The Maths Queen on a Quantum Mission to Mentor Girls
Dr. Angela Tabiri, known as the Maths Queen in Ghana, is a pioneering figure in the world of mathematics. As the first African to win the prestigious Big Internet Math Off competition, she has made an impressive mark in the mathematical world—especially considering she had never initially intended to pursue math.
At 35 years old, the Ghanaian mathematician finds joy in solving puzzles and mathematical problems, with a particular passion for quantum or non-commutative algebra. In 2024, she triumphed in a global competition designed to identify the "world’s most interesting mathematician." The event, which began in 2018, invites mathematicians to compete by explaining their chosen mathematical concepts in the most illuminating way. Dr. Tabiri's win is not just a personal victory; she hopes it will inspire other African women, who have traditionally been discouraged from pursuing mathematics, to enter the field.
Dr. Tabiri is currently a researcher at the Ghana branch of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), an institution that began in South Africa and expanded across the continent to offer postgraduate training and research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). She is also the academic manager of the Girls in Mathematical Sciences Programme at AIMS Ghana, a program launched in 2020 to inspire high school girls to pursue careers in research and innovation within mathematics and related fields.
Despite the program's success, Dr. Tabiri notes that the gender gap in math is still pronounced—while the numbers of boys and girls studying math at the high school level are roughly equal, the number of female students pursuing math at the university level drops significantly. This trend stems from the misconception that math only leads to teaching careers, as well as the lack of female role models. Dr. Tabiri is determined to change this narrative and empower young girls to see themselves as leaders in mathematical sciences.
Dr. Tabiri’s journey into mathematics wasn’t a conventional one. Raised in Ashaiman, a densely populated and economically disadvantaged area of Tema, Ghana, she was one of six siblings in a lively household. While her family was loving, she sought quiet spaces to study, often retreating to the local community centre. Initially, she aimed to follow in the footsteps of her sisters and study business administration. However, her grades were not high enough for that path, and instead, she found herself accepted into a mathematics and economics program—a decision she now describes as "a blessing in disguise."
Her academic journey took a significant turn in 2015 when she received a scholarship to pursue a PhD at the University of Glasgow, Scotland. It was here that she experienced a pivotal moment while watching the film Hidden Figures—the story of the African American women mathematicians at NASA during the 1950s and 60s. Seeing the groundbreaking work of Katherine Johnson and her colleagues made Dr. Tabiri realize that her own work could also have lasting impact, even if it wasn’t immediately recognized. This film became a turning point in her life, reinforcing her belief that persistence is key.
In 2024, Ghana achieved an important milestone with Dr. Gloria Botchway becoming the first woman to graduate with a PhD in mathematics from the University of Ghana. Dr. Tabiri is dedicated to supporting other African girls and women from underprivileged backgrounds to follow their mathematical dreams through her non-profit organization, FemAfricMaths. The organization provides lessons to high school students in person and online, and Dr. Tabiri frequently shares interviews with leading female mathematicians on social media to inspire the next generation.
Alongside her work in mentorship, Dr. Tabiri is passionate about the future of quantum science and technology. Mathematics plays a fundamental role in the development of quantum technologies, and Dr. Tabiri is especially proud of Ghana’s role in advocating for 2025 to be declared the UN International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, marking the 100th anniversary of the discovery of modern quantum mechanics. The potential for quantum technologies, from quantum computers to ultra-precise measuring devices, holds promise for solving complex problems across fields like medicine, environmental science, food production, and cybersecurity.
Dr. Tabiri emphasizes the importance of positioning Africa’s youth to take advantage of these emerging technologies. With Africa’s population rapidly growing and expected to be the world’s largest workforce by 2040, she believes it is crucial to introduce quantum science to young people at an early age. To this end, she plans to organize a “quantum roadshow” to expose schoolchildren to quantum science concepts. She is also preparing for a “Quantum Hackathon” in July 2025 in partnership with UNESCO, where postgraduate students from across Africa will work to solve real-world challenges using quantum technologies.
For Dr. Tabiri, the future is clear: empowering young girls and boys, especially in Africa, with the mathematical and quantum skills they need is not just an opportunity, but a necessity for driving the continent’s growth and innovation in the 21st century. She is dedicated to making sure the next generation is prepared for the quantum revolution and beyond.
