Ethel Cofie, a visionary leader and entrepreneur from Ghana, is helping to empower women to thrive in the tech sector. Through her EDEL Technology Consulting and Women in Tech Africa, she has become a global advocate for gender equity in technology, driving transformative change in businesses and communities worldwide.
The global tech industry has long faced a significant challenge: the noticeable gender disparity. Despite the remarkable growth of the digital economy, women continue to be underrepresented in technology roles, with limited opportunities for leadership and entrepreneurship. This imbalance hinders creativity and denies the world the diverse perspectives necessary to address complex global challenges. This is why Ethel Cofie’s role in the African tech sector is very crucial.
The issue of gender inequality in technology requires a solution that is as expansive as the problem itself. Thus, in 2014, Ethel Cofie founded Women in Tech Africa (WiTA), a pan-African organisation dedicated to empowering women to excel in technology. Women in Tech Africa is presently the largest group on the continent with membership across 30 countries globally, with 12 Physical chapters in Ghana, Nigeria, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Somalia, Germany, Ireland, Britain, Kenya, Tanzania, Mauritius, and Cape Verde.
The organisation provides women with access to resources, mentorship, and training programs that equip them with the skills needed to excel in their careers. Through WiTA, Cofie addresses systemic barriers historically limiting women’s participation in the tech industry. The organisation advocates for policy reforms and workplace practices that promote gender equity, ensuring that women have equal opportunities to thrive.
Recognising the challenges faced by women-led startups, WiTA connects female entrepreneurs with investors, business mentors, and global networks. This support has enabled numerous women to scale their businesses, creating jobs and fostering economic development across Africa and beyond.
WiTA regularly organises workshops, hackathons, and training sessions to upskill women in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and software development. These initiatives prepare women for high-demand roles and position them as leaders in emerging technologies.
Through events, publications, and social media campaigns, the organisation highlights the stories of women who have defied the odds to succeed, inspiring others to follow suit. Ethel Cofie’s efforts have earned her international recognition as a thought leader and change-maker. Her two organizations, EDEL and WiTA, have amplified African women’s voices in technology and positioned Africa as an innovation hub.
Cofie’s initiatives contribute to a more inclusive global economy where diverse talents and ideas are harnessed to drive progress. By tackling the gender gap in technology, she continues to create an environment where women can excel and thrive in their Tech careers.
