Dr. Angela Tabiri: Pioneering Quantum Math for African Girls

Dr. Angela Tabiri, acclaimed as the Maths Queen, has made a historic mark in mathematics by being the first African to win The Big Internet Math Off. Committed to empowering young girls in Ghana, she seeks to inspire the next generation of female mathematicians through her mentoring program while harnessing quantum science for future advancements.

Dr. Angela Tabiri, celebrated as Ghana's Maths Queen, has made history as the first African winner of The Big Internet Math Off, a competition that celebrates extraordinary mathematical talent globally. At 35, Dr. Tabiri, whose journey in mathematics was initially unexpected, aims to transform the landscape for women in STEM across Africa. Her aspiration is to ensure that her recent triumph in 2024 creates wider avenues in the mathematical field for African women, who often face discouragement in pursuing this discipline.

The Big Internet Math Off, initiated in 2018 by The Aperiodical blog, invites sixteen mathematicians to compete for the playful title of 'the world's most interesting mathematician'. Dr. Tabiri's research focuses on quantum algebra at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) in Ghana, an institution dedicated to postgraduate training in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics across several African nations.

In addition to her research, she manages the Girls in Mathematical Sciences Programme, designed to inspire high school girls to pursue careers in mathematical sciences through mentorship and support. Launched by AIMS-Ghana in 2020, this initiative aims to cultivate a generation of young women ready to excel in academic and industry research.

Dr. Tabiri observes a concerning trend: while enrollment for mathematics is equal among boys and girls at the high school level, female representation dwindles at universities, largely due to perceptions that limit career choices for women in math fields. She reflects on her own unexpected path, having initially aimed for business administration only to discover her passion for mathematics after being accepted into a related program.

Her doctoral studies at Glasgow University were transformative, particularly after viewing "Hidden Figures," the film depicting the contributions of black female mathematicians at NASA. Inspired by Katherine Johnson's legacy, Dr. Tabiri recognized the importance of perseverance in the face of obscurity, instilling in her the belief that recognition might one day come.

In a remarkable advancement for Ghana, Dr. Gloria Botchway became the first woman to obtain a PhD in mathematics from the University of Ghana in 2024, further paving the way for female mathematicians in the nation.

Dr. Tabiri strives to extend support through her non-profit, FemAfricMaths, which provides lessons and mentorship for younger high-school students both online and in person. Her social media initiatives also highlight interviews with prominent female mathematicians globally, encouraging visibility for female role models in the field.

With a keen interest in quantum science and technology, Dr. Tabiri played a pivotal role in proposing 2025 as the UN International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, coinciding with the centenary of modern quantum mechanics' discovery. The implications of quantum research are vast, impacting industries from internet infrastructure to global communication technologies.

As Africa is poised to have the world's largest workforce by 2040, Dr. Tabiri understands the urgency for the youth to acquire relevant skills in quantum science. She plans to introduce "quantum road shows" to familiarize schoolchildren with these concepts early on, ensuring they are prepared for potential careers in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Additionally, in collaboration with UNESCO, she will host a "Quantum Hackathon" at AIMS-Ghana for postgraduate students, aimed at leveraging their quantum skills to tackle real-world challenges. "Positioning our youth for this next big revolution is critical," says Dr. Tabiri, as she embarks on empowering the next generation of scientists and mathematicians in the realm of quantum science.