African women driving innovation: From barriers to breakthroughs

Driven by the AI Movement of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University and funded by the OCP Foundation, UNESCO supported the “African Women in Tech and AI” (AWITAI) project. The initiative aims to train 150 African women entrepreneurs  from 35 African countries in AI and data science skills, provide tailored incubation opportunities, and build a pan-African network of women changemakers in tech. From this cohort, a panel of UNESCO and AI Movement specialists selected 30 standout entrepreneurs to receive financial grants — ranging from approximately 10,000 to 30,000 USD — alongside strategic mentoring, fundraising coaching and bespoke technical. 

Jihane Ouhejjou is one of the women who benefitted from the programme and is harnessing innovation to improve her community and environment. The support provided by UNESCO was instrumental in helping her structure her company’s vision and accelerate the transition from concept to prototype.

Ouhejjou is from drought prone Morocco. Across Africa, between 20% and 40% of water gets lost during distribution through waterpipes. Concerned about this continent-wide problem, Ouhejjou developed an AI system that reduces water losses during distribution.