Women in Technology and Innovation Africa (WITIA) has announced the inaugural Women in STEM Africa Summit, set to take place from July 8 to 10, 2025, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.
The landmark summit will run alongside the Africa Technology Show and the 10th edition of China Trade Week Kenya, creating a unique convergence of innovation, trade, and global collaboration.
Under the theme “Borderless Innovation: Pioneering Global Technology Solutions for Africa’s Challenges,” the summit aims to be a transformative platform that empowers, connects, and champions women across the continent working in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Speaking during the official announcement, Joyce Muchiri, Co-founder and CEO of WITIA, emphasized the significance of the event as more than just a conference. “This is more than just a conference,” said Muchiri. “It is a space to celebrate African women’s achievements in science and technology, but also where we begin to reimagine our future—with women leading the charge in innovation, sustainability, and global problem-solving.”
The summit seeks to increase the participation of women and girls in STEM fields, promote African-led innovations that improve lives, strengthen connections between research, entrepreneurship, and policy, foster cross-border collaboration, and attract greater investment into Africa’s innovation ecosystem. WITIA anticipates tangible outcomes from the summit, including actionable policy recommendations, new strategic partnerships, and enhanced visibility for African women in the global STEM arena.
Over three days, the summit will bring together more than 500 delegates from over 20 African countries. These will include policymakers, researchers, innovators, investors, diplomats, educators, and students—united in their commitment to gender-inclusive innovation.
The program will feature keynote speeches by globally recognized technology leaders and high-level government representatives. It will also include ministerial dialogues with Kenya’s Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy, Ministry of MSME, Konza Technopolis, and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Authority.
More than 30 expert speakers are expected to address a wide range of critical topics. Among them is Radhika Bhachu, founder of Ndovu, who will highlight the role of women in financial technology. Cybersecurity experts Dr. Bright Gameli and Pharace Moraa Nyang’au will explore career opportunities in data protection. Ruby Alcantara will lead a session on green engineering and its role in climate resilience, while AI strategist Grace Murugi will present on digital innovations for social good. A gender-focused roundtable will examine how to integrate equity and sustainability into technology development.
A highlight of the event will be the STEM Exhibition Pavilion, which will showcase cutting-edge African-made technologies and research breakthroughs. The summit will also feature an innovation challenge spotlighting youth-led startups and social enterprises, providing them with an opportunity to connect with investors and potential partners. Structured networking sessions and B2B forums will further encourage collaboration and business development.
Dr. Bella Namango, a WITIA Board Member, reiterated the summit’s broader mission, stating that Africa’s digital future depends on the full and equitable participation of women. She described the summit as a bold step toward ensuring women are not only included in Africa’s innovation landscape but are leading the way.
