Beatrice Byaruhanga

Ugandan tech entrepreneur bridging the digital divide through STEM education for girls

Beatrice Byaruhanga, born in 1985 in Kampala, Uganda, is revolutionizing technology education in Africa through her nonprofit AFRICA, Inc.. Recognizing the lack of tech opportunities for girls in rural areas, she created affordable coding programs and robotics workshops that have reached over 20,000 young women across East Africa. Her initiatives directly address the continent's gender gap in STEM fields.

Byaruhanga's journey began with her own struggles as a female computer science student in Uganda. She founded AFRICA, Inc. in 2010 to provide hands-on training in schools lacking resources. The organization's signature 'Tech Camps' use recycled computers and local languages to teach coding, while partnerships with companies like Microsoft provide internships.

Her impact extends beyond Uganda through initiatives like the 'Digital Girls Network' connecting African students with global mentors. Byaruhanga also advocates for policy changes, testifying before Uganda's Parliament to increase girls' access to STEM curricula. Her TED Talk 'How to Grow a Technology Leader' highlights the potential of African girls in tech.

Despite challenges like limited internet access and cultural resistance, Byaruhanga's programs have produced over 500 female tech entrepreneurs. Notable alumni include Rose Nanyonga, who developed a mobile app for crop disease detection. Byaruhanga's vision is to make Africa a global tech leader by unleashing its female talent.