Across Africa, a new wave of innovation in telecommunications is being led by dynamic women who are not just breaking barriers—they’re building the future.
From mobile networks and internet service providers to digital infrastructure and enterprise solutions, these visionary entrepreneurs and executives are powering connectivity, expanding digital access, and driving technological advancement across the continent.
In a traditionally male-dominated sector, their leadership is not only transforming how Africans communicate and do business but also inspiring a new generation of women in STEM. Here are five outstanding African women making bold moves in the telecom industry:
1. Patricia Obo-Nai (Ghana)
CEO, Vodafone Ghana
Patricia Obo-Nai is a powerhouse in Ghana’s telecom space and the first Ghanaian to be appointed CEO of Vodafone Ghana. With over 20 years in engineering and telecommunications, she’s leading Vodafone’s digital transformation and pushing for greater internet penetration, especially in underserved communities. She’s also vocal about female representation in STEM fields.
2. Yolanda Cuba (South Africa)
Vice President, Southern and East Africa – MTN Group
Yolanda Cuba is a respected leader in Africa’s telecom scene. She previously served as CEO of Vodafone Ghana and is now at MTN Group, overseeing operations across several African countries. She’s known for driving digital and financial inclusion and building strong telecom brands across the continent.
3. Funke Opeke (Nigeria)
Founder & CEO, MainOne (Now part of Equinix)
Funke Opeke is a game changer in Nigeria’s and West Africa’s internet infrastructure. She founded MainOne to bridge the connectivity gap with a private undersea cable from Portugal to Nigeria — a revolutionary move. Her company transformed Nigeria’s digital economy and was acquired by Equinix, making it one of the biggest tech infrastructure exits in Africa.
4. Rebecca Enonchong (Cameroon)
Founder & CEO, AppsTech
While not a telco in the traditional sense, Rebecca’s AppsTech provides enterprise software and cloud services essential to telecom companies across Africa. She’s a leading voice in Africa’s tech ecosystem, pushing for better infrastructure and policies that support startups and ISPs in Central Africa.
5. Clarisse Iribagiza (Rwanda)
Founder & CEO, HeHe Limited
Clarisse Iribagiza is a trailblazer in Rwanda’s tech and telecom ecosystem. As the founder of HeHe Limited, she’s built one of East Africa’s leading mobile technologies firms, digitizing supply chains and bringing smart logistics solutions to over two million users. A former MIT incubation fellow and UNCTAD eTrade for Women Advocate, Clarisse is shaping the future of digital infrastructure for African businesses and championing youth-led innovation across the continent.
