Startup Story
Phindiwe Nqanqaru is a passionate Full-Stack Developer, Co-founder, and Director of Operations at BabesGotBytes, an organization dedicated to teaching digital skills and coding to women and girls in underserved communities across South Africa. As a recognized Women TechMakers Ambassador and an award-winning leader, Phindiwe advocates for diversity and inclusivity in the tech industry and mentors aspiring developers. Driven by a love for tech and community impact, Phindiwe is shaping a brighter future for women in technology. BabesGotBytes was launched in 2019 and has created jobs for 9 people.
LoA spoke to the tech-driven Phindiwe Nqanqaru about her entrepreneurial journey, her love of tech, and her mission to help support the next generation of digital savvy young people.
What does your company do?
BabesGotBytes empowers women and girls in underserved communities by providing access to digital skills and coding education. Our programs focus on teaching everything from basic computer literacy to advanced web development, helping participants gain the confidence and knowledge they need to pursue careers in technology. We host hackathons, bootcamps, and workshops, creating practical learning and innovation opportunities. By breaking down barriers and fostering a culture of continuous learning, we aim to build a community equipped with the tools to thrive in the digital age.
“Technology now drives nearly every aspect of life, and with most future jobs emerging from the tech sector, we knew we couldn’t let girls be left behind.”
What inspired you to start your company?
BabesGotBytes started during my time as a student, driven by the glaring gender gap we observed in the technology industry. At technology businesses and industry meet-ups, the lack of female representation was undeniable. It became clear that something needed to change, and we were determined to be part of the solution.
Our mission was to bring more girls into the tech industry and show them that they belong here too. In the communities we come from, there’s a persistent belief that technology is only for men, and we set out to challenge and transform this perception.
Technology now drives nearly every aspect of life, and with most future jobs emerging from the tech sector, we knew we couldn’t let girls be left behind. That’s what inspired us to start BabesGotBytes—to provide girls with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to succeed and thrive in the ever-evolving digital world.
What makes your business, service or product special?
What makes BabesGotBytes special is our focus on inclusivity, empowerment, and creating real opportunities for women and girls in underserved communities. We don’t just teach digital skills—we build confidence, challenge stereotypes, and provide a supportive environment where participants can discover their potential.
Our programs are designed to meet learners at their level, starting from the basics and progressing to advanced topics. We emphasize practical, hands-on learning and use innovative approaches, such as hackathons and bootcamps, to make the experience engaging and impactful.
We also understand that not everyone has had the opportunity to graduate due to different circumstances. That’s why we make sure to welcome and give a chance to anyone who is willing to learn, regardless of their background.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to creating a sense of community. We ensure that every participant feels seen, valued, and inspired to dream big while equipping them with the tools to achieve those dreams. BabesGotBytes is more than a training program—it’s a movement to transform lives through technology.
“What truly sets us apart is our commitment to creating a sense of community. We ensure that every participant feels seen, valued, and inspired to dream big while equipping them with the tools to achieve those dreams.”
Tell us a little about your team
Our team at BabesGotBytes is a passionate and dedicated group of individuals, each bringing unique skills and experiences to the table. We are united by a common mission: to empower women and girls in underserved communities through digital education.
Our team is made up of educators, mentors, and tech professionals who are deeply committed to making a difference. From experienced developers to industry experts, we work together to create an environment where every learner feels supported and encouraged to grow.
What makes our team special is the diversity of perspectives and backgrounds we bring, along with our shared commitment to social impact. We understand the challenges our learners face, and we strive to be more than just teachers—we are role models, motivators, and advocates for change. Through collaboration and a shared vision, our team is continuously pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve for the girls and women we serve.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
My entrepreneurial journey began with a strong passion for technology and a desire to make a difference in the lives of women and girls. While I don't come from an entrepreneurial background, I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors who have supported me every step of the way. Their guidance and encouragement have been instrumental in helping me grow and navigate the challenges of building BabesGotBytes.
Starting this journey was not easy, but the support I’ve received from mentors, peers, and my team has given me the confidence to take bold steps. I’ve learned so much along the way—about leadership, resilience, and the importance of community—and I’m continuously growing in this entrepreneurial space. My focus has always been on creating lasting impact, and I am deeply committed to using technology as a tool for empowerment.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
Our future plans are bold and ambitious. We aim to expand our reach, empowering even more women and girls in underserved communities across Africa and beyond. We’re focused on building a sustainable platform for learning, with plans to increase the number of bootcamps, hackathons, and workshops we offer. Our goal is to create a continuous pipeline of tech talent, ensuring that women are well-represented and prepared for the opportunities that the tech industry has to offer.
We also envision developing partnerships with leading tech companies to provide our learners with internships, mentorships, and job opportunities. In the long term, we aim to establish a network of BabesGotBytes hubs in different regions, creating local tech communities where women can collaborate, innovate, and thrive.
We are driven by the belief that technology can change lives, and our ultimate aspiration is to become a leading force in empowering women in the tech industry, opening doors, breaking barriers, and creating lasting impact for generations to come.
“BabesGotBytes is more than a training program—it’s a movement to transform lives through technology.”
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
The most satisfying part of being an entrepreneur is seeing the impact of our work on the lives of the women and girls we serve. Knowing that we’re helping to break down barriers and create opportunities for people who might otherwise have been left behind is incredibly fulfilling.
Watching a participant who started with little to no tech experience gain confidence and skills—and ultimately land a job or start their own venture—is the greatest reward. It’s about more than just teaching digital skills; it’s about empowering individuals to believe in themselves, to take control of their futures, and to see the endless possibilities ahead of them.
Ultimately, the satisfaction comes from knowing that every step forward we take is a step toward building a more inclusive, diverse, and impactful tech industry. That, to me, is what makes this journey worthwhile.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
The biggest piece of advice I can give to other women looking to start up is believe in your vision and stay persistent. The entrepreneurial journey can be challenging, and there will be moments of doubt and obstacles along the way, but it’s important to keep pushing forward. Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, peers, and like-minded individuals who can guide and encourage you.
Don’t be afraid to take risks or make mistakes, because they are part of the learning process. Trust in your abilities, and know that you have something valuable to offer. Most importantly, stay true to your purpose and passion—because when you’re driven by a cause that matters to you, the journey becomes much more meaningful and rewarding.
Find out more
Email: phindiwe.nqanqaru@babesgotbytes.org
Website: https://www.babesgotbytes.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/babesgotbytes/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/babesgotbytes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/babesgotbytes_npc/
Why LoA loves it….
For the African continent to fulfill its vast potential, it needs its young people to thrive and tap into the endless possibilities that being digitally skilled can bring. Phindiwe Nqanqaru, co-founder of BabesGotBytes in South Africa, is playing a key role in achieving that goal through her organization, and is dedicated to teaching digital skills and coding to women and girls in underserved communities across South Africa. Inspirational and impactful! — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa