Rania Elwani

A pioneering Egyptian computer scientist who championed STEM education for women and transformed technology access in Africa.

Rania Elwani (born 1952) is a trailblazing Egyptian computer scientist and educator renowned for her role in advancing STEM education, particularly for women, across Africa. Her career began in the 1970s when she earned a PhD in computer science from the University of Illinois, marking her as one of the first African women to achieve this milestone in the field. Returning to Egypt in 1980, she joined Cairo University, where she founded the Computer Science Department, becoming its first female head. Under her leadership, the department became a hub for innovation, emphasizing inclusive education and partnerships with African universities.

Elwani’s most impactful contribution was the Africa Tech Initiative, launched in 1995. This program provided scholarships, training centers, and mentorship networks to female students across 15 African countries. By 2000, over 2,000 women had graduated from her programs, many becoming leaders in tech sectors. She also pioneered online learning platforms, such as edX-style courses, decades before they became mainstream, ensuring remote access to education.

Her advocacy extended to policy-making. In 1998, she co-authored the Egyptian National ICT Strategy, which prioritized digital literacy for rural communities. This led to the establishment of 50+ community tech centers in underserved regions. Elwani’s work earned global recognition, including the UNESCO Prize for Women in Science (1999) and the African Union’s Excellence in Education Award (2001). Despite her achievements, she remained focused on grassroots efforts, often visiting remote villages to train teachers and students. Her legacy lives on through the Rania Foundation, which continues her mission to bridge the gender and digital divides in Africa.