Meet the Absa Small Business Friday featured small business of the week – Pink Codrs Africa.
Pink Codrs Africa was founded in 2017 to address the worldwide shortage of female engineers, particularly in Africa, by empowering women to become digital technology experts and building a robust network of female engineers throughout the continent.
As the founder of Pink Codrs Africa, Mbali Hlongwane has dedicated herself to bridging the gender gap in technology by empowering women across Africa with essential skills and opportunities. For Mbali, the journey into entrepreneurship was driven by a deep-seated passion for gender equality in tech. “Recognizing the gender disparities in the tech industry ignited a fire within me,” she shares. This passion led her to establish Pink Codrs Africa, a platform designed to empower women through education, community, and advocacy.
Building Pink Codrs Africa wasn’t without its challenges. Mbali recalls facing moments where setbacks seemed insurmountable. “Resilience has been crucial,” she reflects. “I learned to adapt, pivot, and find solutions even in the face of adversity.” Through strategic partnerships, proactive grant applications, and community engagement, Mbali navigated challenges like limited resources with determination and foresight.
At the core of Pink Codrs Africa lies a philosophy centered on empowerment, inclusivity, and excellence. “We believe in empowering women through education and creating a supportive community where they can thrive,” Mbali explains. The organisation’s values of inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation drive its mission to foster a more diverse and equitable tech industry.
Mbali measures success not only by Pink Codrs Africa’s growth but also by its impact on women in tech. “Seeing the positive changes in our community is incredibly rewarding,” she says. Through coding programs, workshops, and advocacy efforts, Pink Codrs Africa continues to empower women to pursue and excel in tech careers.
As Pink Codrs Africa continues to grow, Mbali remains steadfast in her vision for the future. “We aim to expand our reach and impact more women across Africa,” she shares. With plans for scaling programs, forging new partnerships, and enhancing educational offerings, Mbali envisions a future where Pink Codrs Africa continues to lead the charge in empowering women in tech.
Mbali Hlongwane’s journey with Pink Codrs Africa is not just a story of entrepreneurship but a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to a cause. Through her leadership, Mbali is paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable tech industry, one empowered woman at a time.