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What if artificial intelligence could do more than automate tasks? Ethiopian computer scientist Rediet Abebe has dedicated her career to ensuring AI creates opportunity instead of widening inequality. From Addis Ababa to Harvard, Cornell, and UC Berkeley, she is helping reshape how technology serves society while breaking barriers for women and Africans in computer science.

Raheema Auwal-Panti founded PantiPads in 2025 after realising that conventional pads contain up to 90% plastic and take hundreds of years to decompose, while her region’s cassava processing industry generates exactly the kind of biomass waste that could replace them. Her project has now been shortlisted among 35 global teams for the 2026 Earth Prize.

Victoria Esinam Attipoe’s story is one of the clearest examples of what consistent, patient, and deliberate career-building actually looks like across a lifetime of work. From starting out as a hotel receptionist to becoming Division Head at Universal Merchant Bank, Ghana, Victoria Esinam Attipoe’s story is one worth telling.

From Rwanda to international acclaim, Sherrie Silver has transformed African dance into a global language. Discover how the award-winning choreographer is using creativity, culture, and community impact to inspire a new generation

From exposing fake football agents trafficking young Nigerian players to building one of Africa’s most influential media networks for women, Yemisi Akinbobola has spent years changing who gets heard in African media. Her journey blends journalism, advocacy, academia, and leadership into a story that continues to shape conversations across the continent.

Vera Songwe made history as the first woman to lead the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. But beyond the title, she helped push Africa’s economic conversations towards growth, trade, climate finance and long-term transformation.

Ibiso Wiseman Horsfall made history as the first female RTG crane operator at WACT Onne. Read her story of discipline, courage, and quiet determination.

Eloïne Barry is shaping how African stories move across the world. From building media systems to leading African Media Agency, her work is redefining visibility at scale.

Funke Opeke didn’t just build MainOne, she built systems. This piece breaks down her mindset, bold decisions, and why her thinking still matters today.

When we first heard her name, it wasn’t from a PR list — it was from Techwriteable’s founder calling her “a voice to watch.” From Microbiology to marketing, Paula Nwadiaro’s journey is part experiment, part evolution, and all heart. In this RefinedNG feature, she talks about her Techwriteable series, content that connects, and why curiosity might just be her superpower.