People from diverse backgrounds have contributed immensely to the growth of Africa’s tech ecosystem. At the centre of the impressive innovations are women, some of whom are behind the scenes but doing amazing things.
For Bukola Alawiye and Busola Oluwatobi, that journey into the exciting field of technology started with studying unrelated courses – English language and biological sciences, respectively. Today, both women are building careers at Redtech, a Nigerian fintech company: one shaping products, the other building the teams that power them.
In commemoration of International Women’s Day, they share how their early curiosity about technology evolved into full careers in fintech, what they see as the African woman advantage, and why more women should take leadership roles in the ecosystem.
What were your early interactions with technology, and what made you decide to work in this space?
Bukola Alawiye:
My first interaction with the corporate environment was in communications. One thing I quickly realised was that technology is a great enabler for almost everything related to communications and marketing.
Seeing how much technology impacts almost every area of our lives, from marketing and products to how businesses operate, was intriguing to me. That curiosity made me want to understand how things worked beyond the surface.
I began speaking with experienced individuals in the tech space. Every question led to answers, and those answers brought even more questions. That curiosity became my first real interaction with technology, particularly around websites and web development, and it became the bedrock of my interest in the tech space.
My first role was in corporate communications. After that, I worked as a digital marketer. One part of the job I really enjoyed was social media management. That role helped me understand data and insights. You could see how people interacted with campaigns, analyse the numbers, and understand what strategies were working.
Eventually, that exposure led me to product marketing. But to market a product effectively, you need to understand it deeply. That zeal to understand how products are built and how they create value for users pushed me into product management; I wanted to move beyond selling a product to actually shaping how it is built and how it creates value for customers.
Victoria Fakiya – Senior Writer
Techpoint Digest
Stop struggling to find your tech career path
Discover in-demand tech skills and build a standout portfolio in this FREE 5-day email course
Busola Oluwatobi:
My first and second degrees were in biological sciences, but I knew I wanted to solve business problems. To gain clarity, I attended several boot camps and career sessions. I started from the bottom by enrolling in an internship at an HR consulting firm. While gaining practical experience, I also pursued courses to build theoretical knowledge.
During my time there, I was given leadership opportunities, mainly because I showed interest and demonstrated the ability to handle responsibilities beyond my role. My next role involved setting up an HR department from scratch for an oil and gas servicing company. That role gave me deep exposure to business decision-making because I worked closely with leadership on workforce planning and strategy.
After spending several years there, I wanted to work with a different demographic, particularly younger tech professionals. That desire eventually led me into the fintech ecosystem. I joined a startup but later moved to Redtech. What drew me to Redtech was the company’s vision and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful growth within the business.
From consulting to internships to the fintech space, technology has always been part of the journey because everything in tech is fast-paced. You have to stay on top of trends and constantly understand what is happening in the ecosystem. Working in tech exposes you to different functions and helps you position people effectively within changing landscapes.
Do you think African women are making enough impact in the tech ecosystem?
Bukola Alawiye:
There has been significant progress compared to where we started. Over time, we have been able to demystify the idea that tech is only for men.
The focus now should be on creating a more balanced ecosystem and ensuring that organisations recruit based on capability rather than gender.
Women are already proving that they can deliver strong results in tech. What we need now is more participation, especially in leadership and decision-making roles.
Busola Oluwatobi:
Yes, we are making an impact, but there is still room to do more.
There are already many pioneers within the tech space whose work we see every day. Their stories are inspiring and show what is possible. However, I would like to see even more women leading major tech companies in Nigeria and across Africa. Imagine a future where the top five tech companies in Africa are led by women. That is the kind of progress I would love to see.
At Redtech, we are intentional about this. One of our goals this year is to improve the gender balance within executive leadership. Currently, our executive team is about 60%–40% women, and we’re working toward stronger representation.
What challenges have you faced as an African woman building a career in tech?
Bukola Alawiye:
One major challenge is the perception that hiring women is about filling quotas rather than recognising merit.
Another one is defining balance. Careers in tech can be demanding and often extend beyond the typical nine-to-five structure. For many women, finding the right balance between professional growth and personal responsibilities requires constant adjustment.
Busola Oluwatobi:
Many of the challenges revolve around biases, stereotypes, and limited access to resources or sponsorship. For example, I once experienced bias when I held a leadership role at a relatively young age. Some people assumed that because of my age or gender, I might not be capable of leading effectively.
These experiences are common, but they shouldn’t define us. We must continue breaking these biases and creating opportunities for other women.
How do your roles align in helping Redtech grow and scale its products?
Bukola Alawiye:
As a product manager, my focus is on building solutions that empower businesses. The goal is to make it easier for businesses, from large enterprises to SMEs, to collect payments seamlessly while focusing on growth.
We also work with smaller business groups, including women-led communities, helping them digitise their operations and reach broader markets. Our products allow them to accept payments globally and expand their reach beyond local markets.
Busola Oluwatobi:
From an HR perspective, my role sits at the intersection of product, engineering, compliance, sales, and operations. My job also involves removing blockers, equipping managers and teams with the tools and knowledge they need to perform at their best.
We operate a cross-functional structure where different departments collaborate closely. That means setting clear goals, assigning ownership, and ensuring teams can work together effectively.
What would you say is your advantage as an African woman?
Bukola Alawiye:
One major advantage is our direct interaction with our culture and society. That perspective helps us innovate in ways that are relevant to our environment.
Sometimes people focus too much on global models rather than understanding the realities within local markets. Being deeply connected to our social and cultural environment allows us to build products that truly address real problems.
Another strength is tenacity. Many opportunities are not handed to women easily, so we’ve learned to keep pushing and knocking on doors until they open. That persistence has allowed many African women to break barriers and lead across industries.
Busola Oluwatobi:
When I think about the African woman, three words come to mind: strength, resilience, and adaptability.
Women are naturally capable of managing complex situations. We are emotionally intelligent, able to multitask, and often able to perform effectively under pressure.
These qualities are powerful leadership skills. Many women have used them to stand out and become trailblazers in the workplace. For any woman reading, I would say you already have what it takes to earn a seat at the table.
What advice would you give to young women trying to build careers in the tech ecosystem?
Bukola Alawiye:
My advice is simple: evolve continuously.
We live in a fast-paced world where knowledge quickly becomes outdated. Always look for opportunities to learn and improve yourself. Also, be willing to stretch beyond your comfort zone. When new responsibilities or challenges appear, take them on. You may be surprised at how much you can achieve.
Busola Oluwatobi:
First, build depth in your skills. Don’t focus on titles or positions; focus on developing real expertise.
Second, understand the language of the business you work in. When you understand how a business operates, you are more likely to be invited into decision-making conversations.
Finally, find mentors and sponsors who can support your growth and advocate for you in rooms where you may not yet have access. And when opportunities come your way, be ready for them. They may stretch you, but those experiences will reveal your true potential.
