GirlsWhoPrint expands women’s leadership movement across Africa’s print, packaging sector

NIGERIA – Global nonprofit GirlsWhoPrint has intensified its push to elevate women’s leadership, innovation and ethical standards across Africa’s print and packaging industry, following a high-profile conference in Lagos themed “The Future of Print and The Women Leading It.”

The event convened women professionals, entrepreneurs and technology innovators from across the continent to discuss the future of an industry undergoing rapid digital and structural transformation.

The Lagos edition of the PrintHerCon series spotlighted the achievements and resilience of women driving the evolution of print, packaging and visual communication in Africa.

Conversations centered on sustainability, digital transformation, inclusive leadership and shifting market demands as the continent’s creative economy continues to expand.

GirlsWhoPrint, now a global network of more than 15,000 members, recently established its Africa chapter, marking a milestone in its mission to support female talent in a sector traditionally dominated by men.

The organization aims to help women break barriers, gain visibility, and take on influential roles in design, manufacturing, packaging and print technology.

“We believe that empowering women in print is not just about equality; it is about unlocking innovation, driving economic growth, and shaping the future of a vital industry that powers communication, culture, and commerce across the continent,” said Ayanfeoluwa Ibitoye, Regional Founder, GirlsWhoPrint Africa.

She emphasised collaboration as a key pillar, noting that the new regional network is designed to amplify women’s voices and foster mentorship and partnership opportunities.

“Everyone can learn from each other; that is the power of community,” she added.

Delivering the keynote, Patricia Ojora, CEO of Promo Print Ventures, urged women to embrace innovation and courageous leadership in an era defined by technological disruption.

She highlighted the pressures businesses face, ranging from sustainability requirements to digitalization, and called for leaders who can steer the industry with clarity and purpose.

Also speaking at the event, Tonya Lawani, CEO of Seal Group, encouraged participants to eliminate procrastination, calling it “an enemy of progress,” and urged women to pursue their ambitions boldly.

The conference included mentorship sessions, hands-on workshops, and expert panels covering digital advancements, sustainable print practices and leadership strategies, reinforcing GirlsWhoPrint’s goal of building a more inclusive print ecosystem.

Across Africa, the push for gender inclusion in manufacturing and creative industries is gaining momentum.

Recently, the Women in Packaging South Africa (WiPSA) network launched new training initiatives focused on digital print technologies, while East African print associations are expanding mentorship programs to support young women entering packaging engineering and graphics production.

These initiatives reflect a growing regional commitment to diversity and future-ready leadership.

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