Elizabeth Atekoja is an internationally acclaimed expert and innovator in digital transformation and innovator, whose leadership and expertise have spanned across multiple industries, including education, healthcare, and financial technology. Recognised as one of the trailblazers ino leveraging digital technologies to drive change, Atekoja’s outstanding contributions earned her the prestigious Tech Innovator by GAHAWARDs. In this write-up by EVELYN OSAGIE, x-rays Atekoja’s success story into the world of STEM and more.
The woman and her passion for technology
Elizabeth Atekoja is a digital transformation leader with a deep passion for innovation and emerging technologies. She sees herself as curious, compassionate, and ambitious. Her impressive career has earned her numerous accolades, most recently the prestigious Tech Innovator by GAHAWARDs in Nigeria, highlighting her leadership in reshaping the tech industry, with particular focus on the groundbreaking work she has done since founding FinancialRatesNG in 2020—designed to simplify financial decision-making for businesses and individuals in Nigeria. But what fuels her passion for technology and digital transformation?
Hear her: “I’m deeply passionate about innovation, emerging technologies, and digital transformation. These areas fuel my desire to create meaningful change, whether it’s through improving business operations, enhancing user experiences, or shaping the future of industries with cutting-edge technology. The ability to solve complex problems, push boundaries, and drive progress is what excites me the most. I’m also passionate about lifelong learning and personal growth. I believe that the journey of constantly evolving—both professionally and personally—is key to unlocking potential and making a real impact. This passion fuels my ambition to explore new ideas, adopt new skills, and stay ahead of industry trends.”
Being a woman, visionary leader
For her, being a woman, means embracing a unique blend of strength, empathy, and resilience. It’s about being multifaceted—someone who can lead with ambition and confidence while also nurturing relationships and showing compassion. As a woman, I believe in the power of continuously evolving, learning, and breaking barriers, both in my personal life and career.
She says: “It means being unapologetically myself – pursuing my passions, making an impact, and creating space for others to do the same. Being a woman is also about celebrating the diverse roles I play: as a mother, wife, professional, and individual. I’m proud of how these experiences shape me into someone who seeks to inspire others, lead with integrity, and foster a supportive environment for growth.
Ultimately, being a woman is about owning my journey, embracing my individuality, and supporting others along the way. It’s a beautiful balance of ambition, compassion, and self-awareness, all grounded in the belief that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. On a more personal level, I’m passionate about family, community, and nurturing relationships. These are the things that ground me and remind me of the importance of balance in life. Being a mother, a wife, and a mentor gives me a deeper sense of purpose and drives my desire to set an example of resilience, compassion, and determination for those around me. Ultimately, it’s the intersection of technology, personal growth, and meaningful connections that fuels my passions and motivates me every day.”
Growing up that impacted the woman I became
“Growing up in Shomolu, Lagos, I was fortunate to experience a blend of challenges and support that shaped the woman I am today. My parents instilled in me and my siblings the belief that there was nothing we couldn’t achieve with hard work, determination, and a positive mindset. They encouraged us to dream big and pursue our goals relentlessly, no matter the obstacles. This mindset has been a driving force in both my personal and professional journey.
“From a young age, I was taught to value resilience, curiosity, and empathy, which have become core principles in how I navigate challenges today. The experiences and lessons I learned growing up have influenced my passion for innovation and technology, as well as my commitment to leadership and progress. As I became a wife and mother, those early teachings remained with me, reminding me to balance ambition with compassion and to always strive for growth—both in my career and in my relationships. Growing up in Shomolu taught me to embrace every opportunity, face challenges head-on, and believe in my ability to create meaningful change.”
A career built on innovation, strategy
Atekoja’s career trajectory serves as a powerful example of how strategic thinking and innovation can drive business success in the digital age. Her ability to integrate cutting-edge technologies like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data analytics into business operations has positioned her as a thought leader in digital transformation. From leading pioneering projects in healthcare and education to implementing digital workplace solutions that improve operational efficiency, her leadership has transformed organisations, enabling them to adapt to the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Throughout her career, Atekoja has demonstrated a remarkable capacity to balance innovation with practical execution. Her ability to provide clarity in an often-complex technological landscape has helped organisations not only embraces digital change but also thrive through it. She is known for fostering a culture of continuous innovation, where technology serves as an enabler for organisational growth and adaptability in an era of rapid digital transformation.
