The response was huge. Nominations came in from across the industry, showing how many people value the women they collaborate with every day. It also showed us how much of this ecosystem is being built through shared effort, respect,inclusion and collaboration. This article brings that story together.

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The WoW3 series revealed something worth noting. Across Africa, women are playing a defining role in shaping Web3, not in contrast to the men building alongside them or as a separate category of contributors but as part of the core engine that keeps this space moving. Their work has always been here. The series simply echoed the fact.

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Here’s the thing, women have been and continue to show up across the entire spectrum, amplifying what it takes to build in Web3. From community onboarding, to technical problem solving, product thinking, design, operations, team support and everything in between. They contribute in ways that bring structure, clarity, and intention to an industry that moves fast, breaks often, and demands resilience. We assert this not to claim these roles solely for women but to recognise that their contribution, which in many fields goes unnoticed, is meaningful and foundational.

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Another moment that stood out came from the nominations themselves. Many men across the ecosystem put forward the women they work with. Their nominations reflected genuine respect. They recognised leadership, technical skill, creativity, accountability and a level of consistency that keeps teams grounded. That kind of support strengthens culture and makes ecosystems inclusive and healthier for everyone.

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For our women-led team curating this series, seeing the breadth of talent across the continent was inspiring. The leadership, ambition and creativity coming from women in Web3 is undeniable. Their work brings perspective and a steady kind of resilience that often becomes the difference between progress and stagnation.

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And the path forward is wide open. Increasing women’s presence in technical leadership, expanding ownership opportunities, encouraging founders and building strong mentorship networks will strengthen the ecosystem. These steps are not about optics. They make teams more effective and products more resilient.

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Most importantly, this moment feels like a beginning rather than a peak. Many of the women featured in this series are still in the early stages of their careers. With the current momentum, they will lead major ecosystems, build companies that shape markets, and influence how Web3 is adopted across Africa, not as a separate movement, but as part of the collective effort to build the industry forward. Ours is to guide, support and create safe rooms for them to not only follow the footsteps but to surpass what we can achieve.

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Investors will adjust. Narratives will shift. The global view will eventually reflect what is already happening here. The work is already in motion.

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These women are not a footnote in the story of African Web3. They are part of the engine that keeps it moving. Builders, thinkers and leaders whose presence strengthens the teams and communities they touch. Supported by colleagues who recognise their value and by an ecosystem that grows stronger when everyone has room to contribute.

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For women stepping into Web3

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For women looking to break into Web3, a few key factors can make the journey easier:

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1. Start by staying curious and showing up consistently. The space moves quickly, but it becomes far less intimidating when you find an entry point and follow it with intention.

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2. Learn the basics, then get hands-on. Join communities, ask questions, make small contributions and grow from there. Reach out to people who inspire you. Most of the industry is more open than it looks from the outside.

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3. Focus on building skills that solve real problems. Whether it is design, engineering, product, community or content, the ecosystem values people who take action. Try things. Ship something. Share your work. Even early attempts can open doors.

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4. Surround yourself with people who build with clarity and purpose. The right environment will accelerate you more than any tool or tutorial. And remember that leadership does not always need volume. You can influence a team through steadiness, intention and reliable follow-through.

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5. Above all, trust your voice. It has weight. The ecosystem grows stronger every time a woman steps into it with focus and confidence.

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There has never been a better time for women to enter this ecosystem. The momentum is real, the opportunities are growing, and the impact is visible. If you are ready to learn, build, contribute and grow, this space will meet you with possibilities. The next chapter of African Web3 will be shaped by the women who decide to step into it now.

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Meet the 25 Nominated Women

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‍Precious Maine - H.E.R DAO Lead, South Africa

At the intersection of tech and inclusion, Precious is driving change in the Web3 ecosystem by empowering women, builders, and voices that too often go unheard.

