Dr. Angela Tabiri, the first African winner of The Big Internet Math Off, is on a mission to encourage girls in Ghana to pursue mathematics. Through her work at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, she addresses the gender disparities in STEM education and promotes the importance of quantum sciences for the future.
Ghana's Maths Queen Inspires a New Generation of Female Mathematicians
Ghana's Maths Queen Inspires a New Generation of Female Mathematicians
Dr. Angela Tabiri, also known as the "Maths Queen," aims to empower girls in Ghana through a groundbreaking mentoring program and her passion for quantum science.
Dr. Angela Tabiri, affectionately referred to as the "Maths Queen" in Ghana, is wielding her remarkable achievement as the first African winner of The Big Internet Math Off competition to inspire and mentor young women in mathematics. At 35 years old, Dr. Tabiri, who passionately embraces the world of puzzles and mathematical challenges, aims to revolutionize the perception of mathematics among African women who have traditionally faced discouragement in pursuing this field.
Her win in this playful competition—a title initiated in 2018 by The Aperiodical blog—was not an easy journey. Sixteen mathematicians competed to showcase their mathematical concepts engagingly and illuminatingly. The competition's legacy includes Dr. Nira Chamberlain, the inaugural winner known for breaking barriers in the mathematics profession as the first black mathematician in the UK’s Who's Who.
Dr. Tabiri specializes in quantum or non-commutative algebra, conducting her research at the Ghana branch of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS). AIMS, which initially began in South Africa, now aims to nurture talent and emphasize postgraduate training in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics throughout Africa, including Ghana, Senegal, Cameroon, and Rwanda.
As the academic manager of the Girls in Mathematical Sciences Programme at AIMS Ghana, Dr. Tabiri is committed to ensuring a continuous pipeline of young girls who will lead in mathematical sciences and innovation. Despite the nearly equal number of boys and girls studying mathematics in high school, dropout rates for female students at the university level remain distressingly high.
Dr. Tabiri, whose own journey into mathematics began unconventionally after being redirected from a desired business administration course, reflects on the formative experiences that shaped her path. Her realization came after watching the film "Hidden Figures," which depicts the contributions of black female mathematicians at NASA. For Dr. Tabiri, this moment cemented her belief in perseverance and the enduring value of hard work.
Ghana made history in 2024, witnessing Dr. Gloria Botchway become the first woman to earn a PhD in mathematics from the University of Ghana. Inspired by trailblazers like Dr. Botchway and motivated by her upbringing in a struggling neighborhood, where she often helped her family sell water and yams, Dr. Tabiri's dedication to empowering young women in underprivileged communities is unwavering.
Through her non-profit organization, FemAfricMaths, Dr. Tabiri provides mentorship and educational support to high school students—both in-person and online. She amplifies the voices of leading female mathematicians worldwide through interviews on social media platforms.
Moreover, Dr. Tabiri is an ardent advocate for the potential of quantum science and technology. In 2025, with support from Mexico, Ghana initiated proposals for the UN International Year of Quantum Science and Technology to commemorate the 100th anniversary of modern quantum mechanics. This field holds immense promise, capable of solving complex problems rapidly with wide-reaching applications across industries, from medicine and environmental science to cybersecurity.
Recognizing the impact of Africa's youthful population on the global workforce by 2040, Dr. Tabiri intends to lead a "quantum road show," aimed at instilling an early interest in quantum science among schoolchildren. Building on her recent success with a quantum computing course for secondary-school girls, she plans to collaborate with UNESCO for a "Quantum Hackathon" that will engage postgraduate students across Africa.
Dr. Angela Tabiri's vision is clear: to position the youth of Africa for a transformative future through mathematics and quantum technology, ultimately evolving society's perception of these fields as an integral part of progress and innovation.
