Digital technology has revolutionized the way we live and work, with enormous potential to transform the economies of developing countries like those in Africa. However, the digital divide remains a significant barrier to progress, particularly for women and girls in rural and underserved communities. The World Bank publication “Digital Africa: Powering the Economy” provides a roadmap for leveraging digital technologies to drive economic growth and development in Africa, and Tech Herfrica is at the forefront of this effort. By working together, we can harness the power of technology to create a brighter future for all Africans, particularly those who have been left behind.

Tech Herfrica was established with a bold vision – to advance the growth of female-led businesses in rural areas through the power of technology. By providing access to technology, digital skills training, and an e-commerce platform, Tech Herfrica is breaking down barriers and creating new opportunities for women in underserved communities to participate in the digital economy. Our flagship project directly connects female sellers in rural and underserved communities to buyers in the cities, enabling them to sell quality food items at over 45% cheaper than city markets. Our model cuts out middlemen, and reduces the possibility of adulteration and quality reduction along the supply chain, while also facilitating seamless delivery from sellers to buyers.

At Tech Herfrica, we believe that every woman deserves a chance to succeed, regardless of where she lives or what resources she has access to. That’s why we are committed to bridging the digital divide one woman at a time and these are some of the ways we’re doing it:

• Bridging the digital divide: The publication notes that there is a significant digital divide in Africa, with many people lacking access to digital technologies and the internet. This is particularly pronounced in rural areas and among women and girls. Tech Herfrica is working to address this divide by providing access to technology and digital skills training to female entrepreneurs in rural areas, as well as facilitating access to affordable broadband internet service and smartphones to enable them to participate directly in the digital economy.
• Fostering innovation and entrepreneurship: The publication highlights the potential of digital technologies to spur innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa. By providing female entrepreneurs with an e-commerce platform to sell their products online, Tech Herfrica is fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in rural areas. The platform also enables female entrepreneurs to reach new markets beyond their immediate communities, creating new business opportunities and potential for growth.
• Advancing digital infrastructure: The publication notes that investment in digital infrastructure, such as broadband networks and data centers, is critical to supporting the growth of the digital economy in Africa. Tech Herfrica is working to advance digital infrastructure development in rural and underserved communities by engaging with the government and other stakeholders to develop enabling infrastructure.
• Inclusive business: The publication emphasizes the importance of inclusive business models that benefit all members of society, particularly women and marginalized groups. Tech Herfrica’s focus on supporting female-led businesses in rural areas aligns with this goal, as it promotes inclusive economic growth and development in underserved communities.
• Digital skills and literacy: The publication notes that digital skills and literacy are essential for individuals to participate in the digital economy. Tech Herfrica’s work to implement digital and financial literacy programs for women and girls in rural areas is crucial in equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the digital economy.

Overall, the World Bank publication highlights the capacity of digital technologies to stimulate economic progress and advancement in Africa. Tech Herfrica’s work to support female-led businesses in rural areas aligns with these goals and contributes to the achievement of digital equity for women in underserved communities.

The World Bank publication emphasizes the need for a coordinated effort to close the digital divide in Africa, and Tech Herfrica is committed to doing its part. We believe that technology can be a powerful force for good, but only if it is harnessed in the right way. That’s why we are passionate about creating opportunities for women in underserved communities to participate in the digital economy, and why we are working hard to ensure that no woman is left behind.

We know that the road ahead will not be easy. There are many challenges to overcome, including limited access to technology, lack of digital skills, and inadequate infrastructure. But at Tech Herfrica, we are undaunted. We believe that with determination, creativity, and hard work, we can overcome these obstacles and create a more inclusive, prosperous, and equitable future for all Africans.