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Despite producing the world’s highest share of female STEM graduates at 47 percent, Africa continues to grapple with gender disparities in technology roles, leadership positions, and access to equity financing, according to new research by McKinsey & Company.
The report, cited by Morocco World News, describes the trend as a paradox that highlights both progress and persistent structural barriers in the continent’s rapidly expanding technology sector.
African universities graduate more female scientists and engineers than any other region—outpacing Europe (42 percent), Asia and South America (41 percent), and North America (39 percent).
Yet only 23 to 30 percent of technology roles in sub-Saharan Africa are held by women, a figure only marginally above the global average of 28 percent.
Representation narrows sharply at senior levels. Women occupy fewer than 12 percent of technology leadership positions across Africa, and fewer than three percent of companies generating over US$1 billion in revenue have a woman in a top tech leadership role.
Startups reflect an even starker imbalance. In 2024, women-led firms received just one percent of all technology funding, while male-led companies secured 94 percent. Mixed-gender teams accounted for the remaining five percent.
National disparities also emerged. Nigeria (20 percent) and South Africa (17 percent) lead the continent in women holding C-suite technology roles among listed companies.
By contrast, Egypt (four percent), Tanzania (nine percent), and Namibia (10 percent) lag significantly. In several countries—including Botswana, Malawi, Seychelles, Sudan, and Uganda—no women hold top tech positions in listed firms.
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