Ahanna Anaba is an award-winning leader in trade and finance.
She leads global sales and partnerships at Finverity, a UK-based fintech helping banks and lenders close the $2.5 trillion global trade finance gap with purpose-built technology. Ahanna is also the founder of Women in Trade, a network connecting senior women in finance and international trade across Africa. Her experience includes managing over $1.3 billion in transactions at Africa’s first digital deal platform and working with industry bodies like ITFA to drive greater inclusion in trade finance.
Technology often feels like a closed world of people who can code in their sleep and speak in dense jargon.
Yet behind every successful product or platform lies something deeper: a real understanding of how industries work and how people think. The best innovations rarely come from technical skill alone. They come from people who understand the systems, problems, and human behaviour that technology is built to solve.
For women looking to pivot into tech, experience from sectors such as finance, logistics, trade, or science can be the differentiator that sets them apart. I know that from experience. I studied chemical engineering, completed a master’s in environmental engineering, and began my career as a business analyst and employee number one at a fintech. Today, I lead sales and partnerships at one of the fastest growing supply chain finance technology fintechs globally. Problem-solving, systems thinking, and curiosity, not coding, built my career in tech.
In other words, domain expertise can be your edge – and it’s a great one to have. You don’t have to start from scratch to build a career in technology; you can build on what you already know.
Turning experience into advantage
Technology doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Every innovation is designed to solve a real-world problem in banking, trade, transport, or energy. That’s why tech companies need people who truly understand the systems they’re trying to digitise.
If you’ve worked in an industry that’s now embracing technology, your experience gives you a front-row seat to its challenges. You already understand the processes, the pain points, and the people involved. That perspective, and the network that comes with it, is invaluable to fintechs trying to design meaningful solutions.
Whether it’s improving how data is used, shaping customer journeys, or leading digital partnerships, domain knowledge bridges the gap between technology and impact.
The power of soft skills and systems thinking
We often think of “technical skills” as the main ticket into tech, but many of the most impactful professionals succeed because of something less visible: the ability to connect dots. Communication, empathy, adaptability, and systems thinking often make the difference between a good team and a great one.
Understanding how a client’s business operates and how their customers operate, is just as important as knowing how an API works. Women often bring this connective ability to the table. Many of the most innovative projects today are increasingly being led by women who don’t code but who excel at translating complexity into clarity.
Why confidence alone isn’t enough
The stat about women not applying for roles unless they meet every requirement is unfortunately real. Confidence matters, but confidence without preparation only goes so far. What sustains growth is competence and the credibility that comes from demonstrating it.
Targeted upskilling goes a long way. Whether through short courses, certifications, or mentorship, identify the gaps that matter most to your next role. Keep track of your achievements, even small wins, because they become your proof points. First for yourself, then for employers and partners. And don’t underestimate the power of sharing your work. Talking about what you’ve learned makes your capability visible and encourages others to do the same.
Building visibility and community
No one advances alone, especially in systems that aren’t always designed to spot potential. Mentorship, sponsorship, and community are the scaffolding that supports growth. Networks connecting women across regions and disciplines help us learn from each other’s paths – the lessons, the detours, and the breakthroughs.
Recognition can also be a quiet accelerant. Speaking at events, writing thought pieces, or being nominated for awards isn’t about self-promotion; it’s about credibility. It signals that your voice matters and that you’re confident enough to use it.
When women share their experiences and insights, they don’t just build recognition; they create space for others to do the same. The more we see women visible in technology roles, the more the next generation will know they belong there too.
Practical steps for entering fintech
For women considering a pivot into fintech or any tech-enabled field, start by identifying where your domain knowledge adds value. Look for industries that are digitising fast, and develop learning agility. That genuine curiosity is what will keep you exploring how things work and how they could work better.
In today’s market, your non-technical expertise is a key differentiator. Pair it with a willingness to learn, and you bring something uniquely valuable to the table.
Technology, like every other industry, thrives on diversity of thought and people who bring fresh perspectives and solution-driven thinking. Deep industry insight and empathy have a vital role to play in shaping what the next decade of digital innovation looks like.
The goal isn’t just to pivot into tech. It’s to help redesign it.
