Busha, a pan-African financial services company, has partnered with Women in DeFi (WiD), a nonprofit organisation focused on increasing women’s participation in blockchain and decentralised finance, to expand opportunities for women pursuing careers in technology, Web3 and digital finance across Africa.

The partnership was unveiled at the Women in DeFi Summit 2026 in Lagos, where five young women were awarded laptop scholarships to support their education, career development and entrepreneurial aspirations.

The scholarship programme is the first initiative under the collaboration, which will also introduce projects aimed at improving digital skills, financial inclusion and access to opportunities in emerging technologies.

According to the partners, the initiative comes amid a growing gap between the number of women studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and those employed in the technology sector.

Citing McKinsey’s 2025 report, The Quest for Gender Parity in African Tech, they noted that while women account for about 47 per cent of STEM graduates across Africa, they occupy only between 23 and 30 per cent of technology jobs.

Busha and Women in DeFi said the partnership is designed to bridge that gap by providing women with access to practical skills, professional networks, educational resources and career opportunities within the digital economy.

Beyond the laptop scholarships, the collaboration will roll out several initiatives, including WiD Goes to School, an outreach programme introducing young women to careers in technology, blockchain and digital finance; a six-month savings challenge powered by Busha’s savings platform to encourage stronger financial habits; and an introductory Web3 programme offering practical training in blockchain technology, decentralised finance and other emerging digital fields.

One of the scholarship recipients, Peace Toluwanimi Omosehin, a pharmacy student, said the laptop would help her pursue a career in pharmacy informatics by combining healthcare, technology and data analytics.

Busha said the partnership aligns with its commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within Africa’s technology and financial sectors.

The company stated that women currently make up about 47 per cent of its workforce, while more than 30 per cent of management positions are occupied by women.

Speaking on the partnership, Busha’s Head of Brand and Communications, Ngozi Okonye, said investing in women’s access to technology, education and opportunities is essential to strengthening Africa’s digital economy.

She added that the collaboration would create practical pathways for more women to build careers, establish businesses and contribute to industries driving the continent’s future.

Founder of Women in DeFi, Sarah Idahosa, said women should be represented across every level of the digital economy as innovators, founders and industry leaders.

According to her, the partnership will enable the organisation to extend its efforts in equipping more women with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to succeed in technology, blockchain and digital finance.

Both organisations said increasing women’s participation in emerging technologies is critical to building a more inclusive and sustainable digital economy across Africa.

(Photo Credit: The Cable)