Across Africa, a new generation of female founders is building technology-driven companies that address healthcare access, fintech inclusion, media infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing. These women are not only under 40 but are also redefining leadership in Africa’s fast-growing digital economy.
1. Temie Giwa-Tubosun – Founder and CEO, LifeBank (Nigeria)
Temie Giwa-Tubosun founded LifeBank, a health-tech logistics platform that uses data, technology, and smart distribution systems to deliver blood, oxygen, and critical medical supplies to hospitals. LifeBank operates across multiple African cities and has become one of the continent’s most impactful health-tech companies, saving thousands of lives through technology-enabled supply chains.
2. Jessica Anuna – Founder and CEO, Klasha (Nigeria)
Jessica Anuna is the founder of Klasha, a cross-border commerce and payments platform enabling African businesses to sell globally. Klasha provides checkout, currency conversion, and logistics solutions for merchants expanding beyond their home markets. Her work places her at the forefront of Africa’s fintech and global trade innovation.
3. Hilda Moraa – Founder and CEO, Pezesha (Kenya)
Hilda Moraa founded Pezesha, a fintech platform that connects small and medium-sized businesses to affordable working capital through embedded finance. Operating across East Africa, Pezesha addresses one of Africa’s most persistent challenges: access to credit for SMEs. Moraa is widely recognized as one of the leading young female fintech founders on the continent.
4. Nneile Nkholise – Founder and CEO, 3DIMO (South Africa)
Nneile Nkholise leads 3DIMO, a South African technology company developing advanced manufacturing and medical solutions using robotics and additive manufacturing. Her work bridges deep tech, healthcare, and industrial innovation, positioning Africa within the global conversation on future manufacturing technologies.
5. Damilola Odufuwa – Co founder, TechCabal (Nigeria)
Damilola Odufuwa is a co founder of TechCabal, one of Africa’s most influential technology media and intelligence platforms. Through data reporting, ecosystem analysis, and storytelling, TechCabal has become a critical infrastructure for Africa’s tech economy, shaping narratives, investment flows, and founder visibility across the continent.
Methodology
This list highlights female African tech founders under the age of 40 with verified founding roles and active leadership in technology-enabled companies. Selection criteria included company originality, measurable impact, scalability across African markets, and relevance within sectors such as fintech, health tech, deep tech, and digital infrastructure. Founder histories, company records, and credible industry coverage were used to confirm eligibility and relevance.
