Nigeria, Dec. 9 -- A lack of competence does not hold back women in technology, but rather a persistent visibility gap, according to Abiola Laseinde, founder of the CIO and C-Suite Awards.

She remarked at a press briefing on Monday, while discussing the gender imbalance that continues to shape recognition and leadership opportunities in Africa's technology ecosystem.

Ms Laseinde said the Nigerian-hosted awards were created to spotlight professionals who drive innovation across industries, especially those whose contributions became indispensable during the COVID-19 pandemic. She noted that, although the awards have received entries from at least 15 African countries over the past five years, women remain significantly underrepresented a...