Imade Bibowei-Osuobeni is a globally acknowledged policy advisor and advocate for an inclusive digital economy. She is a member of the eTrade for Women initiative, championed by the United Nations Conference for Trade and Development. Imade is also the visionary founder of Tech Herfrica, a social impact organization striving to break the cycle of poverty for women and girls in rural and underserved communities in Africa through digital and financial inclusion. In addition to spearheading the creation of an e-commerce solution called HerLocalMarket, which connects rural female farmers and traders to buyers, Tech Herfrica aims to empower these women to sell their products at fair prices, reduce food waste, overcome poverty, and integrate into larger societal frameworks.
The organization facilitates access to local technology, conducts digital financial literacy programmes in indigenous languages for rural women, and ensures access to mobile phones, non-interest finance, health, and agriculture insurance, and micro-pension plans for financial stability and well-being. Through its e-commerce initiative, Tech Herfrica has boosted the income of beneficiaries by an average of 56.6%, facilitating millions of naira in trade. Acknowledging the significance of digital connectivity, Tech Herfrica has distributed feature-rich and internet-enabled mobile devices to over 300 rural women. These devices empower beneficiaries to access market prices, monitor weather conditions for planting, engage with markets, and communicate with peers, transforming their ability to participate in trade and agriculture. The organization’s focus on mobile-enabled voice features ensures inclusivity, allowing women who cannot read or write to interact with their devices effectively.
Her leadership, supported by a vibrant and robust team, has earned Tech Herfrica prestigious accolades, including the 2023 SDG Digital Game Changers Award in the People Category from the United Nations International Telecommunications Union and the Impactful NGO Award from the Iconic Brand Awards. Imade Bibowei-Osuobeni’s contributions extend beyond social development. She was recognized for her work with the Government of Nigeria as one of the top 100 under 40 most influential people of African descent in 2023 in the Politics and Governance Category, commemorating the International Decade for People of African Descent proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly.
Imade’s numerous awards include the African Woman Industrialization Award (2022 Women of the Year), the FIST Africa Award for Social Development, the 2023 Global Women in Leadership and Business Award, the Visionary African Woman Award from the Lilian Ike Foundation, the Women Empowerment Champion Award from CSR Reporters, and the 2023 Business Leader of the Year from The Icon Brands Awards. Imade continues to inspire as one of the top 100 inspirational Nigerian women, a recognition she earned on 2024 International Women’s Day. Her multifaceted efforts embody a commitment to advancing digital equity, empowering women, and creating positive societal impact.
