Angela Wamola is one of the principal catalysts of Africa’s technology and telecommunications sectors, driving innovation, building next-generation leaders, and attracting sizeable investments to the continent. As the Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at the GSM Association (GSMA), she collaborates extensively with stakeholders to advance the mobile industry’s agenda.
“Don’t see yourself as a minor; see yourself as someone of great value. Define yourself, and don’t let someone define you.”
Angela Wamola
Angela Wamola – Strategic Vision
With over 20 years of experience in digital transformation, Angela has been instrumental in integrating new technologies to promote operational sustainability and strategic innovation. Her leadership at GSMA focuses on fostering partnerships and leveraging insights into regional and global industry trends to deliver digital services that connect communities and drive economic growth.
Angela’s strategic vision has been instrumental in attracting investments to Africa’s digital economy. Under her leadership, GSMA Africa published a report on the role of mobile technology in Nigeria’s digital economy, demonstrating that telecommunications directly contributed 8% to Nigeria’s GDP in 2023. The report suggested that the industry could increase coverage and adoption with an improved policy environment, triggering an extra 15 million internet users by 2028.
Catalysing Digital Transformation
Angela’s keen interest in technology has led her to thrive over the years in the mobile industry, having spent much of that time with Safaricom, where she started as a Network Planning Engineer and eventually led multiple departments within the technology division. Notably, she was the first and only senior woman in the division’s leadership team for six years.
During this time, she spearheaded groundbreaking projects, including the delivery of two undersea cables linking Kenya to the world, a milestone that revolutionised mobile broadband in Kenya. She also led Safaricom’s Network IP Transformation & Modernisation program, further enhancing connectivity and digital infrastructure in the region.
Championing Equality Through Mentorship and Empowerment
Beyond her technical achievements, Angela Wamola is deeply committed to redefining business in society for the benefit of all. She founded Safaricom’s Women in Technology (WIT) initiative in 2011 to address the challenges women face in the technology sector. This initiative, which continues to thrive, focuses on bridging the talent pipeline gap for women in the tech industry, advancing them from the classroom to the boardroom.
As a trailblazer in a male-dominated field, Angela understands the challenges women face in pursuing leadership roles in technology. She encourages women to embrace their potential and not allow societal expectations to limit their aspirations. “I am a woman aspiring to grow higher, and it is my hope that other women can do the same. Don’t see yourself as a minor; see yourself as someone of great value. Define yourself, and don’t let someone define you. I am happy with what I do and the value I add to our society, and I have learned not to let people define me,” she said in a conversation with Standard Media.
Her commitment to gender equality and mentorship has earned her awards, including the Safaricom Technology HEKO Award and recognition from Kenya’s ICT Authority for her contributions to women in STEM.
Advocacy for Inclusive Connectivity
Angela advocates for bridging the connectivity gap, with mobile connectivity available everywhere, and overcoming affordability and digital literacy barriers. She emphasises that speeding up the uptake of digital technologies is in Africa’s interest, as it has unchallenged contributions towards poverty alleviation by enhancing access to employment and education.
As she noted in a press briefing about the 4G and 5G networks in Africa, “We are at a point in time where if we do nothing as a country and take serious bold decisions as a country, we risk creating another digital divide that leaves Africa and her population behind because these the infrastructure will have to be built through a lot of capital, and capital is attracted by growth, by showing adoption, and uptake in the services that are given. Otherwise, we scare private capital from investing in Africa.”
Angela Wamola’s unyielding dedication to innovation, mentorship, and investment has made her a force behind Africa’s digital revolution. Her contributions continue to shape the continent’s telecommunication industry, creating a more connected and inclusive future for all.
As Women’s History Month reminds us of the importance of breaking barriers and accelerating action, Angela’s advocacy highlights how digital inclusion can be a game-changer for women and girls across Africa. Greater access to education, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities through technology is key to closing the huge gender disparities.
Article written by Adekunle Olugbenga