Oluwatoyin Abioye, a Product Lead, global tech mentor, and Founder of NezaTech Africa, is on a mission to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity across the continent. She is redefining what empowerment means for Africa’s youth and women.
Through her initiatives, including the celebrated Tech Women Fest, Toyin is creating platforms that prepare Africa’s youth to not just participate in the digital economy — but to lead it.
In this exclusive interview with Talented Women Network, Toyin shares her journey, motivations, and the vision behind her work empowering young Africans to thrive in technology and innovation.
TWN: Toyin, let’s start from the beginning. What inspired you to create NezaTech Africa?
A: My journey into founding NezaTech Africa was driven by a strong desire to solve real problems through technology and empower others to do the same.
Early in my career, I noticed a painful reality — many talented young Africans were excluded from the tech ecosystem simply because they didn’t have access to the right skills, mentorship, or networks.
I wanted to change that narrative. I wanted to create a platform that bridges the gap between talent and opportunity. That’s how NezaTech Africa was born. Our goal is to ensure that no young African is left behind in the future of work.
TWN: For those who may not be familiar, what exactly does NezaTech Africa do?
A: NezaTech Africa is a social impact organization focused on equipping young Africans with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to thrive in the modern workforce.
We don’t just teach tech skills — we build pathways into careers, entrepreneurship, and vocational training that prepare young people to compete globally.
Since our inception, we’ve worked with over 10,000 young people and women, providing mentorship, training, and access to career opportunities.
Our programs are designed to be affordable, practical, and community-driven — because we believe learning should lead to sustainable impact.
TWN: You’re also the convener of Tech Women Fest, one of Africa’s leading gatherings for women in technology. What inspired that initiative?
A: Tech Women Fest came from a simple belief — women deserve a space where their voices in technology are heard, celebrated, and amplified.
Across Africa, women are doing incredible things in STEM, innovation, and entrepreneurship, yet they often lack visibility and access to opportunities.
Tech Women Fest provides that platform. It brings together founders, investors, policymakers, students, and professionals to connect, collaborate, and celebrate women’s contributions to the digital economy. It’s a space where conversations spark collaborations and where young women see that they belong in tech — not as outsiders, but as leaders.
TWN: How has the journey been so far with both NezaTech Africa and Tech Women Fest?
A: It’s been incredibly fulfilling.
Through NezaTech Africa, we’ve empowered thousands of young Africans with the skills and confidence to pursue meaningful careers.
With Tech Women Fest, we’ve built one of the continent’s most impactful communities for women in tech — a space where ideas, mentorship, and innovation flourish.
We’ve hosted events that feature diverse voices — from startup founders and industry leaders to students and policymakers. Each year, the impact grows, and I’m constantly inspired by the stories of women who find their footing in tech through our platform.
TWN: As a Product Lead and mentor, how do your professional experiences influence your approach at NezaTech Africa?
A: My work in product management across FinTech, SaaS, and EdTech taught me how to build solutions that truly serve people.
In product development, empathy is everything — you can’t design solutions for people you don’t understand.
That mindset translates into everything we do at NezaTech Africa. We design programs that respond to the real needs of African youth — access, affordability, relevance, and opportunity. It’s not just about teaching coding or design; it’s about helping people build futures they can own.
TWN: What has been the most rewarding part of this journey for you?
A: Seeing transformation — that’s the greatest reward. When I meet a young person who once struggled to find direction but now leads a team, launches a startup, or mentors others, that’s impact.
Every story of success reminds me why this work matters. We’re not just teaching skills; we’re changing lives, families, and communities. That ripple effect is what keeps me going.
TWN: What challenges have you faced in your mission to empower Africa’s youth and women?
A: One major challenge is access — reaching those in underserved communities where opportunities are limited. Another is funding, especially for grassroots programs that prioritize inclusion over profit.
But challenges also drive creativity. We’ve learned to partner strategically, leverage technology for reach, and build a strong community-driven model that sustains impact even with limited resources.
TWN: You often speak about preparing Africans not just for the future of work, but to create it. What does that mean to you?
A: It means shifting from consumption to creation. Africa shouldn’t just adopt global technologies; we should be designing them.
Our youth should be creating startups, building digital solutions, and shaping policies that define the future of innovation.
At NezaTech Africa, we’re nurturing that mindset — equipping young Africans to become problem solvers, innovators, and digital leaders who can compete globally.
TWN: What advice do you have for young people, especially women, who want to create impact in their communities?
A: Start where you are, with what you have. Don’t wait until everything is perfect — just begin. Execute your plans while learning along the way.
Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision, and never be afraid to take up space. You belong in every room where the future is being shaped. And most importantly, stay consistent. Every small step you take counts toward the bigger picture.
TWN: What’s next for you and NezaTech Africa?
A: We’re currently focused on scaling our programs across the continent, expanding partnerships that create internships, mentorships, and employment opportunities for young people.
We’re also evolving Tech Women Fest into a year-round platform — not just an event — where women can continuously learn, connect, and grow in their careers.
The vision is clear: to build an Africa where youth and women don’t just survive the digital revolution — they lead it.
TWN: Finally, how can people connect with NezaTech Africa or support your mission?
A: We’re always open to partnerships and collaborations that advance our mission. You can connect with us through our website and social media:
🌐 techwomenfest.com
🔗 LinkedIn: NezaTech Africa
🐦 X: @nezatechafrica
📸 Instagram: @techwomenfest
Together, we can empower Africa’s youth and women to not just participate in the future of work — but to create it.
