As the world marks the International Day of the Girl Child, one name stands out for her transformative contributions to the empowerment of young girls in Nigeria: Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin. Over the last decade, Ajayi-Akinfolarin has been at the forefront of efforts to bridge the technology gap for girls in underserved communities, equipping them with the skills and confidence to thrive in a digital world.
In 2012, she founded Pearls Africa, a nonprofit organization born out of her realization that many girls in slum communities lacked access to the digital tools shaping modern life. Starting with coding boot camps in Lagos, Ajayi-Akinfolarin’s work quickly grew into a movement that aligned with national and global pushes for gender inclusion in technology. Her vision and dedication have since transformed countless lives, making her one of the most impactful advocates for the girl child in Nigeria over the last ten years. Starting with coding boot camps in Lagos, Abisoye’s work coincided with a broader national and global push for gender inclusion in technology, making her efforts both timely and transformative.
Pearls Africa has come a long way since its inception, introducing thousands of girls to technology while addressing the systemic challenges they face. From interactive learning models to community-driven projects like apps that connect fishermen to buyers and platforms combating female genital mutilation, Abisoye has not only equipped these young women with technical skills but has also instilled in them a sense of purpose and agency.
Ajayi’s work combines technology education, economic empowerment, and community engagement to address inequities at their roots. By focusing on underrepresented groups—particularly young girls and their families—she has created programs that not only teach technical skills but also foster sustainable support systems. This holistic model has earned her global recognition, including the CNN Heroes Award, BBC 100 Women recognition, and the ONE Women of the Year honour.
Pioneering Contributions in Tech Skills Development for Girls
Ajayi has built a remarkable career focused on economic empowerment for underserved and underrepresented groups through technology skills development. Her innovative approach to tech skills development has significantly improved student engagement and retention in her programs. A key component of her success is the Guardian Co-learning Model, which integrates parents—particularly mothers—into the learning process, creating a supportive environment that ensures sustainable outcomes for participants.
Ajayi also pioneered a framework for adapting foreign computer coding curricula to local contexts, making technology education more accessible and relevant for her students. This localized approach has enabled participants not only to master technical skills but also to apply them effectively to solve community challenges, further amplifying the impact of her work. Through these efforts, Ajayi has demonstrated a consistent ability to address systemic barriers and create pathways to opportunity for those who need it most.
Innovations That Shape Industries
One of Ajayi’s most significant achievements is her role in advancing public advocacy and fostering acceptance of women in technology. Her innovative approach to community engagement has not only inspired a cultural shift but also set a standard for nonprofits working to bridge the gender gap in tech. Several organizations now adopt her methodologies to enhance their own outreach and impact.
Through her efforts, Ajayi’s Pearls AFRICA has trained over 10,000 girls in technology skills and indirectly reached nearly two million people through her advocacy initiatives. These efforts have empowered individuals and communities which would naturally be left behind.
Her work has earned her multiple accolades, including being named one of the Top 10 Most Successful Women in Tech by BusinessWorld Africa and receiving the Female Social Entrepreneur of the Year award at the ELOY Awards in 2017. These recognitions highlight a national and international acknowledgement of the contributions of Ajayi to both the Economic Development and tech industry. Her ability to design and implement scalable solutions that address systemic challenges has made her a leader in the field. By blending technology with social impact, Ajayi continues to empower underserved communities while breaking barriers for women in tech.
Amplifying Knowledge Through Writing
Ajayi is the author of Empowering Future Tech Innovators: A Mother’s Guide for Inspiring Her Daughter’s Love for Artificial Intelligence, a book that teaches parents to introduce their children—particularly girls—to the transformative potential of technology. In addition to this, she has authored two practical guides aimed at helping tech trainers adopt her innovative engagement methodologies and adapt foreign coding curricula to local contexts.
Her essays have been featured in several national media outlets, establishing her as a thought leader and a prominent voice in technology and social impact. This recognition underscores her ability to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and real-world applications, ensuring her insights resonate with both industry leaders and grassroots practitioners. Her published works serve as valuable resources for advancing knowledge in tech skills training, empowering communities, and fostering sustainable development. Ajayi’s ability to distill complex ideas into actionable solutions has made her a go-to expert in her field.
Recognition by Peers and Institutions
Ajayi’s contributions extend far beyond her groundbreaking work in technology education. Her expertise has made her a sought-after advisor and speaker on issues of tech inclusion and economic development. Organizations like AltSchool Africa and CivicHive have invited her to join their advisory boards, recognizing her unparalleled knowledge in reaching underserved and underrepresented groups. Nkem Okocha, CEO of Mama Moni, a nonprofit focused on providing digital financial solutions to underserved women, credits Ajayi’s Guardian Co-learning Model with transforming engagement and impact within her organization.
Her work has also earned admiration from leaders in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem. Kunbi Oyedele, founder of SESEWA, one of the country’s pioneer internship placement organizations, highlights Ajayi’s visionary leadership, stating: “Abisoye must be applauded for starting a tech boot camp focused on girls in 2012 when such models were just getting started in the United States. This is a true testament to her genius and visionary ability. SESEWA has learned a lot from her methodologies in the last 10 years.”
Joba Oloba, Co-founder of the Nest Innovation Technology Park, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the lasting impact of her work: “I am not surprised about the global recognitions and the CNN Heroes Award because of the pioneering nature of the work that Abisoye has done and the impact it has left in the industry.”
Ajayi’s influence is not confined to nonprofits. She has served on the Ekiti State Economic Development Council and the Digital Economic Policy Commission of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, where her insights have shaped policies aimed at driving inclusive economic growth.
Her thought leadership has also gained international recognition. Ajayi has been invited as a session chair by the Nigerian Academy of Science and as a speaker at prestigious global events, including the Women’s Forum for the Economy & Society in Paris and the World Humanitarian Forum. These platforms have amplified her voice, allowing her to advocate for equitable technology access and economic development for marginalized groups on a global stage.
Broad Influence and Legacy
Ajayi’s influence extends far beyond the programs she has created or the policies she has shaped; it lies in the enduring legacy of empowerment and inclusion she has built. By equipping underserved and underrepresented groups with the tools to thrive in a technology-driven world, she has catalyzed systemic change that will resonate for generations. Her innovative models and thought leadership have not only inspired countless individuals to overcome barriers but have also provided a blueprint for others to replicate and scale her success.
