July 2025: Mrs Millicent Akotam Agangiba – African Female Researcher of the Month

Illustrative Image: July 2025: Mrs Millicent Akotam Agangiba – African Female Researcher of the Month
Image Source & Credit: University of Cape Town
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July 2025: Mrs Millicent Akotam Agangiba – African Female Researcher of the Month

Dr. Millicent Akotam Agangiba is a distinguished Ghanaian academic, award-winning researcher, and advocate for inclusive digital access. A Senior Lecturer in Information Technology and the former Head of Department at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Dr. Agangiba exemplifies the transformative power of technology in advancing equity, access, and innovation across Africa and beyond. With over 14 years of experience in academia, her career spans institutions in Ghana, South Africa, and Russia, where she has championed research in Human-Computer Interaction, Assistive Technologies, Web Accessibility, and Inclusive e-Government systems.

A Prestigious International Recognition

Dr. Agangiba gained continental recognition when she won the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award (2016), an honour bestowed on her in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa. She received a Doctoral Fellowship worth €5,000 for her impactful research titled:

“Investigating E-government Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities in Developing Countries – The Case of Ghana.”

This research explores the often-overlooked digital divide that excludes persons with disabilities from public digital services. Her work seeks to inform the design of accessible and inclusive e-government platforms in developing countries, and it stands as a bold effort to reimagine public service through the lens of equity and technology.

As part of a select group of 14 outstanding female scientists chosen from across Sub-Saharan Africa, Dr. Agangiba’s win highlights her exceptional academic excellence, innovation, and commitment to societal impact. Her project was selected based on its originality, scientific merit, and transformative potential—contributing to inclusive digital governance and social justice.

The L’Oréal-UNESCO fellowship programme has, for nearly two decades, uplifted more than 2,500 women scientists in 112 countries, and Dr. Agangiba’s selection is a testimony to her intellectual rigor, scientific leadership, and advocacy for inclusion in STEM.

Academic Background

• PhD in Information Systems
  University of Cape Town, South Africa (2020)

• MSc in Computer Science
  Tver State Technical University, Russia (2007)

Teaching and Academic Leadership

Dr. Agangiba began her academic career in 2010 and has held several notable positions:

• Head of Department & Senior Lecturer, University of Professional Studies, Accra (2023–2024)

• Senior Lecturer, University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa (2021–2023)

• Lecturer, University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa (2011–2021)

• Lecturer, Pentecost University College, Accra (2010–2011)

• Lecturer, Zenith University College, Accra (2010)

She has taught undergraduate and postgraduate courses in:

• Human-Computer Interaction

• Programming Languages (C#, Java, Python)

• Web and Database Systems (SQL/NoSQL)

• Computer Networking and Cloud Computing

• Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things

Research Interests and Expertise

Dr. Agangiba’s scholarly focus addresses some of the most pressing challenges in the digital age, particularly the marginalization of vulnerable populations in technological advancement. Her research covers:

• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

• Assistive and Inclusive Technologies

• Web Accessibility for People with Disabilities

• E-Government and Digital Inclusion

• AI and Emerging Technologies for Social Impact

She has published in reputable international journals and presented at global conferences, further amplifying the global relevance of her work.

Awards and Recognitions

• L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Sub-Saharan Africa Fellowship (2016)

• Don Norman Design Awards (2024) – for contributions to inclusive design in digital services

• Schlumberger Faculty for the Future Fellowship (2015–2018)

• Best Poster Award, European Conference on Digital Government, Portugal (2018)

Professional Affiliations

• Senior Member, IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)

• Professional Member, Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), Ghana

• Member, International Association of Engineers (IAENG)

• Member, Association of Information Systems (AIS)

• Member, Internet Society Chapter (ISOC)

Leadership and Advocacy

Beyond academia, Dr. Agangiba is a passionate advocate for inclusive digital policy. She serves as the Executive Director of Inclusive Tech Group, Ghana, a non-profit organization championing the use of technology to promote inclusion and accessibility for underrepresented communities.

She brings a global perspective and intercultural competence, shaped by her experiences across Africa, Europe, and Eurasia, with a deep commitment to ensuring that digital transformations do not leave anyone behind.

Conclusion

Dr. Millicent Akotam Agangiba is a trailblazer in the field of Information Systems and inclusive digital development. Her work not only advances scientific knowledge but also bridges the gap between research and real-world impact. Her recognition by the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Programme places her among the most influential African women in STEM, and her ongoing contributions continue to inspire the next generation of female scientists and technologists across the continent.