Phionah Atuhebwe

A Ugandan data scientist and advocate for STEM education in Africa who has pioneered initiatives to bridge the gender gap in technology.

Phionah Atuhebwe is a Ugandan data scientist and advocate for STEM education who has made significant contributions to promoting technology and innovation in Africa. Born in 1997 in Kampala, Uganda, she began coding at age 12 and quickly became a vocal advocate for girls' access to technology education. In 2015, she co-founded Code Club Uganda, a nonprofit that teaches coding to children across the country. The program has since expanded to 15 African nations, reaching over 10,000 students annually. Atuhebwe also co-founded African Women in AI, an initiative to increase female representation in artificial intelligence fields. Her work has been recognized by organizations like the World Economic Forum, which named her a Global Shaper in 2019. In 2021, she launched Ubuntu AI, an open-source platform providing African developers with tools to create locally relevant AI solutions. Her advocacy includes speaking engagements at events like the World Economic Forum and the Tech in Asia conference, where she emphasizes the importance of inclusive tech education. Atuhebwe's initiatives have directly impacted thousands of young Africans, helping to position the continent as a key player in global tech innovation.