As Kanzu Code approaches its 10th anniversary, we’re reflecting on the incredible journey that brought us here. From being housed in a single room in Najjera to a thriving ecosystem of four companies (Kanzu Code Limited, Kanzu Code Foundation, Kanzu Code Inc., and Kanzu Finance Limited), our growth is a testament to the dedication of our team.
Today, we want to especially celebrate the remarkable women who have played a pivotal role in shaping our story.
Fostering a Culture of Inclusion from Day One
When I founded Kanzu Code, I wanted it to be a space where women could join and thrive in the tech industry. Joining the tech industry in Africa can be challenging, with hurdles like internet access, computer availability, limited supportive learning communities, and limited job opportunities. Gender bias presents an additional hurdle for women.
My wife’s role was pivotal in getting us started. Not only did she help lay the foundational stones—be it our brand’s identity with our logo and website copy, or our cultural ethos with our first hires—she also spearheaded our human resources and communications. Her impact has been immeasurable, setting the tone for a culture that values and uplifts women’s contributions. One of our early initiatives stands out: a software engineering role where we specifically sought female candidates. This resulted in two talented women joining our engineering team, one of whom has since become a lead engineer. Patricia also led the team to win the HiPipo Women in FinTech Hackathon 2020.
As of this Women’s Day, I was excited to discover that women constitute 50% of our team and 33% of our leadership roles. While some early efforts like targeted recruitment and the focus on creating an environment where talent can thrive regardless of gender likely played a part, we are not certain what specific factors contributed to this remarkable milestone.
Building a More Diverse and Innovative Tech Landscape
This milestone extends far beyond Kanzu Code. It’s about creating a more inclusive tech ecosystem across Africa. Every woman on our team becomes a role model, inspiring others to pursue careers in tech and dismantle the myths that hold many back.
I still recall being at a tech event and listening to ladies share their fear of joining tech because, as far as they’d been told, the work hours were too long for one to be a good wife, mother, friend or have a personal life.
What I’m thankful for
The Kanzu Code Women. For taking on the challenge and opening doors for others.
A Call to Action: Join Us in Shaping the Future
The tech industry in Africa has vast potential, but significant gender disparities remain.
This milestone demonstrates that intentionality and inclusivity can break down barriers and fuel growth.
Kanzu Code is actively seeking talented individuals to join our growing team.
If you’re passionate about technology and building a more inclusive future, we encourage you to explore opportunities at Kanzu Code Careers. Whether at Kanzu Code Limited, Kanzu Code Foundation, Kanzu Code Inc., or Kanzu Finance Limited, there’s a place for you to contribute your skills and make a difference.
Together, let’s build a brighter future for women in tech across Africa!What are your thoughts? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below! Share your experiences or suggest initiatives that you think would make it easier for women to join the tech industry. By working together, we can create a more inclusive and thriving tech ecosystem for everyone.