Ruth Ikegah has swiftly transitioned from a microbiology graduate to a leading figure in open source advocacy within Africa. After finishing her studies at the University of Port Harcourt, Ikegah embraced an unexpected career path in technology, which transformed her financial and professional landscape. She pivoted from a management gig to acquiring a technical writing job with a $5,000 monthly salary.
Based in Lagos, Ikegah has earned recognition in the tech community, rarely engaging in coding despite being trained as a developer. Her advocacy for African involvement in open source projects has taken her to various countries and even led to speaking engagements with the United Nations.
Ikegah’s career in open source began amid the COVID-19 pandemic when she seized volunteer opportunities, including participating in challenges organized by Open Source Community Africa and She Code Africa. Her efforts were recognized with accolades like the GitHub Star award, the first for an African woman.
Beyond award recognitions, Ikegah focuses on supporting developers through open source programs, emphasizing inclusivity and community management. Her contributions to the CHAOSS Project under the Linux Foundation have increased African contributions, leading her to manage a regional chapter.
Ikegah actively consults for African firms on monetizing open source software and has launched initiatives to support Africa-led products. Her advocacy extends to mentorship and grant-funded research projects, working with global collaborators to enhance open source access in Africa.
As part of her mission, Ikegah regularly engages with students in Namibia to foster interest in technology, reinforcing her commitment to nurturing the next generation of African tech innovators.
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