The 2023 Forbes Woman Africa Youth Icon Award has been presented to Ugandan entrepreneur and innovator Shamim Nabuuma Kaliisa.
The award, which was given to her during a ceremony held in South Africa, recognizes her as a role model for young women across Africa and the world. Nabuuma, who is 26 years old, is the co-founder and Director of Chil Artificial Intelligence Lab, a company that provides mobile cancer screening services. She is also the African representative to the Commonwealth Youth Council.
Nabuuma’s passion for making a difference in people’s lives through technology has led her to establish Solerchil Technologies, a company that produces solar-powered cold chain technology to help farmers and vendors preserve unsold food. Her achievements as an entrepreneur in the tech industry have made her a symbol of resilience and determination for women who are facing opposition and bias.
In her acceptance speech, Nabuuma dedicated the award to all women who are pursuing their dreams and aspirations, and she thanked Forbes Africa for recognizing her efforts.
“This award goes out to all women to show that they can make a difference in the world,” she said. “I would like to thank my team and the board for believing in me and supporting me throughout my journey.”
The Forbes Woman Africa Awards are designed to celebrate the achievements and resilience of women across Africa and beyond.
In addition to Nabuuma’s award, the ceremony recognized the achievements of other exceptional women, including Rwandan female referee Salima Mukansanga, who received the Forbes Woman Africa Sports Award, and Funmi Adewara, the founder of Mobihealth International, who won the Forbes Woman Africa Technology and Innovation Award. Michaela Mycroft also received the Forbes Woman Africa Young Achievers Award 2023.
Shamim Nabuuma Kaliisa’s win of the Forbes Woman Africa Youth Icon Award highlights the potential of technology to make a difference in people’s lives and the importance of recognizing and empowering women in the tech industry.
Her entrepreneurial spirit and determination are an inspiration to young women across Africa, and we hope that her achievements will encourage more women to follow their dreams and pursue careers in tech.