Atekoja’s journey into engineering and STEM
“I wish I could say that my journey into engineering and STEM stemmed from a deep curiosity or a strong desire to solve complex problems, but in reality, it was more of an unexpected turn. I graduated from the University of Lagos with a degree in Physics Education, initially thinking I would pursue a career in teaching or academia. However, my career path took a different direction when I started working in the financial services industry as a marketing executive. During this time, I found myself collaborating on technology projects and serving as a subject matter expert for technology innovation. These experiences sparked an interest in tech, even though I didn’t yet fully understand how it would fit into my career.”
Atekoja’s expertise is grounded in a rigorous academic background and a passion for learning. Her educational journey reflects her commitment to excellence and a deep curiosity about the intersection of technology and business. “I pursued my MBA in General Management, at Hull Business School, UK preparing myself to take on leadership and operational roles, but it wasn’t until I relocated to Canada that I realized how I could combine my technical knowledge with my business understanding. It was this realisation that helped me find my true purpose and passion. The shift allowed me to blend my diverse background in business, operations, and tech, creating a unique skill set that set me on a path toward digital transformation and innovation.
In the end, it was this unexpected journey that led me to discover how deeply I am passionate about technology, problem-solving, and making an impact in the ever-evolving world of STEM.”
In addition to her academic achievements, Atekoja has contributed extensively to the field through her publications, such as “Leading Digital Transformation: Filtering Through the Maze”.
Impact on the financial technology landscape
Over the years, her research has focused on the intersection of machine learning, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing, shedding light on how these technologies can be harnessed to solve real-world problems. In the same vein, her impact on the tech industry extends far beyond her leadership in traditional business sectors. Through her entrepreneurial venture and pioneering work in financial technology FinancialRatesNG, which was formally recognised with the Tech Innovator of the Year 2024 award at the GAHAWARDs, she has redefined how financial data can be utilised to empower businesses and individuals. This recognition not only highlights her technological innovation in the fintech space but also underscores her role as a catalyst for financial inclusion and empowerment.
In a country like Nigeria, where access to clear and reliable financial information is often limited, Atekoja’s platform, which provides real-time, transparent financial insights, empowering users to make informed decisions in an increasingly volatile and dynamic market, is bridging crucial gaps in financial accessibility and decision-making.
Atekoja’s work reflects her commitment to using digital tools to foster economic independence and improve the financial well-being of underserved communities.
Bridging the gender gaps in the digital space
Indeed, there are still gender disparities even in the digital or technology sector in Africa. For Atekoja, this is actually a global issue, but in the context of Africa, she posits that the underrepresentation of women in the digital and technology sector is influenced by a combination of cultural, social, and systemic factors. She also speaks of a movement in Africa creating a shift in the status quo for women in technology; while adding that Africa has the potential of creating a more inclusive and diverse industry that benefits everyone.
In her words: “Historically, African societies have been shaped by traditional gender roles that often steer women away from technical fields and limit their access to education and opportunities in STEM. This cultural bias is reinforced by stereotypes that associate men with technical skills and leadership roles, while women are often expected to pursue careers in caregiving, education, or other roles deemed more “appropriate.” Additionally, there are practical barriers such as limited access to quality education, especially for girls in rural areas, and a lack of resources to support young women who are interested in technology. In some cases, women may not have the same access to mentorship, networks, or funding opportunities to advance in the tech space. “These barriers can make it more difficult for women to break into and thrive in the industry. However, despite these challenges, there is a growing movement in Africa to encourage and support women in technology. Organisations, initiatives, and programmes are emerging to provide training, mentorship, and opportunities for young women to enter the tech world. I am excited about the possibility of collaborating with these organisations, working to bridge the gaps in this space. By addressing these barriers, promoting education in STEM, and celebrating female role models, Africa has the potential to increase the participation of women in the digital and technology sectors, creating a more inclusive and diverse industry that benefits everyone.”
