Female Innovator of the Year Award
This award seeks to honour the women who have made significant contributions to the fields of tech, media, and telecoms across Africa.
2024 Shortlist
Shaunei Gerber
Shaunei Gerber, Head of Digital, Media, and Product at Futurelect, is a digital marketing professional with over 15 years of experience in the tech industry. A passionate innovator, Shaunei has led the design and launch of the Futurelect learning app, a civic education tool empowering users to engage in democratic processes. She also spearheaded Futurelect’s digital strategy, enhancing civic engagement across South Africa. Shaunei's leadership and commitment to leveraging technology for social good have made her a role model for aspiring female leaders in tech, making her a strong contender for the Female Innovator of the Year award.
Serisha Barrat
Serisha Barrat is a pioneering tech entrepreneur and CEO of Lawyered Up, an AI-driven platform providing affordable legal access for SMEs and startups. She also leads Boardroom App, which verifies users through LinkedIn to revolutionize professional networking and online dating. Beyond her ventures, Serisha is committed to social justice through her non-profit, Arts of Charity, which tackles issues like gender-based violence and environmental conservation. A mentor to SMEs and women across Africa, Serisha has received numerous accolades, including being named one of Africa's top 100 influential entrepreneurs. Her dedication to innovation and community impact makes her a deserving candidate for recognition.
Miranda Perumal
Miranda is a seasoned leader in the payments industry with over a decade of experience. She has held key roles at Tutuka, Paymentology, and VISA, driving new business and market development across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Now the co-founder and CEO of SCALE, Miranda continues to shape the fintech landscape while mentoring young talent at Plug and Play Tech Center. Her journey from Executive Assistant to CEO exemplifies resilience and leadership. Additionally, her commitment to empowering women and giving back through organizations like Women's Arise and Tears Foundation highlights her dedication to social impact.
Toyosi Odukoya
Toyosi Odukoya is a transformational leader with nearly 20 years of experience in driving strategic and impactful initiatives across Telecommunications, FMCG, and Nonprofit sectors. Currently serving as Senior Director at the Mastercard Foundation, she has led key programs in data governance and business intelligence across Africa and Canada, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and impact. Her leadership roles at Coca-Cola and MTN Nigeria saw her spearheading digital transformation and business intelligence initiatives, driving revenue growth and optimizing performance.
Toyosi is a passionate advocate for women and youth empowerment, serving as a board member of WAAW Foundation and mentor at WIMBIZ and Leading Ladies Africa. Her contributions to advancing women in STEM and data analytics, coupled with her speaking engagements and numerous awards—including Top 100 Most Inspirational Nigerian Women and Most Influential Woman in Data—underscore her influence.
Sayuri Moodliar
Sayuri Moodliar is a sustainability expert and infrastructure project finance lawyer with over 25 years of experience across Sub-Saharan Africa and globally. With a PhD in International Business and Environmental Governance, Sayuri has led innovative ESG initiatives, including structuring sustainability-linked loans to promote energy efficiency. As a director in PwC’s sustainability strategy division, she has made significant strides in sustainable finance and energy infrastructure.
Sayuri is a thought leader in the tech industry, advocating for the use of AI and smart technologies to achieve sustainability goals. Her influence extends to mentoring women in tech and renewable energy through programs like Energising Women to Advance the Energy Transition. Her leadership in promoting sustainability, gender equity, and innovation makes her a deserving candidate for the Female Innovator of the Year award.
About the Female Innovator of the Year Award
The Female Innovator of the Year Award seeks to honour and celebrate women who have made significant contributions to the fields of technology, media, and telecommunications across Africa. This prestigious accolade recognizes the outstanding achievements and leadership of female innovators who are driving progress, breaking barriers, and inspiring the next generation of women in these dynamic industries.
In an era where diversity and inclusion are critical to fostering innovation and growth, this award highlights the pivotal role of women in shaping the future of tech, media, and telecoms. It acknowledges the remarkable accomplishments of those who have leveraged their expertise, creativity, and vision to create impactful solutions, advance industry standards, and contribute to the continent's socio-economic development.
Award Criteria
Leadership and Vision
The female innovator must demonstrate exceptional leadership and a clear vision for advancing technology, media, or telecommunications, inspiring others through her work and achievements.
Impact and Influence
The individual's contributions should have a significant and positive impact on businesses, communities, or the broader industry, with measurable outcomes and widespread influence.
Mentorship and Advocacy
The awardee should actively engage in mentorship and advocacy, supporting the growth and development of other women in tech, media, or telecoms, and promoting diversity and inclusion.
2023 Award Winner
Winner: Néné Maïga, CEO, Orange Botswana
Néné Maïga became the CEO of Orange Botswana in September 2021. Prior to that, she was appointed chief of Staff to the CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa in May 2018. In this position, she led structuring projects for the whole MEA region, aiming at improving value creation and inclusivity. She set up an innovative graduate programme and leads OMEA’s initiative to become a role model for gender parity.
‘Nene Maiga been a trailblazer on the Botswana market, improving the use of mobile Internet in the country and increasing speeds to some of the very fastest on the continent. She has launched 5G and has promoted health solutions based on that technology. In little less than 8 months, their Orange Money service distributed over 1 million digital instant loans, and their new app became a strong asset. Nene has also launched the very successful Orange coding school where hundreds of citizens have been trained.’