Since its founding in February 2023 by Nigerian public-policy advisor Imade Bibowei‑Osuobeni, Tech Herfrica has emerged as a trailblazing force for Tech Herfrica digital inclusion across rural Africa. Based in Abuja and active in six countries—Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania—the non‑profit is led by over 500 staff and volunteers. It aims to bridge the digital divide for rural women and girls, empowering them to thrive in the modern economy.
At its core, Tech Herfrica confronts a stark reality: according to GSMA, only 24% of rural women in Nigeria use mobile internet, compared to 41% of rural men and 67% of urban men . Without access to smartphones, financial tools, or digital literacy, rural female farmers and traders remain trapped in poverty, unable to access market information, weather updates, or better prices. Tech Herfrica digital inclusion is not just a slogan—it’s a lifeline for thousands.
Tech Herfrica first drew widespread attention with its EquipHer4Growth initiative, rolling out in mid‑2023. Over 1,200 female farmers and traders were trained in local languages on digital and financial literacy. They received smartphones capable of accessing e‑commerce channels, financial services, and market updates. Early results were compelling: 80% reported improved digital skills, 92.5% expressed interest in health insurance, and 64% were keen on savings plans. Income across participants rose by an average of 56.6%.
In recognition of its innovative impact, Tech Herfrica won the 2023 SDG Digital Game Changers Award (People Category) from the International Telecommunication Union, and was lauded as “Impactful NGO of the Year” by The Iconic Brand Awards.
NGO Tech Herfrica Empowers Rural Women Through Digital Literacy
Tech Herfrica’s programming rests on four pillars: digital literacy, device access, financial inclusion, and market linkage. Through its flagship EquipHer4Growth program, participants receive smartphone training tailored in indigenous languages, unlocking the power to navigate digital payment systems, mobile banking, and e‑commerce platforms.
To download and use local-language digital literacy modules, Tech Herfrica partners with organizations like Faslearn Africa and the African Leadership Foundation. More than 4,000 women and girls have now benefited from this hands‑on training—and over 400 smartphones have been distributed,
Crucially, Tech Herfrica digital inclusion isn’t just about devices—it’s about economic transformation. The HerLocalMarket platform connects rural entrepreneurs with local and international buyers, facilitating trade via WhatsApp and soon a full web portal. This e‑commerce strategy reduces post‑harvest losses and brings fair pricing directly to producers. Millions of naira in trade have already been processed, increasing beneficiaries’ income by more than 56 percent on average.
Financial inclusion adds another powerful layer—Tech Herfrica enables access to micro‑pensions, micro‑loans, and health insurance. Its One‑Woman‑Saver program with Sterling Bank offers attractive interest incentives and business loans to rural women. This is digital inclusion empowered with financial independence.
Underpinning these initiatives is a strong change‑management strategy. Training encourages male allies and community leaders to support women’s transition into digital spaces, reducing resistance to new technology and norms .
To date, Tech Herfrica has trained over 6,391 rural women and youth, with digital and financial literacy levels increasing for more than 80% of participants—and average income rising by 56 percent.
Looking ahead, Tech Herfrica is part of the “Chat for Women’s Livelihood” accelerator—an 18‑month program funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation through Turn.io. It will deploy AI‑powered chat services via WhatsApp to scale literacy programs further.
A Personal Vision Behind Every Skill and Device
The story of Tech Herfrica is tied deeply to its founder. Imade Bibowei‑Osuobeni launched the NGO after meeting a rural farmer in Edo State who struggled to sell more than ₦40,000 worth of produce. That encounter sparked a mission: not just to donate tools, but to build ecosystems of growth through digital access and education.
In under two years, Tech Herfrica has impacted thousands: distributing 411 devices, disbursing over ₦3 million in finance, and facilitating ₦10 million in trade. These aren’t abstract stats—they represent families fed, girls inspired, and women’s confidence blossoming.
Imade’s ambition is bold: impact one million rural women and girls across Africa by 2030. She envisions communities where digital literacy and financial security pave pathways out of poverty.
Scaling Digital Inclusion: Partnerships, Awards, and Future Growth
Tech Herfrica digital inclusion thrives on strategic partnerships. Collaborators include Afriex, Orbeets Digi‑Tech Solution, Champion Mall, Gention Global Resources, and Sterling Bank, alongside foundations like Turn.io, Faslearn Africa, and the African Leadership Foundation .
Recognition continues: besides the ITU SDG award and NGO of the Year title, Tech Herfrica has been honored as Visionary African Women by Lilian Ike Foundation and Women Empowerment Champion by CSR Reporters.
These accolades aren’t just trophies—they fuel reinvestment. The $2,000 ITU grant directly paid for training 260 more women and equipping 200 with smartphones.
The NGO has also been active in policy advisory, working with Nigeria’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy to shape inclusive strategies and SDG alignment.
As it grows, Tech Herfrica plans to replicate its EquipHer model across Africa. With its scalable chat‑bot training and community‑driven methodology, rapid expansion seems poised to deliver lasting social impact.
Why This Matters
Digital access is more than convenience—it’s equity. For rural women, connectivity is a bridge to markets, education, and decision‑making. Without it, they’re cut off. Tech Herfrica digital inclusion ensures they’re no longer the forgotten majority.
By marrying digital literacy with financial tools and market access, Tech Herfrica empowers women to take control of their incomes, health, and futures. In communities where 70% of labor is female but tech access is negligible, this model is a game‑changer.
Economic data reinforces the model’s worth: with Nigeria’s agricultural sector accounting for ~24% of GDP, empowering women in this space is not charity—it’s economic strategy .
In Summary
- Who: Tech Herfrica, founded Feb 2023 by Imade Bibowei‑Osuobeni
- What: Tech Herfrica digital inclusion initiative – training, devices, fintech, e‑commerce
- Where: Nigeria + 5 other African countries
- Results: 6,391+ beneficiaries, 400+ devices, ~56% income increase, millions in trade
- Recognition: 2023 ITU SDG award, NGO of the Year, policy partners, accelerated digital courses
Tech Herfrica stands out as a human, data‑driven NGO. It brings modern tools into rural hands—and in doing so, rewrites futures.
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