Juliet Ibenegu is not only the co-president of African Women in GIS, but she is an ardent supporter and user of Digital Earth Africa’s platform and services. Juliet is a woman with a mission, and that is to create a data-driven, informed and empowered Africa. We caught up with Juliet to find out how she is making change.
Juliet, what first inspired you to become involved in GIS and software development (backend engineering)?
My passion for solving real-world problems using technology led me to explore Geographic Information Systems (GIS). During my studies in Geoinformatics and Surveying, I saw how spatial data could be leveraged to tackle critical environmental and societal challenges like disaster management, climate change, and urban planning.
For software development, I was driven by the idea of combining my programming skills with GIS to create impactful solutions. With my software development expertise, I can design and build applications such as mobile apps and web platforms that enhance GIS workflows and make geospatial data more accessible and actionable. This intersection of GIS and software development allows me to develop innovative tools that address challenges in the geospatial industry.
Tell us a bit about your background
I studied Geoinformatics and Surveying at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and have since then built my career at the intersection of geospatial intelligence, environmental management, and software development, leveraging technology to solve critical real-world problems. My academic background in Geoinformatics and Surveying laid the foundation for my expertise in GIS, remote sensing, and spatial analysis.
Professionally, I have worked extensively on environmental impact assessments, disaster management, and public health applications, using GIS and Earth observation data to analyze environmental hazards such as flooding and erosion, particularly in regions. My work involves applying geospatial intelligence to provide data-driven insights for decision-making, policy implementation, and disaster risk reduction.
Beyond GIS, I also specialise in backend software development, which enables me to design and build solutions that integrate spatial data with web applications, automation tools, and cloud-based platforms. By merging GIS with software development, I create innovative applications that improve geospatial data accessibility, visualization, and decision-making.
In addition to my technical work, I am passionate about mentorship, capacity building, and gender inclusivity in the geospatial industry.
How did you first become introduced to Digital Earth Africa?
I first learned about Digital Earth Africa (DE Africa) through my work in geospatial intelligence and my interest in Earth observation data. DE Africa’s mission to provide accessible, free, and high-quality satellite data for decision-making in Africa resonated with me, as it aligns with my passion for using geospatial technology to address environmental and societal challenges.
What do you think the benefits are of using Digital Earth Africa?
DE Africa provides invaluable satellite data that supports environmental monitoring, agriculture, disaster response, and sustainable development. It enables African researchers, policymakers, and businesses to access and analyze data that was previously costly or inaccessible, empowering them to make informed decisions. The platform democratizes Earth observation data, ensuring that African nations can harness the power of geospatial intelligence for development.
Why do you believe the benefits for a data-driven Africa are, and do you believe that African decision-makers are embracing this to solve problems, mitigate risks etc.?
A data-driven Africa is crucial for informed decision-making, efficient resource management, and sustainable development. Geospatial intelligence, for instance, helps monitor environmental changes, improve agricultural productivity, and enhance disaster response. While there is growing recognition of the importance of data-driven approaches among African leaders, more work is needed in creating awareness, strengthening data accessibility, and building local capacity to leverage these technologies effectively.
You are the co-president of African Women in GIS – which position you took up last year. How did you become involved in this organisation?
African Women in GIS (AWGIS) is a community-driven organization that supports, connects, and empowers women in the geospatial industry across Africa. It was founded to address the gender gap in GIS and Earth observation, providing a safe space where women can collaborate, learn, and grow professionally.
I became involved with African Women in GIS through my passion for geospatial technology and my commitment to fostering inclusivity in the industry. Initially, I served as the West Africa Zonal Coordinator, where I worked on regional engagement, networking, and capacity-building initiatives. Through this role, I had the opportunity to support and connect with women across the region, which deepened my involvement in the organization. My dedication to the AWGIS mission and my contributions to its growth eventually led to my current role as Co-President.
Who is included in the AWGIS community?
Our community includes students, early-career professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, all united by a passion for geospatial technology. AWGIS provides members with access to mentorship programs, training workshops, networking events, and job opportunities to help them thrive in their careers.
We also host webinars, skill-building sessions, and outreach programs aimed at increasing awareness and participation of women in GIS. In addition, we have partnerships with organizations that support geospatial education, research, and innovation, allowing our members to benefit from scholarships, internships, and funding opportunities.
Women can become members by joining our official platforms, such as our Slack and LinkedIn communities, or by participating in our programs. We actively engage with members across Africa and beyond, and our network has grown to include hundreds of women in different countries, making a strong impact in the geospatial sector.
What are your hopes and aspirations for African Women in GIS?
My vision for AWGIS is to see it grow into a globally recognized platform that not only supports women in GIS but also influences policy, research, and innovation in the geospatial industry.
I hope to see more African women taking leadership roles in GIS, Earth observation, and related fields. By increasing representation, we can drive more inclusive solutions to Africa’s pressing challenges, from climate change and disaster management to urban planning and resource management.
Another key aspiration is to expand educational and career opportunities for women in GIS by strengthening partnerships with universities, research institutions, and private-sector organizations. I want to see more women involved in cutting-edge geospatial technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), remote sensing, UAV mapping, and big data analytics.
Additionally, I hope that AWGIS continues to inspire and mentor young women, breaking barriers in the field and proving that GIS is not just a male-dominated industry. By fostering a supportive, knowledgeable, and resourceful community, we can help women across Africa build careers, launch startups, and contribute meaningfully to society through geospatial intelligence.
What creates the fire in you?
The desire to create meaningful impact through geospatial technology drives me every day. Whether it’s solving complex environmental challenges, mentoring young women in GIS, or contributing to innovative solutions, I am motivated by the potential of geospatial intelligence to transform lives and communities in Africa.
What words of encouragement would you give to young African women?
To young African women, I would say: The future is in your hands, and there are no limits to what you can achieve. Be bold, embrace learning, and never be afraid to break barriers. The geospatial industry is growing, and your contributions are needed to shape Africa’s development. Surround yourself with mentors, seek opportunities, and always believe in your potential to make a difference.