African Tech Pioneer Recognized as Global Hero for Human-Centered Design Impact
A Nigerian product designer’s innovative approach to making technology more accessible and user-friendly in Africa has earned her recognition as a Global Tech Hero by The Connected Awards, amid a challenging year for the continent’s tech sector.
Against the backdrop of Africa’s tech funding declining 22.7% to $2.21 billion in 2024 across 488 deals, Jecinta Fabiyi has emerged as a transformative force in bridging the digital divide. Her work addresses a crucial challenge: while broadband coverage exists for many sub-Saharan Africans, 61% still don’t use it due to barriers including affordability, digital literacy, and poor user experience.
At Youverify, a Lagos and San Francisco-based startup, Fabiyi’s design of YouverifyOS (YVOS) has revolutionized identity verification processes. Her work has helped scale the platform from 400 million to over 2 billion identities verified. The implementation of vFORM, her drag-and-drop onboarding tool, led to remarkable results:
– 300% growth in customer base, reaching over 400 banks and startups
– 1,000% increase in application volumes
– Contributed to securing $1M in seed extension funding
Her impact extends beyond compliance systems. At Sidekick Health, Fabiyi’s redesign of the Zanadio obesity treatment platform increased visitor-to-signup conversions by 10% and improved signup-to-activation rates by 12%. At Wunder Mobility, she enhanced fleet management systems to advance sustainable urban transport solutions.
Previously recognized as “Woman in Tech of the Week” by The Stack Journal and featured in Daily Times Nigeria, Fabiyi’s influence reaches beyond her corporate work. She actively mentors emerging designers, provides free resources through the Figma Community reaching 1,000+ designers, and shares industry insights via LinkedIn and Substack.
The significance of Fabiyi’s work is particularly relevant as African tech evolves. While traditional tech hubs face challenges, emerging markets like Uganda and Tanzania show promising growth (+304% and +108% in VC funding respectively). Her human-centered approach to design addresses persistent issues of digital adoption and trust that continue to affect the continent’s tech development.
The Global Tech Hero recognition affirms Fabiyi’s role in making digital services more accessible and inclusive for millions of Africans, marking not just a personal achievement but a milestone in Africa’s digital transformation journey.
