NKEMDILIM BEGHO

Leading lady of Nigerian information technology

Founder & Managing Director of Future Software Resources

Country: Nigeria

Sector: Information Technology Services | e-Learning | IT Security

Nkemdilim Begho is founder and Managing Di­rector of Future Software Resources Limited, an IT solutions provider focused on online solutions, e-learning and IT security. As one of a few Nigerian women in the industry, her success is founded on a passion for driving innovative thinking, building a globally recognized technology brand and setting trends in the Nigerian Technology space. 

Respected and recognized as a leader in her industry, Nkem is regularly featured in newspaper and magazine publications and as an expert speaker on ICT in Africa. She’s a recipient of many awards including the Jim Ovia Prize for Software Excel­lence, and the Etisalat Prize for Innovation. She regularly volunteers for mentoring and empowerment programmes often sharing her experiences with young Nigerians and less privileged children.

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Nkem's Startup Story 

Nkem embarked on the first stage of her professional career in Germany at the Max Planck Institute (MPI) for Psychiatric Research in the department for Statistical Genetics and Proteomics, later working at Affectis Pharmaceuticals AG, Germany before returning to Nigeria. She graduated from the Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) & Technical University Munich (TUM), Germany, where she received a BSc. Hons in Bioinformatics. Her entrepreneurial journey really started with her company Future Software Resources, which was a business initially incorporated by her father, Chris Uwaje, Nigeria’s foremost IT policy maker, on her behalf with the intention that when she was ready, she would take it over. In 2008, she fulfilled that vision when she not only took over the reins of the company, but rebranded it and refocused it to concentrate on online solutions, e-learning and IT security. She has been at the helm of the business ever since....

Read more about Nkem's startup story →

 LoA loves Nkem’s start up story as it proves that if you have a powerful vision, believe in what you are doing, and make yourself stand out from the crowd in the marketplace, you can start small yet grow to become a major entrepreneurial success story. And, as we all know the world needs more savvy women in tech! --- Melanie Hawken, LoA founder & editor-in-chief

What's behind Future Software Resources?

"We are an IT services provider that is focused on online solutions, e-learning and IT security....Our focus is to become Africa’s ultimate IT solutions provider."

"At the end of the day, it all boils down to building a brand, a reputation, and figuring out how I can stand out from the crowd - the unique selling point."

"Be prepared to sacrifice, and to work harder than you’ve ever thought possible, Be prepared to work around the clock, to be laughed at and called a dreamer, and to be told several times that your ideas will not work."

Featured

Follow Nkem making news
Accelerate your Digital Transformation Journey, a must read for Board Members, C-level Executives and Business Owners 
Accelerate your Digital Transformation Journey, a must read for Board Members, C-level Executives and Business Owners 

by Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho

“At least 40% of all businesses will die in the next 10 years… if they don’t figure out how to change their entire company to accommodate new technologies.” — John Chambers

Digital Transformation is often pigeonholed as an IT topic or project that only concerns the CIO or CTO….but it is much more than that. It is really all about rethinking your business in the Digital Age.

100 LIONESSES: Nkemdilim Begho takes to the stage in Brussels to talk Technology and Job Creation, Growth and Competitiveness in West Africa
100 LIONESSES: Nkemdilim Begho takes to the stage in Brussels to talk Technology and Job Creation, Growth and Competitiveness in West Africa

This month, Nigerian serial entrepreneur Nkemdilim Begho, founder of specialist IT company FutureSoft and co-founder of children’s accessory brand AlwaysMe by Ann Li, had the honour of speaking in Brussels at a high level European Commission conference. The event, which sought to tackle issues around Job Creation, Growth and Competitiveness in West Africa, attracted 300 high-level representatives from the European Commission, Regional Organisations (ECOWAS and WAEMU), Regional Development Banks, National Authorities at Ministerial level, financial Institutions and private sector stakeholders. 

