Voices of Africa “Founder Fridays”  Synergy Trading & Projects

South Africa’s ICT sector, valued at more than R250 billion annually, continues to face a persistent gender gaps, with women comprising just 21% of the workforce, according to the Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa. Amid these challenges, ICT entrepreneur Nomphomelelo Mpumi Mahlangu is actively placing her company and her leadership as part of the solution, demonstrating that innovative approaches and inclusive leadership can help bridge this disparity.

A Career Forged in Telecoms

With nearly two decades of industry experience, Mahlangu has led large-scale network and infrastructure projects at Vodacom, Sentech, Nokia, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies. At Nokia, she oversaw operations worth more than R1 billion, while at Liquid she played a key role in expanding broadband connectivity across South Africa. These experiences gave her a holistic view of ICT systems and the confidence to step into entrepreneurship.

“When women take their rightful seat at the table in ICT and telecommunications, we don’t just change boardroom dynamics we change the trajectory of entire industries,” she says. “Lifting others as I rise is not charity it is strategy. We build resilient industries when leadership is inclusive.”

Founding Synergy Trading & Projects

In 2015, Mahlangu founded Synergy Trading & Projects, one of South Africa’s few 100% black female-owned ICT firms. The company has since built a strong track record in systems integration, network services, energy solutions, and managed ICT support. Its work has earned industry recognition, including the ED Pinnacle Award for business growth.

Yet Mahlangu stresses that Synergy’s real value lies not only in contracts delivered but also in the opportunities it creates. Her leadership philosophy combines business expansion with mentorship and supplier development, ensuring that transformation is embedded into the company’s DNA.

Grooming Future Leaders

Through structured programmes, Mahlangu has mentored young engineers and entrepreneurs, many of whom have gone on to start their own ICT firms or secure senior roles in established telecoms companies. Within Synergy itself, she has created pathways for employees with little more than computer literacy to develop into certified electricians, technical specialists, and safety officers.

Today, 90% of Synergy’s office workforce is female, a deliberate move to challenge stereotypes and demonstrate the value women bring to ICT. “We are no longer asking for inclusion,” Mahlangu reflects. “We are creating ecosystems where the presence of women in ICT is not remarkable, but normal.”

Tackling the Gender Digital Divide

Global studies underline the urgency of Mahlangu’s mission. The GSMA Mobile Gender Gap Report shows that women in South Africa remain 14% less likely than men to use mobile internet, while the International Telecommunication Union has warned that bridging digital inequalities is one of the defining development challenges of this decade.

For Mahlangu, these statistics highlight why mentorship, training, and representation are critical. Synergy’s model combining technical expertise with empowerment is her practical response to both local and global ICT challenges.

Balancing Leadership, Family, and Academia

Beyond business, Mahlangu is also investing in academic research. She is currently pursuing a PhD focused on the circular economy in telecommunications, exploring how sustainability can unlock new opportunities for growth. Meanwhile, she serves as a non-executive director at Motheo Construction Group and VIT Academy, further extending her influence across industries.

Balancing entrepreneurship with family life has not been easy she said, but Mahlangu has built systems and delegated responsibilities to ensure the business thrives even in her absence. This allows her to meet personal commitments while driving both academic and corporate goals.

Mahlangu’s ambitions stretch beyond South Africa. She envisions expanding Synergy into regional and international markets, while also advocating for women entrepreneurs to enter ICT manufacturing, a space where Africa remains heavily dependent on imports.

Her long-term vision is clear to leave a legacy of empowerment and to prove that women can thrive not only as employees but as leaders and innovators shaping Africa’s digital future.

From leading billion-rand operations to building one of South Africa’s pioneering black female-owned ICT firms, Mpumi Mahlangu’s journey reflects both personal resilience and a broader fight for inclusivity in technology. Her story shows that the future of ICT is not just about cloud, AI, or cybersecurity, but also about who gets to lead the transformation.