Rwanda is not only emerging as a regional tech powerhouse—it’s also leading the way in gender inclusion, with women playing pivotal roles in shaping the nation’s digital future. From software development and AI to policy-making and entrepreneurship, Rwandan women in tech are making waves across the continent and beyond.
Here are some of the top women transforming Rwanda’s tech ecosystem:
1. Paula Ingabire – Minister of ICT and Innovation
As Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire is at the forefront of the country’s digital transformation. Under her leadership, Rwanda has launched bold initiatives in artificial intelligence, smart cities, and digital governance. A strong advocate for youth and women in STEM, she champions inclusive tech growth that leaves no one behind.
2. Clarisse Iribagiza – Tech Entrepreneur & Founder of HeHe Labs
Clarisse Iribagiza is one of Rwanda’s most recognised tech entrepreneurs. She founded HeHe Labs, a mobile technologies company that helps businesses deliver products and services through digital platforms. She’s a champion for youth innovation and was listed in Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30.
3. Akaliza Keza Gara – Founder of Shaking Sun and Tech Policy Advocate
Akaliza Keza Gara is a trailblazer in animation and software development. As the founder of Shaking Sun, she’s led multimedia production and youth training efforts. She also made history as one of the first African women appointed to the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel on Digital Cooperation.
4. Christelle Kwizera – Engineer & Founder of Water Access Rwanda
While known for her social enterprise in clean water solutions, Christelle Kwizera uses tech-driven systems for monitoring, payments, and delivery. Her work shows how engineering and innovation can solve real-world problems in Rwanda and Africa.
5. Nadine Umutoni – Director at Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA)
Nadine Umutoni plays a vital role in implementing national ICT strategies. At RISA, she supports digital infrastructure development, innovation hubs, and policy frameworks that enable Rwanda’s tech ecosystem to grow inclusively.
6. Vanessa Umutoniwase – Founder of Rising Digital
As a digital strategist and entrepreneur, Vanessa Umutoniwase founded Rising Digital. This creative agency supports tech startups and SMEs with branding, digital campaigns, and strategy. She’s also an advocate for women’s empowerment in business and technology.
7. Naomi Niyonshuti – Software Engineer & AI Advocate
Naomi Niyonshuti is an emerging voice in Rwanda’s developer community. Through initiatives like Girls in ICT Rwanda, she actively mentors young girls in coding and is passionate about ethical AI development for African contexts.
Inspiring the Next Generation
These women are not just leading in their fields—mentoring, advocating, and inspiring the next generation of girls in tech. Programs like Girls in ICT Rwanda, SheCanCode, and STEMpower Africa continue to expand opportunities and close the gender gap in the digital economy.
Rwanda’s commitment to gender equality and robust ICT policies enables more women to enter and lead in once male-dominated tech spaces. The future is bright, and women are co-authoring it.
For more tech news and insights, visit Rwanda Tech News, and explore similar topics and trends in the world of technology.
