Women Poised to Upscale Digital Skills — Ugochi Emmanuel

Women are steadily carving a space for themselves in the fast-evolving world of technology, and many are now leading transformative changes across industries. At the forefront of this drive is Ugochi Emmanuel, Convener of the Women Entrepreneurs & Executives in Tech Summit (WEETS), who says her vision is to empower women to thrive in the digital age.

Emmanuel, who founded the summit in 2021, explained that her goal has always been to introduce young girls and women to technology and equip them with the skills to solve industry challenges. Speaking at the fifth edition of WEETS & Awards 2025, held at Radisson Blu, Ikeja, Lagos, she emphasized that resilience, courage and sacrifice were the pillars on which the initiative rests.

“Let me say it—it is all about resilience, courage and sacrifice. We have a vision, and that vision is to empower women both young and old. We are in our fifth year, and we are still pushing forward,” she told participants.

The summit is not just about talk; each year, it begins with a two-day boot camp where young girls and women receive intensive training. Participants also earn certifications, a step that Emmanuel says helps them validate their new skills and gain confidence in their abilities.

“When we started, we charged five thousand naira (₦5,000), but we realized that many could not afford it,” Emmanuel explained. “So, we made it free. Thanks to the support of several organizations, we are able to run these trainings without cost to participants.”

Her vision for women in tech extends beyond the conference halls. Emmanuel revealed that she is working on a book titled Digital Woman, an idea she has nurtured since her days as an employee. “What makes us digital? Without being tech-inclined, you are backward. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here, and though it is powerful, it still needs the human factor to push it forward. That is where the Digital Woman comes in—every woman has to be digitally compliant,” she said.

The summit also doubled as a platform for networking and recognition. Dignitaries from various sectors graced the event, lending weight to its growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading gatherings for women in technology.

Among those present were Dr. Morayo Afolabi-Brown, former Managing Director of TVC Entertainment and host of Your View on TVC, and Dr. Abimbola Zainab Onwuchekwa, a family life coach and public speaker.

Princess Olamide Odeneye, a cyber security expert, and Kesiena Ogheneruru, Chief Operations and People’s Officer at Zoracom, were also in attendance, underscoring the summit’s appeal to diverse professionals.

The WEETS Awards segment celebrated individuals, companies and organizations that have made significant contributions to women’s empowerment in the tech space. According to Emmanuel, recognizing these contributions encourages greater collaboration and inspires others to take action.

“Every year, we recognize those who have supported our journey and who continue to believe in the digital transformation of women,” she explained.

For participants, the event offered more than awards and speeches—it was an opportunity to gain mentorship, exposure, and the confidence to chase bigger dreams in the digital world.

By blending training, recognition, and advocacy, WEETS has become more than a summit; it is a movement designed to challenge stereotypes and open doors for women in technology.

As Emmanuel reflected on the journey so far, she described WEETS as both a mission and a calling. “This is just the beginning,” she said. “The Digital Woman is rising, and she will transform Africa.”

With five years already on record and hundreds of women empowered, the WEETS Summit is steadily shaping a generation of women who are not just participants but leaders in the global digital revolution.

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