Bridgette Ilozor

Nigerian entrepreneur and advocate for women's economic empowerment through technology

Bridgette Ilozor is a Nigerian business leader and social entrepreneur whose work in advancing women's economic participation through technology has made a profound difference across Africa. As founder of the Women's Initiative for Entrepreneurship, she has empowered over 50,000 African women since 2020 to start tech-driven businesses through mentorship programs and access to digital tools. Her World Economic Forum article highlights how her initiatives bridge the gender digital divide in fintech and agritech sectors.

Ms. Ilozor's 2022 partnership with Mastercard Foundation launched the 'Digital Womenpreneurs' platform, providing $5 million in seed funding and training to female entrepreneurs in 15 African countries. Her work was recognized by Forbes Africa in 2023 as one of the top 50 innovators transforming African economies. Key to her approach is integrating local cultural contexts with global tech solutions, exemplified in her development of mobile apps like eSheFarm that connect rural women farmers with markets using blockchain technology.

Her 2024 TEDx talk "How Tech Can Close the Gender Wealth Gap" has garnered over 2 million views, spreading her message globally. Ilozor's impact extends beyond business development - her advocacy led to Nigeria's 2025 National Digital Economy Policy including mandatory quotas for women in tech startups receiving government grants.