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“I stand before you not to flatter, but to sound an alarm dressed as an invitation,” he declared, stressing that the window for women to secure a meaningful stake in this technological revolution is closing faster than previous economic transformations.
Akano noted that while previous technological revolutions, ranging from fire and agriculture to industrialization and ICT; each created new economic power structures, artificial intelligence could trigger one of the greatest redistributions of wealth in human history. Consequently, he argued, women must move beyond participating simply as employees and consumers.
Citing data from Forbes' 2026 billionaire list, Akano pointed out that women account for only 481 of the world's 3,428 billionaires (roughly 14 percent), while occupying just 34 CEO positions (6.8 percent) on the 2026 Fortune Global 500 list.
In addition, LinkedIn research cited in his presentation showed that women accounted for only 26 percent of U.S. hires into AI roles in 2025, compared to 50 percent in non-AI occupations. He cautioned that this limited representation in AI leadership threatens to reduce women's influence over the digital systems increasingly governing business, healthcare, finance, education, and government.
Reassuring delegates that AI is not an indiscriminate job killer, Akano referenced World Economic Forum estimates indicating that labour market transformations could create 170 million jobs while displacing 92 million by 2030.
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“AI is not necessarily coming for women. AI is coming for tasks,” he stated, urging women to acquire high-value skills spanning AI, big data, cybersecurity, and technological literacy.
Akano outlined a four-tier progression model for the AI economy, user, operator, builder, and owner, emphasizing that while employment provides income, true leverage comes from ownership.
Addressing regional challenges, Akano highlighted an estimated $49 billion financing gap confronting women entrepreneurs across Africa, noting that the continent's primary barrier is not a lack of entrepreneurial talent, but a shortage of robust systems to turn ideas into scalable assets.
He pointed to African data as an untapped goldmine, urging women to build localized AI solutions tailored to healthcare, agriculture, languages, and consumer behaviour rather than relying solely on general-purpose chatbots. To execute this, he recommended a 12-month action plan encompassing technical upskilling, workflow automation, prototyping, and active mentorship within the tech ecosystem.
“For too long, women have been told: 'Ask for a seat at the table.' I want to go further. Build your own table,” Akano concluded.
In her welcome address, event convener Ugochi Emmanuel described WEETS as a growing movement connecting women across diverse sectors, including tech, finance, maritime, tourism, culture, and media to drive collaborative impact.
Emmanuel highlighted the summit's accompanying Advanced Digital Skills Bootcamp, which trained young girls and women in AI, cybersecurity, web development, and digital entrepreneurship. She specially commended Tim Akano and New Horizons for hosting the two-day bootcamp free of charge.
The convener extended appreciation to key partners and sponsors supporting the vision, including Digital Encode, Moniepoint, Quomodo Systems, Medallion Data Centres, IXPN, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), VDT Communications, Image Expressions, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Internet Connectivity Solutions Limited (ICSL), Infratel Africa, and the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA).
Looking ahead, Emmanuel announced plans to expand the initiative's reach through expanded device distribution, intensive mentorship, and enhanced business-support frameworks, urging stakeholders to turn innovation into lasting economic impact.
WEETS 2026 set to empower women for AI-driven future - ITREALMS
“AI is not necessarily coming for women. AI is coming for tasks,” he stated, urging women to acquire high-value skills spanning AI, big data, cybersecurity, and technological literacy.
Akano outlined a four-tier progression model for the AI economy, user, operator, builder, and owner, emphasizing that while employment provides income, true leverage comes from ownership.
Addressing regional challenges, Akano highlighted an estimated $49 billion financing gap confronting women entrepreneurs across Africa, noting that the continent's primary barrier is not a lack of entrepreneurial talent, but a shortage of robust systems to turn ideas into scalable assets.
He pointed to African data as an untapped goldmine, urging women to build localized AI solutions tailored to healthcare, agriculture, languages, and consumer behaviour rather than relying solely on general-purpose chatbots. To execute this, he recommended a 12-month action plan encompassing technical upskilling, workflow automation, prototyping, and active mentorship within the tech ecosystem.
“For too long, women have been told: 'Ask for a seat at the table.' I want to go further. Build your own table,” Akano concluded.
In her welcome address, event convener Ugochi Emmanuel described WEETS as a growing movement connecting women across diverse sectors, including tech, finance, maritime, tourism, culture, and media to drive collaborative impact.
Emmanuel highlighted the summit's accompanying Advanced Digital Skills Bootcamp, which trained young girls and women in AI, cybersecurity, web development, and digital entrepreneurship. She specially commended Tim Akano and New Horizons for hosting the two-day bootcamp free of charge.
The convener extended appreciation to key partners and sponsors supporting the vision, including Digital Encode, Moniepoint, Quomodo Systems, Medallion Data Centres, IXPN, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), VDT Communications, Image Expressions, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Internet Connectivity Solutions Limited (ICSL), Infratel Africa, and the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA).
Looking ahead, Emmanuel announced plans to expand the initiative's reach through expanded device distribution, intensive mentorship, and enhanced business-support frameworks, urging stakeholders to turn innovation into lasting economic impact.
Nkem Nweke/Editor
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