Imade Bibowei-Osuobeni has emerged as one of Africa’s most inspiring changemakers, blazing a trail in digital and financial inclusion for rural women. Through her vision and relentless commitment, she is helping to dismantle long-standing barriers that have excluded women from accessing digital tools, financial services, and broader economic opportunities.

A Defining Moment
Her journey toward impact took shape in 2022 after she participated in a UN eTrade for Women training program in Nigeria. The training prompted her to reflect on how rural women, despite their immense contribution to local economies—remained locked out of digital opportunities. Soon after, a pivotal experience in Edo State transformed her reflections into action. She met a trader, Susan, who struggled to manage a large sale due to lack of digital access. By leveraging WhatsApp and a small network, Imade and her team helped Susan grow her income tenfold in just 12 weeks. This single success planted the seed for something much larger.

Founding Tech Herfrica
Within two months, Imade founded Tech Herfrica, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging digital and financial exclusion across rural Africa. In just over a year, Tech Herfrica has already trained more than 4,000 women in Nigeria and Kenya, equipping them with the skills to embrace digital tools, grow their businesses, and lift themselves out of poverty.
Under her leadership, Tech Herfrica has launched transformative initiatives such as:

• HerLocalMarket, an e-commerce platform connecting rural farmers and traders directly with buyers to ensure fair pricing and reduced waste.

• EquipHer4Growth, which combines skills training with access to mobile devices and was awarded the 2023 SDG Digital Game Changers Award.

• The Éferené Project, offering non-interest financing to women who complete training and demonstrate measurable income growth.

The impact is measurable: beneficiaries have recorded an average income increase of 56.6%, alongside improved access to agriculture and health insurance, digital devices, and voice-enabled features for inclusivity.

Recognition and Global Influence
Imade’s work has not gone unnoticed. She has been honored with several prestigious awards, including the Visionary Leadership Award at the Inspiring Leaders, CEOs, and Startups Awards, and recognition as one of the 100 Most Influential People of African Descent (Politics & Governance, Class of 2023). Other accolades include the African Woman Industrialization Award (Woman of the Year, 2022), the Global Women in Business and Leadership Award (2023), and the Women Empowerment Champion Award.

Beyond Tech Herfrica, Imade serves as the organization’s Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer of HerLocalMarket, and a fellow of The New Institute’s Africapitalism program (2024/25). Her background in public policy, strategic planning, and change management continues to strengthen her work in driving systemic solutions for Africa’s women.

Building a Future of Inclusion
What makes Imade’s journey so remarkable is not just her vision but her ability to transform ideas into scalable solutions with lasting impact. By bringing digital and financial literacy to underserved communities, she is not only boosting incomes but also empowering women with autonomy, resilience, and a renewed sense of possibility.

Imade Bibowei-Osuobeni’s achievements remind us that real change often begins with empathy and one bold step. Today, she is at the forefront of a movement redefining women’s empowerment in Africa—and her work is only just beginning.