Women. Tech.

Two simple words. Yet when they meet, they ignite a quiet revolution, one unfolding not just in boardrooms, but also on farms, in hospitals, classrooms, village centers, and the bustling streets of Nairobi, far and beyond. Across the continent, women are building tools that heal, feed, connect, and transform. They are rewriting long-held narratives, proving that true innovation emerges where lived experience meets bold imagination.

Through the Strathmore University (iBizAfrica) and Standard Chartered Women in Tech Programme, that revolution has found a home, an engine room where ideas are sharpened, founders are mentored, and dreams are given the structure, confidence, and capital to become thriving companies. Since 2017, the programme has supported 78 women-led ventures, created over 235 jobs, and unlocked USD 320,000+ in seed funding.

Earlier this year, the programme welcomed its 8th Cohort, comprising fifteen women founders who committed to six intense months of learning, refining, and growing their businesses. They immersed themselves in the exhilarating, often messy world of entrepreneurship: attending workshops, reworking business models late into the night, confronting moments of doubt, celebrating breakthroughs, and building the resilience that every innovator needs.

During a panel discussion at the Graduation & Awards Ceremony, hosted on November 28th, Nivi Sharma captured this journey perfectly. “Entrepreneurship is hard,” she said, “but this is where you build the muscles to innovate and grow.” Her words resonated across the room, an honest reminder that great ideas demand grit. Echoing her sentiments, Dr. Joseph Sevilla, Director IlabAfrica, and a passionate champion of women in tech, highlighted the power of accelerators like this one. Through training, mentorship, and constant iteration, he noted, founders learn not only how to pitch and fundraise but how to understand markets, refine their value propositions, and navigate the wider business ecosystem.

Another theme that emerged strongly was the reality of balancing multiple roles, often referred to as ‘wearing many hats’ as a woman. Founder, mother, wife, leader, innovator. Women who juggle family, work, life, and technology, yet still manage to show up, build, and lead with excellence. The room acknowledged this truth: women are superheroes, turning every challenge into fuel.

Awarding of the top 7 women innovators.

Drumrolls!  The culmination of the six intense months of learning, refining, and growing their businesses. Meet the newest seven millionaires in town! Bold, brilliant, and unwavering in their mission to reshape industries and rewrite the future of African entrepreneurship.

Etiba Home Care

 Delivering in-home medical and wellness services for patients needing chronic care, post-surgical support, or routine assistance, all through trained professionals bringing care directly to the doorstep.

Busu Natural Skin Care

 Reimagining African skincare with natural, locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices. A brand that celebrates heritage while creating products that nourish, heal, and empower communities.

UzimaNexus Limited

 A digital operating system transforming African healthcare by making it more transparent, accessible, and rewarding for both patients and providers.

Pollen Smart Hive Limited

 Protecting the planet’s most essential pollinators with smart devices that give beekeepers real-time insights, helping reduce hive losses and strengthen bee health.

Ashacare Medical Solutions Limited  

Delivering tailored healthcare solutions to improve access, quality, and service delivery, bringing meaningful change to communities that need it most.

Tuwe Bora Limited

 A textile brand crafting handcrafted clothing, training individuals in tailoring, and recycling textile waste to promote sustainability and job creation.

Timao Group Limited

 A circular economy champion turning plastic waste into affordable, eco-friendly building materials that power sustainable construction.

Hongera Kwenyu!

Article Written by Jemmy Kamau