Nkem Begho: Women Also Do Well in IT
Nkem Begho: Women Also Do Well in IT

Source: allAFRICA.com | published 2 June 2014

Nkem Uwaje-Begho the managing Director of Future Software Resources is one of the leading female Information Technology entrepreneurs in Nigeria. This inspiring woman, with a humble, unassuming disposition is greatly contributing to advancing information technology in Nigeria. She originally studied Bio-informatics in Germany and began her professional career in Germany where she worked on high profile research projects for leading firms. She returned to Nigeria in 2008 and founded Future Software, now a leading IT services company. AllAfrica's Senior Reporter Anthonia Soyingberecently had a chat with her and she opened up on the many opportunities in Information Technology (IT) for women....

My father introduced me to entrepreneurship – Nkemdilim Begho
My father introduced me to entrepreneurship – Nkemdilim Begho

Source: The Sun | August 17, 2014 ·

Nkemdilim Begho is the Managing Di­rector of Future Software Resources Limited, an IT solutions provider focused on online solutions, e-learning and IT security. She is the daughter of foremost Nigerian IT policy maker, Chris Uwaje and early in her life, he helped her establish a footing by registering a company in her name without even knowing what she would become in future. Today, she has re-branded and transformed the company which now focuses on online solutions, e-learning and IT security. She’s a recipient of many awards including the Jim Ovia Prize for Software Excel­lence. Her charming personality and business prowess earned her a speaking opportunity at the prestigious Harvard Business School. In this interview with Sunday Sun, she said her goal is to be Africa’s leading IT solutions provider....

Nkendilim Begho listed by Forbes as one of '10 Female Tech Founders To Watch In Africa'
Nkendilim Begho listed by Forbes as one of '10 Female Tech Founders To Watch In Africa'

Source: Forbes.com | published 3/25/2014

In Africa’s burgeoning, male-dominated tech scene, women remain largely underrepresented. Yet there is a tiny handful of incredible women who are launching and building successful, innovative tech companies that are upending industries, setting new standards and earning their place at the cool table. These women create and innovate, exploiting ideas, products and services to produce dynamic businesses. Nkendilim Begho is listed as one of these pioneering women.

Entrepreneur Advice

Learn from Nkem's entrepreneur playbook

My top advice based on what I have learned in business....

"It’s crucial to listen to your customers. Deliver on time and don’t over-promise or under-promise or over-promise and under-deliver. I learnt to run my business very efficiently. It’s also important that you communicate and be responsive. Always remember that you are running a business and not a charity. Remember that you have family, friends and associates but always know that you are running a business."

- Nkemdilim Begho is founder and Managing Di­rector of Future Software Resources Limited, an IT solutions provider focused on online solutions, e-learning and IT security. As one of a few Nigerian women in the industry, her success is founded on a passion for driving innovative thinking, building a globally recognized technology brand and setting trends in the Nigerian Technology space.

It takes sacrifice and hard work....

"Be prepared to sacrifice, and to work harder than you’ve ever thought possible, Be prepared to work around the clock, to be laughed at and called a dreamer, and to be told several times that your ideas will not work."

- Nkemdilim Begho is founder and Managing Di­rector of Future Software Resources Limited, an IT solutions provider focused on online solutions, e-learning and IT security. As one of a few Nigerian women in the industry, her success is founded on a passion for driving innovative thinking, building a globally recognized technology brand and setting trends in the Nigerian Technology space. 

Get help when you need it and never make the same mistake twice....

"One thing I always tell myself and made my philosophy is to admit when I need help and I always find somebody to help. It’s crucial to admit it when you are wrong and never make the same mistake again."

- Nkemdilim Begho is founder and Managing Di­rector of Future Software Resources Limited, an IT solutions provider focused on online solutions, e-learning and IT security. As one of a few Nigerian women in the industry, her success is founded on a passion for driving innovative thinking, building a globally recognized technology brand and setting trends in the Nigerian Technology space. 

How to start up with limited capital....

"I started at the very basic and that is the module I have kept and practised over the years. We really never needed to raise capital. It’s been basically about re-investing in my business and not taking much money out…. we started very small and very basic and we only spent on things that were really necessary and not things we would like to have."

- Nkemdilim Begho is founder and Managing Di­rector of Future Software Resources Limited, an IT solutions provider focused on online solutions, e-learning and IT security. As one of a few Nigerian women in the industry, her success is founded on a passion for driving innovative thinking, building a globally recognized technology brand and setting trends in the Nigerian Technology space. 

