WiBA Honors 40 Women Shaping Africa’s Blockchain Future

Brought to you by Women in Blockchain Africa (WiBA)

Every year, International Women’s Day offers a moment to reflect on the individuals shaping the future of innovation. In alignment with the 2026 themes. Give to Gain & Rights, Justice, and Action for All Women and Girls, Women in Blockchain Africa (WIBA) is spotlighting 40 remarkable women.

These leaders are architecting Africa’s digital economy; building platforms, educating communities, and creating opportunities across blockchain, fintech, and emerging technologies.

Pioneering Founders and Executives

The landscape of African digital finance is being redefined by visionaries like Alice Anagi, Founder & CEO of Crypsense Digital Group, who launched Africa’s first institutional-grade platform for digital asset literacy. Joining her in the startup ecosystem is Amusat Khadijah Wuraola, Founder of TryNuva AI, whose work blends blockchain and AI to drive decentralized adoption.

In the social impact sector , Bernice Omiunu, Founder of Women in Blockchain Africa (WIBA), has been instrumental in bridging the gender gap through initiatives like the #Train1000WomenInDecentralisedTech campaign. Similarly, Alakanani Itireleng, known as "The Bitcoin Lady," continues to champion agri-finance through her platform, Aider.

Strategic growth at the corporate level is led by Carine Dikambi, Regional Director for Francophone Africa at Binance, and Elizabeth Rossiello, Founder & CEO of AZA Finance, a platform accelerating cross-border trade across the continent. Deborah Ojengbede, Founder of AFEN Blockchain Network, and Jamila Gordon, CEO of Lumachain, further demonstrate the power of blockchain in real-world applications and supply chain transparency.

Technical Leadership and Ecosystem Development

Technical excellence is driven by Oluchi Enebeli (Wio Bank/Web3Ladies) and Eng. Joan Jerop (One Dev). Supporting these efforts are ecosystem leads Chidubem Emelumadu (Lisk) and Ashley Olika (Solana SuperteamNG).

Infrastructure growth is spearheaded by Lavender Khayali (Avalanche), Yvonne Kagondu (Kenya Blockchain Ladies DAO), and Irene Phoebe Kiwia (Adanian Labs). In the technical hub of West Africa, Karla Obakpolor (Crypto Smart) is decentralizing digital asset access through the Bitsave Protocol while training the next generation of builders via the Borderless Developer’s Hub. In East Africa, Roselyn Gicira (Blockchain Association of Kenya) fosters collaborative environments. Meanwhile, Imane NIFAOUI and Eman Herawy continue to foster critical tech communities across North Africa and the Arab world.

Policy, Security, and Governance

As the industry matures, regulatory and security frameworks are being shaped by experts like Sandra Chogo, a Tanzanian blockchain auditor and CFE-BOT committee member, and Edline E. Murungi, Group Head of Policy at Yellow Card. Safeguarding the ecosystem are researchers and analysts like Tebogo Nong and Sandile M’remi, who specialize in Web3 cybersecurity.

In the institutional space, Jessica Naga (MINDEX Group) and Prof. Monica Singer (ConsenSys) bridge the gap between traditional finance and decentralized systems. This ethical and strategic growth is complemented by thought leaders like Feven Mekonenn (Open Web Culture) and Devon Krantz (Lumina Engine).

Advocates for Education and Inclusion

Empowerment through education remains a priority for leaders like Sarah Idahosa (Women in DeFi), Lydia Sena Ami Kudowor (Bitfiasi), and Lorraine Marcel (Bitcoin DADA). Their work is bolstered by global advocates like Olayinka Odeniran (Black Women Blockchain Council) and Yaliwe Mlambo (United Africa Blockchain Association).

Operational excellence and community building are further driven by Yande Nomvete (Binance), Sonya Kuhnel (Idatco Limited), and Kalah Haley (W3Node). The narrative of the digital future is further solidified by innovators like Marie Chantal Kouacou, Hilda Mugasia, Kanessa Muluneh, Charlene Fadirepo, and Imen Ayari, all of whom are ensuring that African women are not only participants but leaders in the digital future.

By sharing these stories, WiBA aims to inspire the next generation to build boldly and contribute to a future where women’s leadership is a primary driver of Africa’s digital transformation.