Irene Phoebe Kiwia, a seasoned Tanzanian entrepreneur with over 17 years of experience in media, communication, and technology, is a pivotal figure in Africa’s growing tech ecosystem. Based in South Africa, Kiwia co-founded Adanian Labs, a tech venture studio that has become a significant force in fostering digital innovation across the continent. As the Chief Growth Officer of Adanian Labs, Kiwia plays a critical role in the creation, development, and scaling of technology startups, many of which focus on areas like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Her efforts have positioned her as a key player in Africa’s digital transformation, where she continues to support the growth of high-impact tech companies.
Adanian Labs: A Tech Incubator Shaping Africa’s Digital Future
Adanian Labs, founded in 2020, operates as a high-impact tech venture studio that has already made significant strides in the African tech landscape. The venture studio emphasizes the creation of innovative tech startups and focuses on helping these businesses scale their operations. Through expert software engineering support and tailored solutions, Adanian Labs has played a vital role in developing more than 40 tech startups. These companies are positioned to drive Africa’s technological advancement, especially in fields like AI, IoT, and blockchain, which are critical for the continent’s future digital economy.
To further boost the capabilities of African tech teams, Adanian Labs also provides a wide range of training programs. These include short courses, boot camps, and masterclasses in essential areas such as software development, data science, IoT, AI, and blockchain. These programs aim to equip tech professionals and entrepreneurs with the skills they need to navigate and succeed in a rapidly evolving digital world. Adanian Labs goes beyond technical training, offering a comprehensive suite of services that include legal support, financial planning, human resources, technology management, and marketing, all of which contribute to a startup’s success.
A Strong Advocate for Women and Technology
Kiwia’s influence extends beyond her work at Adanian Labs. She is a committed advocate for women’s empowerment and leadership, particularly in the fields of technology and entrepreneurship. As a member of Top Tier Impact, a global ecosystem of investors and entrepreneurs, Kiwia is part of a network that seeks to create positive social and environmental impact worldwide. Her role as the Tanzanian ambassador for the Women in Africa Initiative reflects her dedication to championing African women in various sectors, particularly in the tech industry. Additionally, she is an advisory board member of African Women in Energy and Power, further solidifying her commitment to gender equality and the promotion of women in leadership roles across different industries.
A Journey of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Before founding Adanian Labs, Irene Kiwia had already established herself as a successful entrepreneur in Africa’s tech scene. In 2006, she founded Frontline Media Africa, a pan-African media and communications firm that primarily focuses on technology and communications solutions across the continent. This firm laid the foundation for her later ventures in the tech sector, where she has continued to innovate.
Kiwia’s commitment to empowering women in technology led her to launch Twaa in 2017, a unique AI-powered platform designed to facilitate knowledge-sharing and mentorship among women and girls in Africa. Twaa offers a space for African women to connect, share knowledge, and receive mentorship, helping to close the gender gap in education and professional development. This platform embodies Kiwia’s dedication to uplifting women and promoting their active participation in the tech industry.
In 2019, Kiwia founded eCOBba, a fintech company that leverages AI to drive financial inclusion across Africa. eCOBba provides financial tools and services to underserved communities, helping them access digital financial solutions that were previously out of reach. Two years later, in 2021, she launched The Africa Blockchain Center, a Web 3 company aimed at developing blockchain skills and solutions for the African market. This initiative underscores Kiwia’s forward-thinking approach to technological advancements, ensuring that Africa remains competitive in the global digital economy.
Academic and Professional Recognition
Irene Kiwia’s academic background is rooted in international relations and public administration, having earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dar es Salaam in 2004. She later pursued a master’s degree in Marketing, which she completed in 2011. Her academic qualifications have undoubtedly contributed to her strategic approach to business and technology.
Her achievements have not gone unnoticed. In 2015, she was honored as the Africa Woman of the Year by Africa Reconnect, a pan-African platform dedicated to women’s empowerment and girls’ education. This recognition is a testament to her continued efforts to uplift African women and make significant strides in technology and entrepreneurship.
Paving the Way for Africa’s Tech Revolution
Irene Kiwia’s journey is one marked by innovation, leadership, and a profound commitment to technology’s role in transforming Africa. Through Adanian Labs, her various entrepreneurial ventures, and her advocacy for women in technology, she has made a lasting impact on the continent’s tech landscape. Kiwia’s work demonstrates how technology can be harnessed to drive economic growth, foster innovation, and create opportunities for future generations, especially in emerging markets like Africa. As she continues to lead initiatives that focus on AI, blockchain, and other digital innovations, Kiwia remains a driving force in shaping Africa’s tech future.
