Spotlight on Paulina Shifugula – Software Developer, AI Enthusiast & Tech Leader

At African Queens’ Ink, we celebrate women shaping the future through their skills, passion, and leadership. Today’s spotlight shines on Paulina Shifugula, a Software Developer, Artificial Intelligence (AI) enthusiast, mentor, and volleyball player whose journey embodies innovation, education, and empowerment.

A Trailblazer in Tech & Innovation

Paulina is a Chevening Scholar (2024-2025), currently pursuing a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science at the University of Hull. Her journey in technology began with a Bachelor of Computer Science in Software Development (Honors) from NUST, where she honed her skills in programming, system development, and data science.

Her expertise is not just theoretical—she has developed and implemented major software solutions for government institutions, shaping the way Namibia adopts digital transformation.

Some of Paulina’s Key Contributions to Tech & Policy:

– Analyst Programmer at the Ministry of Mines & Energy – Led the development, re-engineering, and implementation of mission-critical systems, including the Fleet Management System used across the Namibian government.

– Software Developer at NCRST – Working on research, innovation, and national AI strategies.

– National AI Working Group Member – Contributing to policy discussions on AI adoption in Namibia.

– Object Model Team Leader – Leading the development of the Science, Technology, and Innovation Information Management System (STI-IMS).

– NDP 6 Drafting Committee Member – Providing technical expertise in Namibia’s next National Development Plan.

– Tech Event Coordinator: “I organise national hackathons, such as the Smart Digital Technologies Hackathon (March 2024) and the Pre-National Science Week Hackathon (2023).”

Her work is reshaping Namibia’s digital landscape, from software engineering to AI, policy drafting, and mentorship.

---

💡 Why Paulina Inspires Us

Paulina is not just a software developer—she is a problem solver, an innovator, and a role model for young women in STEM. She has defied stereotypes and pushed boundaries in a male-dominated field, proving that African women belong in tech leadership and artificial intelligence.

✔ She is pioneering AI & Data Science in Namibia – With her Chevening Scholarship, she is equipping herself with the knowledge to drive AI innovation in Africa.
✔ She is creating digital solutions that matter. From government systems to hackathon innovations, her work is making a real impact.
✔ She is mentoring the next generation – She actively mentors young students, provides career guidance, and serves as a course moderator at NUST, ensuring that more young women enter STEM fields.
✔ She balances tech and sports. As a National Volleyball League player, she proves that a brilliant mind and an athletic spirit can go hand in hand.
✔ She gives back to her community—She volunteered to develop the Namibia Volleyball Association website, showing that her skills are not just for personal success but also for community impact.

Paulina represents the future of African women in tech—a future that is bold, brilliant, and unstoppable.

---

🏆 Leadership & Innovation Beyond Coding

Paulina’s leadership skills go beyond software development:
– Chairperson of Kudos Sports Club (2022-2023) – Leading a sports and leadership community.
– Course Moderator at NUST – Supporting the next generation of software engineers.
– Her family and friend’s favourite people’s favourite tech person! She says: “they would call me for anything, even to fix a phone

Her leadership is holistic—blending education, technology, sports, and mentorship to build a better future.

---

📚 A Book by an African Woman Author Paulina Loves

“Remote Control” by Nnedi Okorafor – a sci-fi novel about African tech, AI, and power.

---

How Paulina Embodies the IWD 2025 Theme: “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”

✔ She is breaking barriers in STEM – Paulina is creating space for women in AI, data science, and software development, proving that African women belong in global tech conversations.
✔ She mentors and uplifts young women – Through career guidance and education, she ensures that more women enter technology fields.
✔ She uses tech for real-world impact – From government systems to research and national policy, her work accelerates digital transformation in Africa.
✔ She balances intellect and wellness. As a volleyball player and leader, she encourages women to embrace their full selves—mind, body, and ambition.

---

📢 Join the Celebration!

💬 Tag a young woman who inspires you!
📸 Double-tap if you believe African women belong in AI, tech, and leadership!

#AfricanQueensInk #IWD2025 #WomenInTech #ForAllWomenAndGirls #STEMLeadership #CheveningScholar #AIandDataScience #WomenWhoInspire #TechForChange