On this International Women’s Day, BoundlessPay celebrates the achievements of women who are breaking barriers and redefining the crypto industry.
A space often dominated by men but rapidly evolving to be more inclusive. From financial inclusion to education and decentralized finance (DeFi), these five inspiring women are shaping Africa’s blockchain landscape and paving the way for future generations.
1. Sarah Idahosa – Empowering Women in DeFi
Sarah Idahosa is a passionate advocate for financial empowerment and blockchain education. She founded Women in DeFi, a community that helps women use their existing skills to navigate the Web3 space. Sarah believes blockchain technology can offer women financial independence, and through her initiative, she’s providing resources, mentorship, and training to bridge the knowledge gap.
Her impact goes beyond education. She’s creating opportunities for women to participate in a rapidly growing industry. By focusing on practical skills, networking, and hands-on experience, Sarah is ensuring that more women are not just spectators in the blockchain revolution but active contributors.
2. Nelly Chatue-Diop – Bringing Crypto to Everyday Africans
Growing up in Cameroon, Nelly Chatue-Diop saw the challenges of financial exclusion. She co-founded Ejara, a mobile investment platform that allows Africans to save and invest in crypto securely. Unlike many crypto startups focused on speculation, Ejara is designed for everyday Africans who want financial security.
Nelly’s mission is personal. She wants Africans to have control over their wealth and not be left behind in the global financial system. By building a platform tailored for Africa and its diaspora, she’s making blockchain technology accessible and practical for real-world use.
3. Doris Ojuederie – Founder of Blockchain Ladies Africa
Doris Ojuederis is a leader in Africa’s blockchain space, dedicated to empowering women through education and inclusion. Her journey started in 2016 as a cryptocurrency trader, but she soon realized the need for more women in the industry. This led her to establish Blockchain African Ladies (BAL)—a community that educates and connects women across the continent with opportunities in blockchain.
Through Blockchain African Ladies (BAL) and the Blocktech Women Conference series, Doris has created platforms where women can learn, network, and build careers in blockchain technology. Her passion for financial inclusion and digital empowerment has helped shape a more inclusive blockchain ecosystem in Africa, proving that women have a vital role in the future of tech.
4. Paula Ingabire – Driving Blockchain Innovation in Rwanda
Paula Ingabire is Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, and she’s on a mission to make her country a hub for emerging technologies. She understands blockchain’s potential to transform sectors like healthcare, finance, and education.
Under her leadership, Rwanda has explored blockchain for land registration, supply chain tracking, and even digital identity solutions. Paula believes that Africa must be at the forefront of the fourth industrial revolution, and she’s ensuring that blockchain plays a key role in that vision.
5. Deborah Ojengbede – Pioneering A Decentralized Africa
Deborah Ojengbede, the CEO of AFEN Blockchain Group, is a pioneering figure in Africa’s blockchain technology sector. Drawing on her significant expertise in banking, she leads the way in using blockchain’s transformational potential to establish decentralized and transparent institutions.
Her passion for digital currency created a strong interest in blockchain, prompting her to investigate its numerous possibilities. Under her guidance, AFEN has grown into a notable Web3 firm. The firm has created a platform for African creatives and founded BloomOne Academy, a renowned school for Web3 education.
Final Thoughts
These five women are more than just leaders in blockchain, they are change-makers using technology to solve real-world problems. They’re proving that blockchain isn’t just about cryptocurrencies; it’s about financial empowerment, social justice, and innovation.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, their stories remind us of the power of inclusion. The blockchain space is still young, and thanks to women like Sarah, Nelly, Damilola, Paula, and Jamila, it’s becoming a space where everyone has a seat at the table.
