This International Women’s Day 2026, we celebrate women who give solutions that create measurable impact. Another standout example is Ethel Cofie, a Ghanaian entrepreneur, IT professional, and the driving force behind Edel Technology Consulting and Women in Tech Africa.
Through her work, Ethel is giving opportunities, mentorship, and technology solutions to African businesses and women, and in return, gaining a stronger, more inclusive tech ecosystem across the continent.
From Student to Tech Leader: Early Inspirations
Ethel’s journey began in Ghana, where she discovered her love for technology after a simple yet life-changing lecture: “The computer is dumb; it’s only as smart as the one who writes its logic.” That statement stuck with her, sparking a curiosity that would shape her career.
She pursued a BSc in Computer Science at Valley View University, followed by a Master’s in Distribution Systems from the University of Brighton, and later completed an Executive Diploma in Leadership, Business, and Entrepreneurship from Yale School of Management.
Early on, she attempted her first tech venture in Ghana. It failed, and she lost her savings, but the setback didn’t stop her. Instead, it became a lesson in resilience and strategy. Combined with her professional experience across the UK, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone, including leadership at Vodafone Ghana, Ethel honed the expertise she needed to build impactful technology solutions.
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Edel Technology Consulting: Solutions Across Continents
Ethel’s entrepreneurial vision came to life with Edel Technology Consulting, a company she founded to help businesses harness technology effectively. From software development to digital strategy and business continuity, Edel delivers solutions that transform organisations across West Africa and Europe.
Her work is not just technical, it’s strategic. She helps companies create new revenue streams, optimise operations, and embrace digital transformation. Her advisory roles span multiple high-profile boards, including Old Mutual Ghana, Worldreader, Partech Technologies, and fintech KudiGo, as well as trusteeship of the STAR Ghana Foundation.
Through Edel, she’s not only providing IT solutions but building the infrastructure that African businesses need to compete globally. Giving these technological insights and frameworks allows businesses to thrive, and in return, Africa gains stronger, more resilient industries.
Women in Tech Africa: Empowering a Continent
Beyond her consultancy, Ethel is passionate about empowering women in technology. She founded Women in Tech Africa, now the continent’s largest network of its kind, spanning 30+ African countries and the diaspora.
Through initiatives like Women in Tech Week, mentorship programs, and Pan-African meetups, Ethel has created platforms that connect, educate, and inspire thousands of women in tech. These programmes offer training, networking, and leadership opportunities that were previously inaccessible for many women across Africa.
Her impact has earned global recognition: she is a Mandela Washington Fellow (YALI), shortlisted for the UN GEM Tech Award, named one of Africa’s Most Influential Women in Business (ICT), and recognised for Technology Excellence at the Glitz Africa Ghana Women Awards.
Ethel’s work embodies this year’s IWD theme: by giving mentorship, networks, and skills to women, she gains empowerment, visibility, and new leaders across Africa’s tech ecosystem.
Philosophy and Leadership: Learning, Sharing, and Resilience
Ethel balances her leadership with a disciplined approach to growth and wellbeing. She sets daily priorities, tracks progress, and integrates personal health routines into her busy schedule. Her mantra: “Stop second-guessing and just jump. Mistakes are part of learning.”
This philosophy informs how she leads Edel and Women in Tech Africa. She continuously learns, shares knowledge, and encourages women to embrace technology as a tool to create, innovate, and lead. By showing that failure is a stepping stone, she inspires the next generation to pursue tech careers boldly.
Her approach demonstrates that giving knowledge, opportunity, and mentorship multiplies impact. African women are gaining access to networks, guidance, and tools they need to thrive, while the continent gains a stronger, more inclusive tech leadership pipeline.
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Giving to Gain: The Legacy
Ethel Cofie’s story is a masterclass in the IWD 2026 theme of Giving to Gain. She gave technology, mentorship, and opportunities to women across Africa, and in return, she has gained influence, innovation, and a growing community of empowered leaders.
Her work proves that individual action, grounded in expertise and empathy, can create ripple effects across industries, communities, and continents.
Celebrate International Women’s Day by learning from leaders like Ethel Cofie. Follow RefinedNG for stories of African women driving innovation, empowerment, and systemic change and share their stories to amplify their impact across the continent.