The blockchain and cryptocurrency sector, long perceived as a male-dominated industry, is witnessing a powerful shift. A new generation of women is carving out space and leading the charge in one of Nigeria’s most dynamic and fast-growing industries. From building innovative solutions to empowering other women to embrace blockchain, these eight trailblazers are rewriting the narrative.
1. Faith Obafemi: Pioneering Blockchain Legal Solutions
Faith Obafemi is at the forefront of bridging blockchain technology and the legal world. As a digital international lawyer specializing in blockchain, cryptocurrency, and emerging technologies, she has helped countless projects navigate the murky waters of crypto regulations through her consulting firm, Future-Proof Intelligence (FINT).
Obafemi’s expertise extends to automating legal documents integrated with smart contracts using Ethereum-based OpenLaw, making legal processes more efficient and transparent. Notably, she contributed to the Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) section of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Payment System Vision 2030.
A Research Fellow at the African Academic Network on Internet Policy (AANOIP), she combines in-depth research with practical applications. Her thought leadership has earned her a spot on the cover of Legal Business World, highlighting her global influence. Obafemi, an alumnus of the University of Benin and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, is also a prolific writer, using her voice to demystify blockchain technology for the masses.
2. Ruth Iselema: Redefining Crypto Exchange Leadership
Ruth Iselema is breaking barriers as the co-founder and CEO of Bitmama, Nigeria’s first woman-led cryptocurrency exchange. Under her leadership, Bitmama has expanded across Africa, Europe, and the US, cementing itself as a trailblazer in blockchain adoption.
Her innovative approach addresses Nigeria’s unique challenges by designing blockchain-based solutions tailored to industries like finance, healthcare, and supply chain management. A pharmacist by training from Central University Accra, Ghana, Iselema transitioned into entrepreneurship in 2013, becoming a beacon for women aspiring to join the fintech revolution.
3. Olayinka Odeniran: Empowering Black Women in Blockchain
As co-founder of the Black Women Blockchain Council, Olayinka Odeniran has dedicated herself to increasing the participation of young girls and black women in blockchain and fintech. Her initiative, International Women of Blockchain (IWB), provides an all-women speaker platform to explore blockchain’s impact globally.
With over 17 years in compliance, Odeniran brings invaluable expertise in navigating complex international regulations. Her academic achievements include a bachelor’s from Boston University and a master’s in Cybersecurity Management and Policy. A seasoned voice in blockchain conferences, she continues to inspire with her vision of an inclusive blockchain industry.
4. Sarah Idahosa: Building Communities in Web3
Sarah Idahosa is a force to reckon with in Web3 community building and education. She founded Women in DeFi, a platform equipping women with the knowledge and tools to thrive in the Web3 space by leveraging their existing Web2 skills.
In her role as Partnership and Community Growth Lead at Mansa, a DeFi platform for cross-border payments, Idahosa fosters innovative solutions to global financial challenges. Collaborating with top tech entities like Cassava Network and Mara, she exemplifies leadership in a rapidly evolving ecosystem. With an MBA from Nexford University, she balances business acumen with tech expertise.
5. Deborah Ojengbede: Innovating Decentralized Systems
Deborah Ojengbede co-founded the AFEN Blockchain Network, focusing on creating decentralized systems that promote transparency. With her banking background, she seamlessly merges traditional financial knowledge with blockchain’s potential to revolutionize operations. Her work underscores the transformative power of blockchain in reshaping industries, including real estate and education.
6. Oluchi Enebeli: Engineering Blockchain Success
As one of Nigeria’s first female blockchain engineers, Oluchi Enebeli’s journey is nothing short of inspirational. She co-founded Crevatal, a Web3 design agency, and Web3 Ladies, a community dedicated to increasing female participation in blockchain.
Enebeli’s portfolio includes roles with Binance, Crypto.com, and Bundle, showcasing her prowess in developing cutting-edge solutions. Her experience in hackathons and as a blockchain engineer at Sterling Bank has set her apart. Through her work with Nestcoin and other platforms, she continues to lead impactful blockchain initiatives.
7. Doris Ojuedeire: Championing Blockchain for African Women
Doris Ojuedeire is the visionary behind Blockchain Ladies Africa (BAL), a community uniting over 3,000 African women in blockchain education. A skilled entrepreneur and business advisor, she uses her platform to highlight blockchain as a tool for empowerment. Ojuedeire’s efforts extend to mentoring and advocating for greater inclusion of African women in technology, solidifying her as a pioneer in the space.
8. Grace Olayinka: A Mentor and Innovator in Blockchain Development
Grace Olayinka’s journey from a front-end developer to a blockchain app developer is a testament to her determination and skill. Over the past five years, she has delivered innovative solutions across various software platforms, including Web3.
Olayinka is passionate about knowledge-sharing, having trained over 1,500 individuals in skills like Python and frontend development through collaborations with organizations like Google CS First and Tech4Teens. A Federal University of Technology Akure graduate, she is a sought-after speaker and mentor in the blockchain industry, helping shape the next generation of tech talent.
Breaking Barriers, Building Futures
These eight women are not just thriving in a male-dominated space—they are paving the way for others to follow. Through their diverse skills and unrelenting drive, they are transforming Nigeria’s blockchain industry and inspiring a new era of inclusivity and innovation. Their journeys remind us that the future of blockchain is not just about technology—it’s about the people bold enough to drive its evolution.
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