7 Inspiring African Women in STEM Pioneering the Future

Field of Expertise: Development Economics, Finance, International Trade

Key Achievements & Projects: Dr. Okonjo-Iweala is a globally renowned economist and development expert. She made history as the first woman and first African to serve as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) since March 2021. Prior to this, she had a distinguished 25-year career at the World Bank, rising to the position of Managing Director. She also served twice as Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, where she led negotiations for the country’s $18 billion debt relief deal in 2005. Her tenure saw significant economic reforms, including strengthening public financial management and promoting transparency in the oil sector, which helped Nigeria become Africa’s largest economy by 2014. She also championed the use of technology for direct subsidy payments to farmers, bypassing corrupt intermediaries.

Impact on Future Generations: Dr. Okonjo-Iweala is a powerful symbol of African excellence and leadership on the global stage. Her career demonstrates that women, particularly African women, can reach the highest echelons of international organizations and influence global policy. She consistently advocates for economic empowerment, good governance, and inclusive growth in Africa, inspiring young women to pursue careers in economics, finance, and international relations with a focus on national development. Her visibility at the WTO provides a crucial role model for girls interested in global leadership and trade.

Field of Expertise: Medicinal Chemistry, Nanotechnology

Key Achievements & Projects: Professor Nyokong is a world-renowned chemist specializing in photodynamic therapy (PDT) as an alternative cancer treatment. Her groundbreaking research focuses on using nanotechnology to develop safer and more effective methods to destroy cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. She is a distinguished professor at Rhodes University in South Africa and has received numerous accolades for her contributions to science, including the African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Prize and the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award. She has published extensively and holds several patents for her innovative work.

Impact on Future Generations: Professor Nyokong’s journey, from a humble background in Lesotho to becoming a leading scientist, serves as a profound inspiration. She has not only advanced scientific knowledge in a critical field like cancer treatment but has also been a passionate advocate for increasing the representation of women in STEM. Her work encourages young Africans, especially girls, to pursue challenging scientific careers and demonstrates the potential for impactful research that addresses global health challenges.

Field of Expertise: Computer Science, Technology Innovation, Entrepreneurship

Key Achievements & Projects: Dr. Rotich is a Kenyan computer scientist, tech innovator, and entrepreneur. She is best known as the co-founder of Ushahidi, an open-source platform that uses crowdsourced data for crisis mapping and information sharing. Ushahidi gained international recognition for its use in monitoring post-election violence in Kenya in 2008 and has since been deployed in various humanitarian and disaster relief efforts worldwide. She also co-founded BRCK, a company that develops rugged, self-powered, internet-enabled devices to improve connectivity in remote areas.

Impact on Future Generations: Dr. Rotich exemplifies how technology can be used as a powerful tool for social good and citizen engagement. Her work with Ushahidi revolutionized crisis response and demonstrated the potential of African innovation to solve real-world problems. She inspires young African women to embrace entrepreneurship and use their technological skills to create solutions that impact their communities and beyond, fostering a new generation of tech-savvy problem-solvers.

Field of Expertise: Epidemiology, HIV/AIDS Research

Key Achievements & Projects: Dr. Abdool Karim is a leading South African epidemiologist and a global authority on HIV/AIDS. Her research has significantly advanced our understanding of HIV prevention, particularly in women. She co-led the CAPRISA 004 trial, which demonstrated that a topical antiretroviral gel could prevent HIV infection in women, a groundbreaking discovery with global implications. She is the Associate Scientific Director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) and a Professor of Epidemiology at Columbia University. Her work has earned her numerous awards, including the Christophe Mérieux Prize and the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award.

Impact on Future Generations: Dr. Abdool Karim’s dedication to combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa showcases the critical role of scientific research in public health. She has not only saved countless lives through her prevention strategies but has also inspired a generation of African scientists to pursue careers in infectious disease research and public health. Her leadership in a field with profound societal impact motivates young women to contribute to addressing critical health challenges facing the continent.

Field of Expertise: Physics (Geophysics, Climate Change)

Key Achievements & Projects: Professor Okeke is a distinguished Nigerian physicist. She is the first woman to head the Physics Department at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and later became the first female Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences at the same university. Her research focuses on the ionosphere, particularly its influence on climate change. She has made significant contributions to understanding the daily variations of the Earth’s magnetic field and its impact on the distribution of atmospheric currents. Her work has earned her the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award.

Impact on Future Generations: Professor Okeke’s achievements in a field traditionally dominated by men have paved the way for other women in academia and science. She is a strong advocate for increasing female participation in physics and other STEM fields, demonstrating that women can excel in fundamental sciences and contribute to our understanding of complex global phenomena like climate change. She inspires young Nigerian girls to pursue scientific careers and break gender barriers in higher education and research.

Field of Expertise: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Key Achievements & Projects: Dr. Ozak Esu is a dynamic Nigerian electrical and electronic engineer. She was named one of the Top 50 Women Under 35 in Engineering in the UK by The Telegraph and has been recognized for her innovative work in smart technologies and energy systems. Her research and projects often focus on finding sustainable solutions to energy challenges, particularly in developing countries. She is passionate about applying engineering principles to improve daily lives and has been actively involved in initiatives promoting STEM education.

Impact on Future Generations: Dr. Esu’s rising profile in the engineering sector demonstrates the potential for young African women to make significant contributions to technological innovation. Her focus on practical applications of engineering to address real-world problems, especially in energy, inspires future generations to consider engineering as a career path where they can directly impact societal development. She serves as a role model for aspiring engineers, particularly those interested in sustainable technologies.

Field of Expertise: Civil Engineering, Sustainable Manufacturing, Waste Management

Key Achievements & Projects: Nzambi Matee is a Kenyan civil engineer and innovator who founded Gjenge Makers, a company that produces sustainable building materials from recycled plastic waste. Her company transforms discarded plastics into durable, stronger-than-concrete bricks, pavers, and manhole covers. This innovative approach tackles both plastic pollution and the demand for affordable construction materials. Her work has earned her international recognition, including being named a Young Champion of the Earth by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Impact on Future Generations: Nzambi Matee embodies the spirit of innovation and sustainable development. Her creation of Gjenge Makers showcases how STEM skills can be leveraged to address pressing environmental challenges and create economic opportunities. She inspires young Africans to think creatively about waste management, embrace circular economy principles, and pursue entrepreneurial ventures that have a positive social and environmental impact. Her success highlights the power of applied science and engineering in building a more sustainable future.