At the African Women Mentoring and Inspiring Initiative (AWMII), we are committed to ensuring that African women and girls are not just participants in the digital economy, but its architects.
Last week, our Founder and Executive Director, Ambassador Dr. Nissi Ikenna-Amadi, had the distinct honor of serving as a Judge at the National Girls in ICT (NGICT) Challenge – Rivers State Demo Day.
Innovation in Action
This national initiative, powered by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and implemented by FutureSphere Business & Innovation Hub, showcased the incredible potential of young female innovators in Rivers State.
The Demo Day wasn’t just a competition; it was a glimpse into a future built by young women. The finalists presented tech-driven solutions across three critical sectors:
- Agriculture: Addressing food security and supply chain efficiency.
- Health: Improving access to healthcare services and diagnostic tools.
- Education: Creating digital pathways for enhanced learning.
“I was particularly impressed by the depth of creativity, problem-solving, and confidence displayed by these young minds,” Dr. Ikenna-Amadi shared following the event. “It was evident that the future is not just bright – it is already being built.”
Beyond the Product: Building the Network
A key highlight of the event was an insightful session by Uche Anichie, a prominent voice in the South-South startup ecosystem. His message resonated deeply with AWMII’s mission: Success is about more than just a good product; it’s about positioning and your network.
In the world of tech and fundraising, being “good” is the baseline, but having the right people in your corner is what unlocks doors. Events like NGICT serve as more than just a stage for ideas, they are the entry point for these young girls into a trusted network of mentors, investors, and champions who can help them scale their impact.
Our Continued Commitment
Participating in the NGICT Challenge reinforces why AWMII prioritizes mentorship. By investing in these young women early, we are helping them build the “network capital” necessary to navigate the professional world.
As Dr. Ikenna-Amadi noted, “Moments like this remind me why creating platforms for expression and innovation is so critical. To every girl who participated: keep building, keep dreaming, and keep showing the world what is possible.“
We congratulate all the finalists and winners! We look forward to seeing these solutions grow and transform our communities.
—
Stay tuned to our blog for more updates on how AWMII is supporting women and girls in the tech ecosystem.