Gendered Innovation in Nigeria: Assessing Female Participation in the Evolution of Artificial Intelligence and ICT Ecosystems

Abstract

This paper examines female engagement in Nigeria's AI and ICT sectors through a systematic review of scholarly literature, policy frameworks and industry reports. Women remain significantly underrepresented in ICT education, AI research and high-growth technology entrepreneurship, driven by socio-cultural norms, digital literacy gaps and inequitable access to infrastructure. Enhancing female participation is presented as a catalyst for inclusive innovation, with recommendations covering gender-responsive ICT policies, targeted STEM initiatives for women and support frameworks to bridge the digital gender divide.