Share your vision with the world....

"Believe in your vision, share it with the world and never give up. Put aside all your fears - if your dreams don’t scare you they aren’t big enough!"

- Nkemdilim Begho is a Nigerian serial entrepreneur. She is the founder and Managing Di­rector of Future Software Resources Limited, an IT solutions provider focused on online solutions, e-learning and IT security. She is also a co-founder of 'Always Me by Anne Li', a company producing baby and maternity products in Nigeria. Nkem has been the recipient of many awards including the Jim Ovia Prize for Software Excel­lence, and the Etisalat Prize for Innovation. She regularly volunteers for mentoring and empowerment programmes often sharing her experiences with young Nigerians and less privileged children.

What does it take to make it as a female IT entrepreneur?.... 

"It takes a lot of will power. In anything you want to do, you must know what you want. I knew what I wanted to do.You need to want anything that you want to do in life. When you want it, it will happen, if you don’t really want it, it won’t happen. Most times I didn’t have any money and people just offered me jobs. They would say just come and take this job, but those were the days I needed to decide what I wanted. I asked myself if I wanted to build a brand or be an employee."

- Nkemdilim Begho is founder and Managing Di­rector of Future Software Resources Limited, an IT solutions provider focused on online solutions, e-learning and IT security. As one of a few Nigerian women in the industry, her success is founded on a passion for driving innovative thinking, building a globally recognized technology brand and setting trends in the Nigerian Technology space. 

How do you cope with competition from the big players in the industry?.... 

"I always say there is a market share for everybody no matter how big or small you are. There are always people who need your services and will patronize you. All you need do is be at the right place. So, for me, it’s not a question of the big competition out there, though I must admit that I lost some jobs but I also win a lot of jobs. At the end of the day, it all boils down to building a brand, a reputation, and figuring out how I can stand out from the crowd. My unique selling point."

- Nkemdilim Begho is founder and Managing Di­rector of Future Software Resources Limited, an IT solutions provider focused on online solutions, e-learning and IT security. As one of a few Nigerian women in the industry, her success is founded on a passion for driving innovative thinking, building a globally recognized technology brand and setting trends in the Nigerian Technology space. 

Starting up lean and small is the way to go....

"I went for a slim and lean way of working. I tried to make it as small as possible and all I had to do was build a website and then created a business card."

Nkemdilim Begho is founder and Managing Di­rector of Future Software Resources Limited, an IT solutions provider focused on online solutions, e-learning and IT security. As one of a few Nigerian women in the industry, her success is founded on a passion for driving innovative thinking, building a globally recognized technology brand and setting trends in the Nigerian Technology space.

Videos

Essential videos featuring Nkem
Video: 'Women in Tech' Month - LoA interviews inspirational techpreneur Nkemdilim Begho founder of Futuresoft in Nigeria
Video: 'Women in Tech' Month - LoA interviews inspirational techpreneur Nkemdilim Begho founder of Futuresoft in Nigeria

As part of LoA 'Women in Tech' month, we spoke to the inspirational techpreneur Nkemdilim Begho, founder of Futuresoft in Nigeria, and a passionate supporter of women's entrepreneurship and empowerment through technology in Africa.

Video: Nkemdilim Begho talks about building inclusive education systems through technology
Video: Nkemdilim Begho talks about building inclusive education systems through technology

Source: TEDx Talks | Published on Nov 20, 2013

Watch Nkem Begho giving her talk - "Redefining Education" at TEDxLagos 2013

Video: Nkemdilim Begho talks about leveraging Edu-tech possibilities in Nigeria
Video: Nkemdilim Begho talks about leveraging Edu-tech possibilities in Nigeria

Source: HOTM | Published on Nov 2, 2013

Nkem Begho, founder and managing director of Futuresoft is interviewed by Heart of the Matter. She chats with Pastor Wale Adefarasin, looking at Nigeria's education sector in retrospect and the place of Information Communication Technology as a catalyst for change.

