Examining the experiences of women tech entrepreneurs in Nigeria

Abstract

Women play an important role in social and economic development in developing countries. This highlights their critical participation in entrepreneurship within the expanding digital economy. In Nigeria, women-owned enterprises significantly contribute to GDP and employment. However, these contributions exist alongside entrenched systemic barriers, particularly in the technology sector. Despite various government-led initiatives and programmes to enable entrepreneurship, women's engagement in tech entrepreneurship remains disproportionately low, with limited scholarly inquiry into their lived experiences and adaptive strategies. This study seeks to address this gap by examining the hurdles and adaptation approaches of female technology entrepreneurs in Nigeria, focusing on Lagos—a dynamic and economically pivotal city. Using an interpretivist research philosophy, the study adopts a qualitative methodology to provide a granular understanding of the socio-cultural, economic, and institutional contexts influencing women's participation in tech. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus groups involving female entrepreneurs across technology-related sectors such as fintech, edtech, and blockchain. The findings reveal pervasive systemic challenges, including gender biases, restricted access to finance and professional networks, and socio-cultural constraints. Despite these obstacles, the women entrepreneurs studied demonstrate resilience, innovative problem-solving, and global market engagement as strategies for overcoming structural impediments. These adaptive strategies underscore the interplay between agency and structure in shaping entrepreneurial trajectories. This research contributes to the discourse on women in technology entrepreneurship in Sub-Saharan Africa by providing a context-rich analysis of the Nigerian experience. The study offers actionable insights for policymakers, educators, and industry stakeholders, advocating for the implementation of gender-sensitive policies, improved financial access, and targeted digital skills training. Beyond advancing theoretical perspectives, the findings lay a practical foundation for increasing inclusivity and driving economic growth in the tech sector, aligning with broader development objectives.

Date of Award	9 Dec 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Bristol
Supervisor	Gerasimos Balis (Supervisor) & Stephanie Decker (Supervisor)