Nigerian tech advocate and AI strategist, Esther Abel has championed Africa’s digital future by leading global conversations on artificial intelligence, inclusion, and innovation.

Disclosing this in a media statement recently, she underscored the urgent need for greater equity, access, and representation of African women in emerging technologies.

At the AI Show and ASU+GSV Summit 2025 in San Diego CA, Esther addressed the systemic barriers facing African women in technology during a global panel session titled “African Women in AI”.

Representing Arizona State University’s AI Acceleration Team, she used the platform to highlight how innovation must be inclusive to be effective.

“At every level of the digital economy, African women deserve a seat at the table—not just as users of technology but as creators, builders, and decision-makers,” she stated.

Esther also presented artificial intelligence tools developed by ASU’s Enterprise Technology team, designed to enhance education through AI.

Abel has spoken at the 2025 National Council of Bar Presidents Conference in Arizona and participated in the OpenAI x Journalism Seminar, speaking on key issues such as AI ethics, innovation, and the transformation of education.

Further mentioned the media statement, she emphasized the importance of equipping African youth with digital tools to ensure they are not left behind in the rapidly evolving global economy.

Central to her work is Opportunities Unlock, a Nigerian-based social enterprise she founded to advance SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

In May 2025, under her leadership, Opportunities Unlock launched the Digital Skill Program in partnership with RLabs Nigeria.

The initiative trained 100 underserved African youth—particularly women—in artificial intelligence and digital tools.

She assert in the statement, “This is more than a project; it’s a step toward a more inclusive, empowered future.”

Her efforts are supported by a committed team of changemakers including Maureen Abel the Co-founder, Fredrick Ovre, Bukola Terzurum, Clinton Onoh, Cynthia Achiwu, and Ann Abel.

Together, they are expanding access to digital opportunities across Nigeria and beyond.

In addition to her advocacy and leadership work, Abel recently graduated with Distinction (4.0/4.0 GPA) from the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, earning a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence in Business—the first of its kind in the United States.

She was also inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, recognizing her as one of the top academic performers across global business schools.

Looking forward, Esther remains focused on building scalable, locally relevant AI solutions to address Africa’s unique business and community challenges.

She plans to expand Opportunities Unlock into a pan-African AI education and innovation hub, aimed at empowering the next generation of AI builders—particularly women in both rural and urban communities.