Titans of Tech 2025 Panel Preview: Women Who Code, Build & Disrupt

As the countdown begins to the 2025 Titans of Tech Conference and Expo, anticipation is rising for one of the most powerful and timely sessions of the event: “Women Who Code, Build and Disrupt – Breaking Barriers in Leadership.” This compelling panel, set to spark essential dialogue and drive bold action, brings together some of the most influential female leaders shaping Africa’s digital future.

Scheduled as part of the main conference agenda, the panel aims to spotlight the persistent gender leadership gap in technology—and amplify the voices of women who are rewriting the rules.

Moderated by award-winning tech journalist Funmilola Gboteku of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the session promises deep insights, real stories, and forward-thinking strategies for accelerating female leadership in the digital space. With over 13 years in journalism, Funmilola has championed inclusive narratives and played a critical role in shaping public discourse around Nigeria’s digital transformation.

Panel Powerhouses

Oreoluwa Lesi, Founder of the Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC), will headline the session with her experience building a pipeline of over 50,000 empowered young women through coding, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship. A recognized force in digital inclusion and youth empowerment, Oreoluwa’s insights are rooted in decades of experience navigating and dismantling systemic barriers.

Deborah Oni, Founder of Hilton Innovation Hub, will bring her ecosystem-wide perspective to the panel. As a software developer and innovation leader, Deborah is at the forefront of driving scalable solutions and championing women-led startups. Her Hub is known for building capacity, funding innovation, and fostering mentorship in the African tech space.

Linda Obi, Co-founder of Zuri Circle, is shaping Africa’s tech workforce through her innovative approach to skills development and talent placement. Her commitment to bridging the digital divide, particularly for women and youth, has made her a recognized voice for inclusion, equity, and digital empowerment.

Happiness Obioha, CEO of Tizel Cybersecurity, rounds out the panel with her inspiring journey from coder to cybersecurity boss. As a leader in digital safety and strategy, Happiness brings a powerful message about resilience and the urgency of closing the gender gap in cybersecurity and tech leadership at large.

Breaking the Mold

The “Women Who Code, Build and Disrupt” session is more than a panel—it’s a movement. It’s about rewriting the tech playbook to ensure that leadership in Africa’s digital economy reflects its full talent pool. These women are not only succeeding in their fields—they are transforming them.

According to the conference convener, Don Pedro Aganbi, this session is designed to “challenge outdated norms, showcase lived experiences, and celebrate the women who are defining what leadership in African tech looks like today—and tomorrow.”

The 2025 Titans of Tech Conference and Expo, themed “Game Changers – Shaping the Future of Technology,” is set to host industry titans, disruptors, policymakers, and innovators from across Africa.

The event will hold July at the prestigious Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria and will feature exhibitions, fireside chats, award presentations, and conversations that matter.

This panel is one to circle in bold.