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‍Yaliwe Soko - Global Chairwoman of the United Africa Blockchain Association

A pioneer in every sense, Yaliwe is one of the few African women to have been deeply involved in blockchain since its early days, a journey that’s taken her from financial administration to ecosystem leadership.

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‍Professor Monica Singer CA (SA) (Late)

With deep gratitude and remembrance, Professor Monica Singer will continue to be remembered as a powerhouse in South Africa’s financial and blockchain transformation. She led the digital revolution of South Africa’s financial markets as CEO of STRATE for 20 years, championed blockchain innovation, drove adoption, education, and awareness across global and African ecosystems. May her legacy keep shaping the future she believed in so fiercely.

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‍Tebogo Nong - Cybersecurity Analyst & Blockchain Researcher, BidVest

Whose journey proves that creativity and technology can powerfully intersect. She continues to push the boundaries of creative tech through thought leadership and teaching on AI security, blockchain security, and cybersecurity compliance, inspiring others to explore the intersections of technology, creativity, and impact.

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Sandile M’remi - AI Training Facilitator, WeThinkCode. Co-founder of OffConnectX

Committed to leveraging technology for innovation, research, and community growth, Sandile continues to empower the next generation of Web3 and AI builders.

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Devon Krantz - Co-Founder and Chairwoman of the Board, Linum Labs

A strategist, founder, and operator who has been building at the frontier of decentralisation, AI, and human-centred systems design. She helps startups, protocols, and ecosystems bring clarity to complexity and structure to bold ideas, always with a bias toward action, sustainability, and empowerment.

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Sonya Kuhnel - CEO, Idatco Limited. Co-founder, Bitcoin Events & Xago

A true pioneer in South Africa’s blockchain journey, her work spans innovation and community. She continues to build, educate, and shape the Web3 space, and is instrumental in growing both access and understanding around blockchain technology.

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Jade Bishop - CEO, Linum Labs

‍‍An intentional and adaptive leader whose path through tech and Web3 is marked by depth, curiosity, and a bold commitment to building with purpose. Jade’s greatest strength lies in her deep desire to understand people, systems, and environments. She leads with curiosity, transforming challenges into opportunities for collective growth.

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Yande Nomvete - Operations Manager Africa, Binance

Stands at the centre of Africa’s fast-growing crypto ecosystem, brings deep expertise in how cryptocurrency and Web3 evolve within the African context and is intentional about creating pathways for women in tech.

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Sheila Waswa - C.E.O Chasing Mavericks, Convener Kenya Blockchain and Crypto Conference & Africa Stablecoin Summit

Passionate about driving blockchain innovation and adoption across Africa, with a mission to accelerate the continent’s blockchain ecosystem by supporting startups, educating markets, and designing go-to-market strategies for some of the world’s leading blockchain companies and exchanges.

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Tanya Knowles - Business Manager, Adhara

A strategist, operator, and global blockchain pioneer whose career arc spans the inner architecture of traditional finance to the disruptive frontier of Web3 innovation. Beyond transforming financial systems, Tanya is transforming another ecosystem just as important; women’s health and sustainability.

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Liseli AKayombokwa - Co-founder, ETHZambezi & BaseZambia

A multi-faceted artist, curator, and advocate for AI, decentralisation, and technology in the arts, Liseli is shaping Zambia’s creative and tech landscape with brilliance and purpose.

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Melissa Slaymaker - Global Partnership Director and Africa Regional Director at Women in Tech® Global

A connector, mentor, and lifelong champion for women in technology. She has built a career centred on people, connecting talent to opportunity, advocating for diversity, and championing the future of work. She often speaks on digital inclusion, Africa’s skills gap, and the power of representation.

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Sydney Jade - Head of Product Design at Silhouette

A Web3 specialist and resident Figma wizard. Her path has heartprints all over Web3 as Director of Design & Strategy and Product Designer. Her philosophy is grounded on designing for everyone, building with intention without breaking the human.

