At the Young African Women Congress held in Abuja, Nigeria, from October 27-31, 2024, renowned corporate lawyer and business leader Madam Maata Opare delivered a powerful statement on the transformative role of technology in empowering women in Africa.

Her insights shed light on the dynamic changes in the fintech landscape and the essential role women play in driving innovation.

Madam Opare emphasized that the emergence of fintech in East Africa has revolutionized the way businesses operate, particularly for women entrepreneurs. "There are a lot of women now in innovation, and they are at the forefront of technological advances," she stated.

This growing participation is essential in a region where understanding and addressing local challenges through digitization has become increasingly vital.

One of the notable shifts highlighted by Madam Opare is the accessibility of technology for younger women. She observed a rising trend of women leveraging digital solutions to tackle various economic issues, enabling them to gain financial independence. By harnessing technology, women can access funding, manage their businesses more efficiently, and connect with wider markets, all from their mobile phones.

The lawyer underscored the importance of markets as economic centers in the continent. "Many people are hesitant to approach traditional financial institutions like banks," she noted, "but digitization brings services directly to the people."

By collaborating with local market associations, fintech companies can provide women with digital payment solutions, allowing them to manage their finances seamlessly. This innovation has enabled women to pay for their market stalls and conduct transactions easily, thus fostering business growth.

Information access is another critical area where technology has made significant strides. Madam Opare highlighted the importance of providing essential information to women, even through basic mobile phones. By disseminating knowledge about market prices, crop diseases, and agricultural best practices, women can make informed decisions that positively impact their livelihoods.

Moreover, she spoke about the evolving landscape of online selling, particularly through platforms like Instagram. "In Ghana, for example, renting a shop often requires two years' advance payment, which is a significant barrier for many aspiring businesswomen," Madam Opare explained.

"However, selling on social media has opened up a global market that is accessible to women without the need for hefty upfront investments." This shift not only empowers women to market their products effectively but also enhances their visibility in a competitive landscape.

In her closing remarks, Madam Opare urged everyone to embrace the digital transformation that is reshaping our world. "Change can be challenging, but we must remain open to new opportunities," she stated. She encouraged attendees to recognize that even those who may not be tech-savvy, such as older generations, are capable of navigating digital platforms and utilizing mobile technology for financial transactions.

As she concluded, Madam Opare called on young women to seize the opportunities presented by technology, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and adaptable in a rapidly changing environment. "The world is evolving, and it is essential that we do not get left behind," she said. "Let us reach out, learn more, and empower ourselves through technology."

Madam Maata Opare’s compelling address serves as a reminder of the critical intersection between gender and technology, highlighting the potential for women to lead the charge in creating innovative solutions that address local challenges and contribute to sustainable economic growth in East Africa.

The Young African Women Congress (YAWC) Network is a fraternity of young women of African descent living in Africa and in the diaspora who seek to be empowered and be themselves, change-makers for leadership and development on the continent.

At the heart of its mandate is the mobilisation of women from the grassroots level for leadership and development through advocacy, training and projects.

This year’s edition was held under the theme: “Enhancing Women’s Economic Empowerment through Innovation and Technology.”