Women4Africa Foundation is a UK registered charity that advances gender equality through education. We teach women in Africa and of African descent, across England, Wales, Africa and the Diaspora, the artificial intelligence, technology, financial and business skills they need to build, earn and lead.
Artificial intelligence is changing how work is done, how businesses are built and who gets paid. The women who learn to use it early will shape the next decade. The women left out will be shaped by it.
African women and women of African descent already run households, businesses and communities with extraordinary skill. Too often they are held back by stereotypes, missing networks and unequal access to technology, finance and training.
The Foundation exists to close that gap, and to grow the number of Black women in tech in the UK and across Africa. We do it through practical education, mentoring from women who have walked the path, and platforms that make their achievements visible to the world.
When one woman gains the skills to build and lead, her family and her community rise with her.
Each area maps directly to one of the four activities set out in our registered objects.
We teach women to understand AI, then help them put it to work. Learning is only finished when it is being used in a real job, business or community project.
Challenging the stereotypes and biases that hold African women back, by putting real achievement in front of the world.
Helping women start and grow businesses with the technology that larger firms take for granted.
Building bridges between women in the UK diaspora and on the continent, and opening doors to international markets.
Women in Africa and women of African descent, at every stage, from first steps with technology to established leaders ready to grow.
The Foundation grows out of the Women4Africa Awards, founded in London by Sam and Tola Onigbanjo to honour ordinary African women doing extraordinary things. The awards gave these women a stage. The Foundation gives them the skills, tools and networks to go further, all year round.
The first Women4Africa Awards are held in London, celebrating African women in the UK and across Africa.
Women4Africa wins the Community Organisation Award for Gender at the National Diversity Awards.
The 10th annual Women4Africa Awards and Empowerment Conference take place in London.
Women4Africa Foundation is a registered charity, number 1215366, turning a decade of celebration into year-round education.
Quick answers about the Foundation, our programmes and how to take part.
Women4Africa Foundation is a UK registered charity that promotes gender equality by educating women in Africa and of African descent in artificial intelligence and technology. It focuses on AI education and implementation, financial education, enterprise and mentoring.
Yes. Women4Africa Foundation is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales, charity number 1215366.
Our area of operation is England, Wales, Africa and the Diaspora. We serve the African diaspora across England and Wales and beyond, and women across Africa.
We teach AI education and implementation: how to understand AI and put it to work in a job, business or community project. We also offer digital and cyber skills, financial education, business training and mentoring.
Women of African heritage at any level, from complete beginners with technology to established professionals and business owners. Register your interest using the form on this page.
The Foundation grows out of the Women4Africa Awards, held in London since 2012 to celebrate African women. The awards won the Community Organisation Award for Gender at the National Diversity Awards in 2016. The Foundation turns that recognition into year-round education and mentoring.
Companies, trusts and community organisations can fund programmes, sponsor a cohort of learners, or partner on delivery. Use the partnership form on this page or email info@w4afoundation.org.
Professionals and founders in technology, AI, finance, business, trade or law can apply to mentor through the volunteer form on this page. All mentors complete our volunteer and safeguarding checks.
Yes. Our AI education and implementation programmes support Black women in tech in the UK, from women taking their first steps with AI to professionals and founders ready to lead. We also connect them with mentors and with women in tech across Africa.
Tell us how you would like to take part. A member of the Foundation team will reply by email.
For women who want to learn AI, digital, financial or business skills. All levels welcome.
For experienced professionals and founders who want to give time, skills or networks to women coming through our programmes.
For companies, trusts, foundations and community organisations that want to fund programmes, sponsor learners or collaborate on delivery.