Connecting Africa is part of the Informa Tech Division of Informa PLC

This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 3099067.

Digital Inclusion

East Africa Com Interview: GlobalX's Sylvia Mukasa on women in tech

Gender-responsive policy is critical for Africa and involves the integration of gender in ICT-related strategies, policies, plans and budgets, with clear gender-equality targets. So says Sylvia Mukasa (pictured left), founder and CEO of GlobalX Investments.

Ahead of East Africa Com 2020, she chatted to Connecting Africa about the skills gap in east Africa and what can be done to help women in the region succeed in the tech industry.

Connecting Africa (CA): Your work with GlobalX focuses on skills and opportunities for aspiring developers and entrepreneurs. What skills do you believe are in highest demand in east Africa?

Sylvia Mukasa (SM): As new technologies emerge, there are a large number of hard skills that are in high demand. These include blockchain, cloud computing, analytical reasoning from data to make sense of it or uncover insights and artificial intelligence, (AI) including machine learning and natural language processing. Other skills needed include user experience (UX) design to enable building more human-centric products and experiences, web development, quantum computing, Internet of Things, Robotic Process Automation, programming languages and mobile development.

However, we have to look at a mix of both soft and hard skills. There is also high demand for soft skills such as:

  • Creativity: approaching problems and tasks creatively across all business roles.

  • Persuasion: value for individuals who can explain the "why."

  • Collaboration/teamwork: high-functioning teams can accomplish more than an individual.

  • Adaptability: having a positive attitude and open-mindedness in the ever-changing technology world.

  • Emotional intelligence: the ability to perceive, evaluate, and respond to your own emotions and the emotions of others.

    CA: Supporting women in tech is also an issue close to your heart. What can be done to drive greater inclusion of women in the African tech space?

    SM: I'm absolutely passionate about women in tech. Gender-responsive policy is most critical, involving integration of gender in ICT-related strategies, policies, plans and budgets, with clear gender-equality targets. Governments need to invest more in generating gender-disaggregated data to track progress. Of the 14 indicators of progress associated with the United Nations gender equity goal – Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG5) – most countries only measure three.

    The tech sector must also do more towards equality and diversity to overcome biases and barriers, stereotypes, create relevant products, content and services that take into account the specific needs of girls and women.

    We need to put into action real solutions, action plans and roadmaps such as the recommendations of the UN's Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development, UNHRC's gender digital divide recommendations and the proposals of the UN-IT partnership "Equals" to bridge the gender digital divide amongst others. They should not gather dust.

    CA: What would be your advice to young women in east Africa looking to go into the tech industry?

    SM: Believe in yourselves because gender does not define your abilities, be dynamic and keep reinventing yourselves. Technology is fast changing, so you cannot afford to be static to remain relevant in tech. Others have gone before you and tried to make things better.

    CA: You'll be joining us at East Africa Com to take part in a panel on emerging technologies and inclusion. Why is this topic important to you?

    SM: While steps have been taken in eastern Africa towards improving inclusion and equality in emerging technologies in recent years, much work still remains. This session will explore the benefits, for everyone, of unlocking the potential of a more equitable society, as well as the possible mechanisms needed to achieve this. It goes beyond challenging business, government and civil society on inclusion and takes a deep dive into this topic.

    CA: What are you most looking forward to at East Africa Com 2020?

    SM: It is always an honor to interact with a rich mix of people from diverse backgrounds. This provides an opportunity to meet industry thought leaders; learn new trends in technology from the talks and exhibitions, hopefully meeting potential business partners; networking and generally have a good time.

    — Sylvia Mukasa will be speaking at East Africa Com 2020, taking place from September 14 - 15 in Nairobi, Kenya. You can see the full speaker lineup for the event here.

  • Innovation hub

    Story

    Omdia View: February 2024

    Highlights in February 2024 in the Middle East and Africa included 5G launches in Senegal and 5G trials in Egypt as well as Kenya's first 5G MVNO. Airtel also launched a new wholesale connectivity business while MTN and Huawei are planning a joint Innovation Technology Lab in South Africa – that and more in this month's Omdia View.

    Story

    Key adoption areas for machine learning in Africa

    ICT analyst Francis Hook identifies some of the key sectors that could be positively impacted by machine learning, including education, government services, healthcare and climate tech.

    More Innovation hub

    Latest video

    More videos

    Partner perspectives

    All Partner Perspectives

    Sponsored video

    More videos

    Industry announcements

    More Industry announcements

    Upcoming events

    Africa Tech Festival 2024
    November 11-14, 2024
    Cape Town, South Africa
    More Upcoming events

    Africa Tech Perspectives

    Story

    Uber's Marjorie Saint-Lot on inclusion and sustainability in Africa

    Uber's Country Manager for Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire, Marjorie Saint-Lot, shares how the ride-hailing company is approaching public-private partnerships, environmentally friendly initiatives and gender inclusion in Africa.

    Story

    The 100 most influential African leaders in 2023

    A new report from Africa Tech Festival and Connecting Africa puts a spotlight on the top 100 African leaders in the telecoms and technology sector in 2023.

    Story

    Deep dive into East Africa's tech startup ecosystem

    New survey reveals a lack of access to investors, reliance on international VCs and global recession trends as the biggest barriers for East African tech startups to access funds.

    More Africa Tech perspectives

    Guest Perspectives

    Story

    Omdia View: February 2024

    By Omdia Analysts

    Highlights in February 2024 in the Middle East and Africa included 5G launches in Senegal and 5G trials in Egypt as well as Kenya's first 5G MVNO. Airtel also launched a new wholesale connectivity business while MTN and Huawei are planning a joint Innovation Technology Lab in South Africa – that and more in this month's Omdia View.

    Story

    Omdia View: January 2024

    By Omdia Analysts

    Highlights in January 2024 in the Middle East and Africa included a $200 million fintech deal between MTN and Mastercard as well as 5G network trials by Telecom Egypt – that and more in this month's Omdia View.

    More Guest Perspectives

    Like us on Facebook

    Newsletter Sign Up


    Sign Up
    Tag id test-002