Marlene Mhangami is a Zimbabwean software engineer, technology entrepreneur, and advocate for STEM education and gender equality in the technology sector across Africa. She is widely recognized for her leadership roles in various tech initiatives and her efforts to empower young people and women in technology.
Early Life and Education Mhangami developed an early interest in technology and pursued studies in software engineering. Her foundational education equipped her with the technical skills and vision to embark on a career focused on innovation and community building within the tech space.
Career and Initiatives Mhangami has founded and co-founded several impactful organizations and initiatives aimed at fostering technological literacy and entrepreneurship in Zimbabwe and beyond.
- ZimCode: She co-founded ZimCode, an initiative dedicated to teaching programming skills to young people in Zimbabwe. This program aimed to demystify coding and make it accessible to a broader audience, thereby building a local talent pipeline for the tech industry.
- Google Women Techmakers (Zimbabwe Chapter): Mhangami founded the Zimbabwean chapter of Google's Women Techmakers, a global program providing visibility, community, and resources for women in technology. Under her leadership, the chapter has organized numerous events, workshops, and networking opportunities to support and inspire women pursuing careers in tech.
- World Economic Forum Global Shapers Community (Harare Hub): She serves as a co-founder and CEO of the Harare Hub of the World Economic Forum's Global Shapers Community. This community comprises young people driving dialogue, action, and change. Through this platform, Mhangami has led projects focused on social impact, economic development, and technological advancement.
- Data Science Zimbabwe: Mhangami is a board member of Data Science Zimbabwe, an organization dedicated to promoting data science education and application within the country. Her involvement helps to shape the direction of data science initiatives and foster a community of practitioners.
Advocacy and Recognition Mhangami is a vocal advocate for increasing access to quality STEM education and promoting greater participation of women and girls in technology fields. Her work addresses critical gaps in the African tech ecosystem, aiming to equip the next generation with the skills needed to drive innovation and solve local challenges.
Her contributions have garnered international recognition. In 2024, Marlene Mhangami was featured in the prestigious Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list, acknowledging her as one of the continent's most influential young leaders and innovators. This recognition highlights her significant impact and potential to continue shaping the future of technology and youth empowerment in Africa.
See Also
- Women in STEM
- Technology in Africa
- Software Engineering