Founder Magazine (FM): Regina, it’s wonderful to have you with us. Can you start by sharing a little bit about your early journey and what led you into technology and entrepreneurship?
Regina Honu (RH): Thank you. I grew up in Accra, Ghana, and from a very young age I loved problem-solving and tinkering with things. I was often told that technology wasn’t for women, but I didn’t let that stop me. I studied Computer Science and wanted to use my skills to create something meaningful. That’s how Soronko Solutions started, and eventually Soronko Academy—because I wanted to give young people, especially girls, opportunities I didn’t have growing up.
🚀 About Soronko Academy
FM: Many of our readers may have heard of Soronko Academy, but for those who haven’t, how would you describe it?
RH: Soronko Academy is the first coding and human-centered design academy for children and young adults in West Africa. We equip young people, especially women, with the digital and soft skills they need to thrive in today’s world of work. Beyond coding, we emphasize creativity, confidence, and problem-solving.
❓ Interview Questions (Startup Focused)
FM: What gap did you see in Ghana’s ecosystem that motivated you to start Soronko Academy?
RH: The biggest gap was the lack of digital skills training, especially for women. Tech was seen as a male-dominated field, and I wanted to change that narrative by creating a safe and inclusive space where young women could learn and excel.
FM: How many students have passed through Soronko Academy so far, and what impact are you seeing?
RH: We’ve trained thousands of students, with more than 60% being girls. Many have gone on to secure jobs in technology, start their own businesses, or use their skills in innovative ways in their communities.
FM: Building a tech education startup in Ghana comes with its own challenges. What have been the toughest hurdles?
RH: Funding and sustainability have been key challenges, along with breaking cultural stereotypes around women in tech. Sometimes parents were reluctant to allow their daughters into our programs. But seeing the success stories has helped us change mindsets.
FM: Soronko Academy is not just about coding, but also about life skills. Why was this integration important to you?
RH: Because digital skills alone are not enough. You need confidence, communication, and problem-solving to succeed. We wanted to develop well-rounded individuals, not just coders.
FM: Do you consider Soronko more of a social enterprise or a traditional business?
RH: It’s a social enterprise. We generate revenue through training and partnerships, but our mission is impact first—closing the digital gender gap and preparing the next generation for the future of work.
🌍 Vision for the Future
FM: What’s next for Soronko Academy in the coming years?
RH: We’re expanding our reach across Ghana and into other African countries. We want to train 100,000 young women in the next decade and become the go-to hub for digital inclusion in Africa.
FM: If you weren’t running Soronko, what do you think you’d be doing?
RH: Probably teaching or working in social advocacy. Empowering people is in my DNA.
⚡ Quick Fire Questions
Favorite book? Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg.
Most inspiring Ghanaian startup? mPharma.
Your leadership style in one word? Collaborative.
One piece of advice for young women entering tech? Don’t let anyone tell you it’s not for you. Your voice and skills are needed.
✨ Closing Thoughts
FM: Regina, your journey is a powerful reminder that technology can be a tool for inclusion and empowerment. Thank you for sharing it with Founder Magazine.
RH: Thank you for the opportunity. I hope more young women are inspired to break barriers and use technology to solve problems in their communities.