The Summit, which took place shortly after International Women’s Day, brought together leaders from the tech industry, government representatives, gender equality advocates, and women in tech to celebrate the strides made by women in technology and push for greater gender equality within the sector.
In her keynote address, Melissa Slaymaker, Africa Director for Women in Tech, highlighted the organisation’s mission and the significance of expanding its reach across Africa.
“Our goal is to empower five million women and girls by 2030, and growing our presence in new regions is key to achieving this. Each new chapter brings us closer to offering more women the skills, mentorship, and opportunities they need in tech. Our partnership with Absa is crucial in accelerating progress and driving systemic change within the industry,”
she said.
The urgency for gender equality in tech was underscored by a recent World Economic Forum report, which predicts that gender parity won’t be achieved until 2158 if current trends continue. The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, #AccelerateAction, was echoed throughout the Summit’s discussions, emphasizing the need to overcome barriers and fast-track gender equality.
Julius Kamau, Chief Operations and Data Officer at Absa Kenya, spoke to the bank’s dedication to diversity and the role of such initiatives in making real change.
“At Absa, we view diversity not just as a goal, but as a critical business imperative.Events like the Women in Tech Summit create a vital platform for women to network, share experiences, and inspire the next generation. They also hold us accountable, ensuring that gender diversity stays at the forefront of our industry,”
he remarked.
Women in Tech has partnered with Absa over the past two years to host summits and networking events in South Africa, and the Kenya chapter launch represents a significant milestone in their collaboration.
The Summit focused on key issues like advancing women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and exploring technology’s role in fostering a sustainable future. Punki Modise, Absa Group’s Sustainability Officer, highlighted the role of technology in driving financial inclusion and sustainability.
In the final session, panelists emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to advancing women in technology.
“Empowering women means creating a culture of collaboration, ensuring equal access to resources, and making growth opportunities more visible and accessible,”
said Muhammad Ali Bhikhan, Managing Executive and Chief Information Officer at Absa Regional Operations.
The discussions underscored that true progress requires mentorship, leadership advocacy, and structural reforms—such as embedding gender diversity in leadership pipelines and implementing policies that promote equal pay and fair hiring.
As the Summit concluded, one message was clear: progress is achievable, but it requires collective commitment to accelerate action for lasting change.
