Firms Urged to Boost Tech Investment for Inclusion

Stakeholders have called for improved investment in the tech sector to expedite growth and drive more women participation. They noted wide inequality gap in the sector that were posing significant challenges to women from fully harnessing the industry. 

Speaking at a French-Nigerian Dialogue on Diversity, Leadership and Innovation in Lagos, recently, Investment Manager at Alitheia Capital, Memo Olajide, decried lack of investment in female-led start-ups, expressing that deliberate venture in the sector will not only enable growth but promote gender equality and drive inclusion.

In a panel discussion featuring key industry leaders, Olajide argued that a lot women ignore tech route because they do not consider it as a pathway, expressing further that increased funding is crucial in changing this narrative. 

 “Promoting gender equality in tech requires intentional policy initiatives that foster a level playing field for women. Research shows that increased representation of women in the tech industry not only enhances diversity but also inspires more women to pursue careers in this field,” she said. 

In another panel session with theme,” Women’s Leadership in Sustainable Innovation: Towards Social and Environmental Impact in Africa, Co-founder& COO of koolbooks, Deborah Gael highlighted the vital role women play in advancing sustainable innovations across key sectors. 

Women leaders, she noted, are pivotal in harnessing technology to address pressing environmental and social challenges.

Also on the panel discussion, Co-founder& CEO of Instollar,  Chinwe Udo- Davis encouraged women to challenge the bias limiting their capacity and strengths, urging them to push beyond boundaries.

“Women must be at the center of decision-making to avoid being marginalized. When  in leadership position, they are  as effective as men, if not more so, driving productivity ,innovation ,collaboration and diversity”, she averred.