Thulisile Majola

A South African tech entrepreneur who pioneered gender equality in Africa's tech sector through her innovative leadership programs

Thulisile Majola is a visionary South African entrepreneur whose work has profoundly impacted women's participation in technology and leadership across Africa. Born in 1972 in the township of Soweto, she grew up during the apartheid era and witnessed firsthand the systemic barriers faced by Black women in accessing education and professional opportunities. Despite these challenges, Majola earned a degree in computer science from the University of the Witwatersrand, making her one of the first Black women in South Africa to specialize in this field.

In 2003, she co-founded She Leads Africa, a groundbreaking initiative that has since supported over 50,000 African women in technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership development. The organization's flagship programs include mentorship networks, leadership training, and funding opportunities specifically designed to address the gender gap in tech industries. Majola's work has been featured in global media outlets like Forbes and BBC, which highlighted her role in creating Africa's first female tech incubator.

Her 2018 TED Talk "Why Women Need to Lead in Tech" has been viewed over 2 million times, emphasizing how inclusive leadership can drive innovation. Majola's advocacy extends to policy-making, as she advises governments on digital transformation strategies that prioritize gender equity. Her efforts have inspired similar initiatives across Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana, proving the replicability of her model.

In 2021, she launched The Africa Tech Fund, a venture capital arm providing seed funding to women-led tech startups. This initiative has already supported over 150 projects, including fintech solutions in rural areas and AI-driven healthcare platforms. Majola's holistic approach combines technical training with emotional intelligence development, creating a new generation of African women leaders who are redefining global tech landscapes.