It is arguably still “a man’s world” especially in the tech space, but it is undeniable that Nigerian women are pulling their weight and pulling it heavily enough to be noticed by international eyes.
Such are the 7 Nigerian female startup founders shortlisted for the Aurora Tech Awards 2023.
AURORA Tech Awards is an annual prize for women founders of IT startups whose projects have had the most profound impact on world development.
Founded in 2021 by inDrive, Aurora Tech Awards supports women entrepreneurs using technology to develop their communities, aiming to challenge gender inequality in IT.
Latest research works have shown that investors are hesitant to invest in businesses founded by women. One of the few who believe gender stereotypes should be trashed is the inDrive Aurora Tech Awards whose aims and objectives are;
- To recognise the achievements of women in IT entrepreneurship
- To support them with a financial award
- To tear down gender stereotypes in IT.
Entries are received from all over the world annually for the Aurora Tech Awards and 395 applications were submitted for the 2023 edition with only 22 nominations making the list. Of the 22 women, seven are Nigerians.
According to reports, the Aurora award judges were impressed with the quality and diversity of the submissions but were particularly struck by the strength of the entries from Nigeria.
The 7 brilliant Nigerian female startup founders are:
- Folake Owodunni – Emergency Response Africa
- Princess Oti – Kaoshi Network
- Cynthia Asije – Craftmerce Inc.
- Ifedayo Durosinmi-Etti – Herconomy Limited
- Monsurah Alli Oluwafuyi – HERRYDE
- Olapeju Umah – MyFoodAngels
- Ifeoma Nwobu – Sendstack
The monetary value of the award this year is $30,000 for the first prize, $20,000, second prize and $10,000 for the 3rd prize.
Winners also get access to the inDrive mentorship programme and other opportunities.
Winners will be announced in an online event on International Women’s Day, 8th of March 2023.