We must build ecosystems that encourage women to innovate, thrive – says Aniuno

Chiamaka Aniuno is the CEO of SynerTech Solutions, a company focused on digital innovation and transformation in Nigeria. Chiamaka Aniuno is an IT practitioner recognised for her efforts in bridging the digital divide and guiding companies through digital transformation.

She is recognized for her efforts in bridging the digital divide and guiding tech companies through transformation. With the tech industry evolving at a high pace, Aniuno emphasises the importance of women taking on critical roles in tech and calls for nations to create ecosystems that support women’s innovation. In a Q&A session, she highlighted the need for mentorship to overcome barriers such as education, societal expectations, and workplace culture.

Chiamaka, you’ve had an incredible IT and digital transformation career, from your entrepreneurship endeavours to working with major data centres to supporting SMEs and technology companies. What inspired you to pursue this path, and how has the journey been?
Thank you! My journey has been quite dynamic. I grew up in an entrepreneurial and business-oriented home; my parents and siblings are businesspeople, so naturally, I grew and fell in love with building and supporting businesses. I have also found it exciting and fulfilling, especially engaging with potential customers and finally getting them to experience whatever product or service I sell. My favourite part is seeing them satisfied because I delivered exactly what I promised.

That is what attracted me to business development and marketing in the first place. Early on in my career, I started an agro-business. Also, I was fortunate enough to be selected for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme in 2019 out of over 200,000 applicants that year. That experience was impactful and helped strengthen my business foundation, connecting me to mentors and business opportunities. I hope my journey can inspire others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

Alongside my entrepreneurial passions, I have always deeply loved technology and its potential to change lives and industries. I have worked in non-technical IT, digital transformation, and telecommunications roles for about ten years. I have always wanted to help businesses leverage technology to scale, grow, and remain competitive. The ability to transform organizations—startups or large enterprises—through digital innovation has been the most fulfilling part of my career. It hasn’t always been easy, but the challenges have only fueled my passion further.

You’ve been a strong advocate for empowering women in tech, mentoring and inspiring many along the way. How do you see the role of women in the tech industry evolving, and what more can be done to foster greater inclusion and leadership for women?
Women are increasingly stepping into critical tech roles, but there is still a long way to go. The landscape is evolving, and we’re seeing more women leading projects, developing innovative solutions, and making strategic decisions in technology. However, the challenges are still significant. These challenges include but are not limited to, access to resources, mentorship, and equal opportunities. For instance, women often face barriers in accessing venture capital, and they may not have the same networking opportunities as their male counterparts.

To foster greater inclusion, we need to create more pathways for women to enter the tech space and thrive in it. That means addressing barriers like education, societal expectations, and workplace culture. Mentorship is critical—I’ve seen firsthand how guidance and support can transform someone’s career trajectory. But beyond that, we must build ecosystems that encourage women to take risks, innovate, and step confidently into leadership positions. When women succeed in tech, it’s not just an individual victory—it transforms entire industries and communities. The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated, and we all must work towards a more inclusive and diverse tech industry.

You’ve also authored several books, including ‘Digital Transformation: A Comprehensive Guide for Business Growth’ and ‘Generating Sales: Exploring AI’s Transformative Power in Modern Marketing.’ What inspired you to write these books?
I wanted to share my knowledge and experiences in a way that could benefit a wider audience, including tech and business professionals and newbies. ‘Digital Transformation: A Comprehensive Guide for Business Growth’ was born out of the need I saw in the market for a straightforward, practical guide businesses could follow to implement digital strategies successfully. It’s designed to demystify digital transformation for leaders who may feel overwhelmed by the pace of technological change. On the other hand, ‘Generating Sales’ came from my fascination with how AI is revolutionizing marketing. I wanted to show businesses and entrepreneurs how they could explore and use AI-driven tools to optimize their marketing and sales strategies. Writing these books has allowed me to contribute to the ongoing conversations in digital transformation and business, providing actionable insights for digital professionals and companies based on my expertise and experiences.

The more businesses that have access to these types of information and resources, the better for the global economy. We will be able to create more jobs and encourage exponential growth for existing businesses in diverse industries.

Your contributions to the technology industry have not gone unnoticed. You’ve received numerous awards, such as the Tech Innovation Award, the Africa Outstanding Professionals Award, and the Africa’s Beacon of ICT Merit/Leadership Award. What do these recognitions mean to you?
Honestly, I’m incredibly grateful for these recognitions because they validate the hard work and impact of my efforts and contributions as a woman in technology, not just nationally but internationally. While receiving these awards is an honour, my focus remains on the impact—empowering more people, businesses, and communities to thrive. These accolades remind me to keep pushing for progress and, more importantly, to continue creating opportunities for others to succeed in the tech space. It is about inspiring others to believe they can make meaningful contributions if they dare to dream and pursue those dreams relentlessly.

How do you see AI playing a role in the future of digital transformation?
AI is already playing a pivotal role, but we’re only scratching the surface. In the next decade, AI-driven solutions will become the backbone of customer engagement, operational efficiency, and decision-making processes. AI analyzes enormous amounts of data quickly and offers actionable insights, which helps businesses better understand their markets and predict trends. For digital transformation, this means we’ll see more automation and smarter workflows that allow companies to innovate faster. The transformative power of AI in the future of digital transformation is truly exciting and should fill us all with optimism about what’s to come.

Lastly, what advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, looking to break into the tech industry?
My biggest advice is to believe in yourself and not fear failure. Tech can seem intimidating, especially for women, but there’s a place for everyone in this industry. Surround yourself with people who uplift and support your vision. Keep learning, stay curious, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. The sky’s the limit if you are passionate about solving problems through technology.