Building Stronger Connections Across the Continent

By Rukiye Altin, ACM-W Global Chair

I am excited to announce the launch of the ACM-W Africa Working Group, a new initiative dedicated to strengthening connections, supporting local communities, and creating more opportunities for women in computing across Africa.

This important milestone began with the first in-person meeting of this Working Group, held on 7 August 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, just one day before the ACM Celebration of Women in Computing in Africa (AfricaCWIC 2026). The meeting brought together ACM-W representatives and members of the African computing community to exchange ideas, discuss regional priorities, and explore a shared vision for the future of ACM-W in Africa.

Starting from the left: Audrey – Dorota- Karen – Rukiye – Arati – Krupa – Irene – Ghita – Oluwasefunmi – Timothy – Njeri- Alexandra

Africa is home to diverse and growing computing communities, each with its own strengths, experiences, and challenges. Establishing this Working Group represents an important step in bringing these communities closer together, increasing their visibility, and ensuring that the voices and needs of women in computing across the continent are represented in ACM-W’s global activities.

During the meeting, discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between countries and institutions, supporting the development of ACM-W student and professional chapters, increasing participation in regional activities, and creating more opportunities for mentorship, leadership, and professional development. Another important consideration was how ACM-W could better understand and respond to the different needs of communities across Africa, recognizing that meaningful regional growth requires local leadership, collaboration, and sustainable support.

AfricaCWIC 2026: Celebrating Women in Computing and Building Bridges

The timing of our first meeting made it even more special, as it took place just before AfricaCWIC 2026, held on 8–9 August at the University of Cape Town. The theme of this year’s celebration was “Building Bridges for Impact: Ubuntu-Driven Innovation by Women in Computing.”

Ubuntu is often expressed through the words “I am because we are.” And we could not think of a more meaningful message for both AfricaCWIC and the beginning of our ACM-W Africa Working Group. In many ways, this spirit of Ubuntu is also what ACM-W means to us. We grow because someone encourages us. We become stronger because someone believes in us and creates space for us. And the opportunities we receive become even more valuable when we share them and open doors for others.

AfricaCWIC 2026

Throughout AfricaCWIC, we saw this spirit come to life. We listened to inspiring talks by Dr. Anna Bosman, Prof. Omowunmi Isafiade, and Dr. Njeri Ngaruiya Ng’ang’a, who shared their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. 

The program also offered technical talks, workshops, panel discussions, poster presentations, and mentoring opportunities. But what made the event especially memorable was not only what happened on stage. It was seeing women and students connect, exchange experiences, ask questions, laugh together, and encourage one another. It was watching conversations turn into connections and seeing how much energy and inspiration a community can create when people come together.

These moments reminded us why the new Working Group matters. AfricaCWIC showed us what can happen when people have the opportunity to meet, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. Our hope is that the Working Group can carry that spirit forward long after the event itself ends.

I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the University of Cape Town and the wonderful local team for welcoming our community with such warmth. A very special thank you also goes to Krupa Prag, Njoki Chomba, and Busisiwe Ndlovu, whose hard work and dedication made AfricaCWIC 2026 possible.

I am equally grateful to Dorota Filipczuk (ACM-W Europe Chair), Alexandra-Cristina Dediu (Pătraşcu) (ACM-W Europe Vice Chair), and Timothy Pinkston (ACM DEI Chair) for sharing their experience and guidance, and to everyone who contributed to making this celebration a meaningful experience.

The Beginning of a New Journey: Introducing the Africa Working Group Members

We know that building a strong regional community takes time, commitment, and the efforts of many people. We also know that we are not starting from zero. Across Africa, dedicated volunteers, educators, researchers, students, and professionals have already been doing wonderful work to support women in computing.

Our hope is to bring these efforts closer together, celebrate what is already being achieved, and find new ways to support one another.

One of the most beautiful messages we took from AfricaCWIC was that none of us creates lasting impact alone. We build it through one another. That is Ubuntu. That is community. And that is the spirit we hope will guide the ACM-W Africa Working Group.

Starting from the left: Audrey – Oluwasefunmi – Krupa  – Rukiye  – Arati – Jodi –  Irene – Karen – Alexandra – Ghita – Dorota – Timothy 

We are delighted to introduce the members of the newly established ACM-W Africa Working Group, who will contribute their experience, perspectives, and commitment to shaping the future of this initiative:

Each member brings a unique perspective, and together they will help shape the direction of ACM-W activities across Africa.

We hope the Working Group will become a space where people across the continent can share ideas, discuss challenges, and contribute to the future of ACM-W in Africa. We especially want students and early-career professionals to have opportunities to participate, contribute their ideas, and take on leadership roles. After all, the future of this community belongs to them as much as to anyone else.

This is just the beginning, and we are excited to see where this journey takes us. We look forward to welcoming more people, hearing more voices, and growing together.

Together, we are building something truly meaningful!

If you wish to contact the ACM-W Africa Working Group, please email: acm-w-africa@acm.org