Absa and Women in Tech (WiT) hosted the second edition of the Women in Tech Africa Awards on Thursday, 5 October 2023, in the vibrant city of Cape Town at the Mount Nelson Hotel. This prestigious event recognised and spotlighted individuals from the African continent who have made a mark in the technology industry. Award categories included Women in Tech Start-Up, Aspiring Teen, Most Disruptive, Global Leadership, and the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award amongst others. Absa’s very own Tamu Dutuma, Head of Strategy, Governance, and Reporting at Absa, was awarded the Best Ally Award, demonstrating Absa’s commitment to gender diversity in the technology industry. Congratulations to the below winners who were honoured for their outstanding contributions to the technology industry. Aspiring Teen AwardMasego and Matlhogonolo MphahleleEnnovators of The Digital X-Ray glasses Arts AwardLeora Hessen: Co – Founder NFTY – Art Most Impactful Initiative AwardAfrica Teen Geeks Most Disruptive AwardNaadiya Moosajee: Co – Founder and Chief Innovator at Womhub Women in Web3 AwardBernice Omiunu: Founder – Women in Blockchain AfricaWomen in Tech Start – Up AwardThato Mabudusha: Co – Founder & CEO at Zoie Health Absa had the honour of handing out two awards at the ceremony. The Global Leadership Award, which was presented to Priya Thakoor, Group SVP Digital and Product at Airtel Africa. This accolade recognises an exceptional female leader who has made a remarkable global impact through outstanding leadership and transformative change in the technology sector. The second award, the Lifetime Achievement Award, was awarded to Mamokgethi Phakeng, from the Presidency of the Republic of South Africa, and recognises a woman who has dedicated her career to the technology industry, consistently contributing to its advancement and leaving a lasting legacy. One of the benefits of the WiT Africa Awards is the opportunity it provides for global recognition. These exceptional winners will be shortlisted for the prestigious WiT Global Awards, scheduled to take place in Dubai on Thursday, 16 November 2023, further solidifying their international acclaim. According to Dutuma, awards continue to play a vital role in acknowledging and validating the hard work and achievements of individuals. He says, “Firstly, I am very honoured to have been awarded with the Best Ally award, recognising and celebrating the accomplishments of women in tech not only establishes role models but also showcases what can be achieved. It serves as an inspiration for the upcoming generation of female leaders and, hopefully, will encourage more women to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) fields. We congratulate all the winners for reaching this significant milestone and for their exceptional contributions to the technology industry.” Melissa Slaymaker, Regional Director – Africa at Women in Tech, emphasised the importance of the collaboration between WiT and Absa. “We are deeply committed to fostering a more inclusive technology ecosystem. The awards are significant as they acknowledge and honour women and male allies who are driving innovation, shattering glass ceilings and shaping the future of technology,” she commented. The collaboration between Absa and WiT includes more than award ceremonies, it involves empowering women in their professional journeys by providing essential resources such as networking events and global mentorship opportunities. It also focuses on helping young women and girls in underprivileged communities to shape a path to technology careers by providing access to skills development and technology. “By providing platforms for recognition and more opportunities for learning and skills development, we aim to elevate more women and create a more inclusive technology industry,” concludes Dutuma.
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