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Priyanka Khanduja - Strategic Partnerships,  BitMobile Tech

Strategic Growth Advisor, Brand & Business Strategist and Web3 and Blockchain Advocate. She works at the intersection of story and scale, crafting go-to-market strategies that connect emerging technology to real people, real use cases, and real demand.

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Lucy Manzi - Forex Associate at Kotani Pay

Delivers her expertise at the intersection of traditional finance and crypto, helping businesses move money faster, smarter, and more efficiently across Africa. Also wears multiple hats as a Stablecoin Payments specialist, Content Manager, and DeFi Researcher.

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Maite Lemekoana - Co-founder, OffConnectX & Member Africa’s Blockchain Club

A natural community builder, someone who creates spaces where people feel supported, encouraged, and able to grow. She is steadily building her career path at the intersection of finance, blockchain, and the growing world of cybersecurity.

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Abigail Munene - Marketing Lead / VP of Marketing at Kotani Pay

A dynamic Web3 marketing leader bridging the gap between bleeding-edge blockchain innovation and meaningful, accessible outreach. She is helping shape how Africa experiences crypto payments and stablecoin infrastructure, making complex fintech real and tangible through smart storytelling, data-driven strategy, and clear user journeys.

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Rebecka Marriott - Ops at PAID Network

A standout operator, product thinker, and long-time contributor to the Web3 ecosystem. She has spent the past five years working across some of the most complex parts of decentralized technology, from product design design to product development to operational strategy.

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Helia Marami - Blockchain Developer

With over four years of hands-on experience in Web3, Helia develops scalable backend systems and smart contracts built to withstand real pressure, not just happy-path demos. Her toolkit spans blockchain engineering, Web3 architecture, smart contracts, Ethereum, and backend systems.

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Susan Chileshe - Data Scientist, Vibe Coder, Mini-app developer.

A thoughtful builder and community educator whose work reflects both skill and purpose. She is a SheFi scholar, and an active contributor within ETHZambezi and Base  Zambia. Her passion lies in helping people understand blockchain in a way that feels practical, approachable, and relevant to their everyday context.

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Courtney Smith - Project Manager, Linum Labs

A Web3 Project Manager with 2.5 years of hands-on experience navigating the ever changing world of blockchain, community building, and decentralized projects. Because of her, project delivery is smoother, communication clearer and clients trust is gained more because she sets the standard. Courtney is one of the engines of Linum.

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Selma Brajlovic - Executive Assistant & Admin, Linum Labs

Whereas some roles support the work, Selma’s role as Executive Assistant supports the entire operation. She manages communication, priorities, schedules, logistics, and the countless details that allow leadership to stay focused. She takes initiative instinctively and resolves problems long before they ever reach anyone else. She is a force behind the scenes and an essential part of how Linum Labs operates.

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Selma Hrenovica - People & Culture Manager, Linum Labs

The heart of Linum Culture. Her strength has always been people. She listens with intention, supports with empathy, and brings stability and maturity into every part of the company. She sees the humans behind the work and honours that in every conversation. Linum feels grounded and connected because Selma is here.

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Perpeture Nyagonchera - Community Manager, Linum Labs

A community manager operating with intuition. She delivers with speed, creativity, and precision. She runs events from another country, negotiates with vendors, supports clients, manages suppliers, and operates Linum Labs socials with perfect timing across Web3 trends. Linum’s voice, presence, and momentum are stronger because of Perpeture.

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Reflecting Forward

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It takes a community to build, and Web3 is no different, especially when it comes to women’s leadership and inclusion.

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Women have always been at the frontlines of building, teaching, imagining, and leading. So to every woman in this ecosystem, featured here or not, we see you. We honour your work, your resilience, and the innovation you bring into every space you touch.

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This is only the beginning. As we continue spotlighting women building across Web3 Africa and globally, we challenge ecosystem builders, leaders, and communities to intentionally make room for more women who are showing up, delivering, and transforming the landscape. Inclusion and visibility should not be treated as simple values, but as catalysts. We all share the responsibility to push this ecosystem forward.

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