Quotes

Be inspired by Nkem's words
Quote of the Day by Nkemdilim Begho

“Our educational systems need to be reformed – making technology and innovation the cornerstone of learning and not just another subject. Without a skilled digital workforce we will not only depend on the West, but also remain in poverty.”

Nkemdilim Begho, founder of Future Software Resources (Nigeria)

Quote of the Day by Nkemdilim Begho

"There is still a woeful lack of women in technology globally and Africa is unfortunately not any better. Development roles, leadership pipelines and leadership development all need attention. We need more role models for women in technology...."

- Nkemdilim Begho founder of Future Software Resources Limited (Nigeria)

Quote of the Day by Nkemdilim Begho

"Engaging women and girls in ICT sector work is not only the right thing to do from the point of social justice. It is also smart economics. Gender diversity in high value ICT jobs in both management and on companies' boards is good for business performance."

- Nkemdilim Begho is founder and Managing Di­rector of Future Software Resources Limited, an IT solutions provider focused on online solutions, e-learning and IT security. As one of a few Nigerian women in the industry, her success is founded on a passion for driving innovative thinking, building a globally recognized technology brand and setting trends in the Nigerian Technology space. 

Quote of the Day by Nkemdilim Begho

"The notion is always that women should do art, be fashion designers, etcetera. I don't agree with all that. There are women who are astronauts! So, for me, you can do whatever you put your mind to."

- Nkemdilim Begho is founder and Managing Di­rector of Future Software Resources Limited, an IT solutions provider focused on online solutions, e-learning and IT security. As one of a few Nigerian women in the industry, her success is founded on a passion for driving innovative thinking, building a globally recognized technology brand and setting trends in the Nigerian Technology space. 

Quote of the Day by Nkemdilim Begho

"I always say there is a market share for everybody, no matter how big or small you are. There are always people who need your services and will patronize you. All you need do is be at the right place."

Nkemdilim Begho is the founder and Managing Di­rector of Future Software Resources Limited, an IT solutions provider focused on online solutions, e-learning and IT security. As one of a few Nigerian women in the industry, her success is founded on a passion for driving innovative thinking, building a globally recognized technology brand and setting trends in the Nigerian Technology space. 

Quote of the Day by Nkemdilim Begho

"…. we need to reshape the way we teach technology to be engaging to a broader set of people. We need to dispel the idea that programming is too hard to learn. While there are clearly things that are necessary to understand, the perception is that only select individuals can succeed. We need a breadth of backgrounds entering the technology field to adequately address the breadth of solutions needed."

- Nkemdilim Begho is founder and Managing Di­rector of Future Software Resources Limited, an IT solutions provider focused on online solutions, e-learning and IT security. As one of a few Nigerian women in the industry, her success is founded on a passion for driving innovative thinking, building a globally recognized technology brand and setting trends in the Nigerian Technology space. 

Quote of the Day by Nkemdilim Begho

"The best advice I have gotten in life is that you have to fake it until you make it.”

- Nkemdilim Begho is founder and Managing Di­rector of Future Software Resources Limited, an IT solutions provider focused on online solutions, e-learning and IT security. As one of a few Nigerian women in the industry, her success is founded on a passion for driving innovative thinking, building a globally recognized technology brand and setting trends in the Nigerian Technology space. 

Quote of the Day by Nkemdilim Begho

"Failure is necessary for any learning curve. Failure makes you stronger, bolder, and less scared of taking risks."

- Nkemdilim Begho is founder and Managing Di­rector of Future Software Resources Limited, an IT solutions provider focused on online solutions, e-learning and IT security. As one of a few Nigerian women in the industry, her success is founded on a passion for driving innovative thinking, building a globally recognized technology brand and setting trends in the Nigerian Technology space. 

Awards & Accolades

Nkem's recent awards and honours include:

  • 2016 - Nkem receives the Titans of Tech Merit Award for her contribution to Nigeria's Tech Space
  • 2012 - Nkem wins the 2012 Etisalat Prize for Innovation in recognition of her work in delivering quality education to less privileged children
  • 2007 - Nkem receives National Honour Award National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)
  • Nominated to Board member of the Global Youth Summit Award
  • 2013 - Jim Ovia Prize for Software Excel­lence