Naima McLean's evolution from painter to leader of creative technology at ALX, a departure from the realm of programming usual for her role.
Naima McLean, a former Executive MBA graduate from Henley Business School in 2015, is making waves in the African tech industry as the Vice President of Creative Economy at ALX.
McLean's mission is to democratize access in the creative sector by using technology to unlock Africa's cultural wealth. She aims to train a million young Africans in creative tech by 2030, a vision that aligns with ALX's mission to equip young professionals with in-demand technology and leadership skills.
ALX, a pan-African career accelerator launched in 2018, has established itself as one of Africa's leading talent and tech accelerators, with a presence in major cities including Nairobi, Johannesburg, Accra, Lagos, Kigali, Casablanca, Cairo, and Addis Ababa. The organisation has helped thousands of young African entrepreneurs launch and scale startups, with notable alumni including healthtech company Healthtracka from Nigeria and fintech startup Kayko from Rwanda.
McLean's leadership style is grounded in empathy, emotional intelligence, and a strong sense of focus and commitment. She values fostering an environment where people feel seen and trusted, a philosophy she refers to as "feminine leadership."
McLean's journey into tech leadership has not been without challenges. She has expressed doubts about her qualifications, particularly as a woman and a non-technical professional, but sees her journey as proof that one does not need to be a coder to lead in tech.
During a strategic pivot at ALX, McLean struggled with making difficult decisions but learned that compassion in leadership is a strength, not a weakness. When COVID hit in 2020, ALX adapted quickly, focusing on tech solutions to remain relevant.
In early 2025, ALX rolled out a new strategy to support the creative industry, combining tech training with Africa's rich cultural scene. McLean leads initiatives that connect young learners with industry mentors, executives, and work opportunities, evolving into leading stakeholder strategy at ALX.
McLean stepped onto the stage at the African Leadership Network (ALN) conference in Ethiopia in 2010 as a poet, musician, and producer. Since then, she has pursued various roles in her career, including acting, poetry, music production, marketing, and consulting, before moving into the corporate world.
McLean is acutely aware of the systemic issues faced by women in tech, especially Black women without technical backgrounds. Her vision for leadership in African tech is to democratize access, enabling opportunities for individuals like the rural Rwandan villager earning $23,000 working remotely for a global company after online training.
In her current role, McLean is also emphasizing the importance of AI literacy, as she and her team are currently enrolled in an AI foundations course. Her work at ALX continues to drive innovation in the African tech ecosystem, merging creativity, technology, and youth empowerment across the continent.
- Naima McLean, a former Executive MBA graduate from Henley Business School in 2015, is leading the charge in the African tech industry as the Vice President of Creative Economy at ALX, using technology to democratize access and unlock Africa's cultural wealth.
- With a mission to train a million young Africans in creative tech by 2030, McLean's vision aligns with ALX's goal to equip young professionals with in-demand technology and leadership skills.
- ALX, a pan-African career accelerator established in 2018, has become one of Africa's leading talent and tech accelerators, supporting the launch and growth of startups in various sectors such as fintech, healthtech, and more.
- McLean's leadership philosophy, grounded in empathy, emotional intelligence, and a strong focus, has guided her in navigating challenges and adapting to changing circumstances, such as the quick pivot during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- As McLean works to democratize access in the tech industry, she is also emphasizing the need for AI literacy and fostering opportunities for women and individuals without technical backgrounds, influencing general news and conversations surrounding education, self-development, and lifestyle in Africa.
