphasized the importance of accelerating women’s impact in the technology sector.
The Women Entrepreneurs and Executives in Tech Summit 2024 is more than just an event. It embodies the commitment to support, encourage and celebrate the women shaping Nigeria’s digital economyThrough their leadership, innovation and determination, women entrepreneurs are redefining norms and charting new paths to a digitally enriched and inclusive future.