South Africa’s technology future depends on more than innovation. It also depends on who controls the money, makes the decisions and gets the opportunity to build. The Innovator Trust Women in Tech Awards (WIT) 2026 is bringing these questions into focus under the theme Tech Believers, celebrating women who are moving beyond representation to shape the businesses, technologies and policies influencing Africa’s digital economy.
Taking place on 24 November 2026 in a hybrid format, the awards will bring together leaders across artificial intelligence (AI), telecommunications, entrepreneurship, finance, procurement and public leadership. The programme aims to connect women building technology businesses with the people, knowledge and opportunities that can help them grow.
Beyond Representation: Who Gets to Decide?
Women accounted for 46% of South Africa’s ICT employees in 2024/25, according to figures cited by the Innovator Trust. Yet women occupied only 1,351 of 4,700 top-management positions.
That gap matters because leadership is where decisions about investment, procurement, product development and business strategy are made. When women have greater influence at these levels, they can help shape which problems technology solves, whose needs are prioritised and which entrepreneurs gain access to opportunities.
For young South Africans looking to enter the technology sector, the conversation is bigger than securing a job. It is about building companies, owning intellectual property, attracting investment and participating in decisions that determine the direction of the industry.
From Artificial Intelligence to Real-World Impact
WIT 2026 will explore how emerging technologies can deliver practical value rather than simply generate excitement.
Kaluba Chikonde, known as “The Queen of Data”, brings experience leading production-grade data and AI platforms at Livetec Systems, including tools supporting agricultural biosecurity and real-time disease alerts. Her work illustrates how AI can move beyond digital trends to address challenges affecting industries and communities.
Meanwhile, Nyari Samushonga, Executive Chair at WeThinkCode, represents the talent-development side of the equation. Yashmita Bhana, Founder and Group CEO of Nihka Technology Group, brings 18 years of experience building a South African technology business across cybersecurity, cloud, data and digital innovation.
Together, these perspectives highlight an important reality: Africa needs both people who can develop technology and entrepreneurs who understand how to turn technical expertise into sustainable businesses.
The programme will also examine agentic AI, which can perform tasks and coordinate actions with varying levels of human oversight. For small businesses, the opportunity lies in using these tools to improve productivity and compete more effectively, while considering implementation costs, data security and responsible use.
Funding, Procurement and Access to Markets
A promising idea cannot scale without customers, capital and access to commercial networks.
Cleola Kunene, Fund Partner and Executive Director at Equate, brings experience in SME finance, while Tanya Briggs of Vodacom contributes expertise in procurement, supplier development and transformation. Their participation places a spotlight on the practical systems that can help small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) move from promising start-ups to sustainable suppliers.
For female-owned technology businesses, access to corporate supply chains can be as important as developing the next breakthrough product. Understanding procurement requirements, securing finance and demonstrating commercial value can determine whether a business wins a contract or misses an opportunity.
The programme also explores the power of visibility. Pan-African creative entrepreneur Kim Jayde has taken her self-funded YouTube series, Kickin’ It with Kim Jayde, to an eight-episode Bravo Africa broadcast reaching audiences across 52 African countries. Her journey demonstrates how an independent creative platform can grow its reach, opening conversations about audience building, partnerships and commercial opportunity.
Leadership That Goes Beyond the Boardroom
The event’s closing fireside chat, The Audacity to Believe, will feature telecommunications leader Irene Charnley and Professor Thuli Madonsela, South Africa’s former Public Protector.
Their careers bring different perspectives on leadership, accountability and the courage required to make difficult decisions. The discussion will explore what it means for women to claim authority and exercise influence when the consequences extend beyond their organisations.
Other speakers, including Nomvuyiso Batyi of the Association of Comms and Technology, technology competition and law specialist Heather Irvine, Dr Rakeshnie Ramoutar-Prieschl, Ati Ngubevana of Vodacom Group and entrepreneur Mwamvita Makamba, add perspectives spanning regulation, research, AI commercialisation and inclusive African business development.
How to Join WIT Awards 2026
The Innovator Trust Women in Tech Awards recognise female-owned SMEs that have participated in its Start-up Enterprise Development, Youth Entrepreneurship or Supplier Development programmes.
Under Tech Believers, the bigger message is that belief must translate into action: funding a business, opening a supply chain, developing talent or giving women the authority to influence the technologies shaping everyday life.
For South Africa’s next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators, the conversation is an invitation to look beyond simply entering the technology industry and consider how they can help shape it.
Event: Innovator Trust Women in Tech Awards 2026
Date: 24 November 2026
Format: Hybrid
Theme: Tech Believers
