Ghanaian Mathematician, Dr. Angela Tabiri has become the first African to win The Big Internet Math Off competition.
Dr. Angela Tabiri, affectionately known as Ghana’s “Maths Queen,” made history by becoming the first African to win The Big Internet Math Off competition on the 10th of January 2025.
The Big Internet Math Off competition is an annual global contest initiated by The Aperiodical blog in 2018. It seeks to crown “the world’s most interesting mathematician” through public voting.
Dr. Tabiri’s victory is particularly significant, given her initial hesitation to pursue mathematics. Today, the 35-year-old is not only an accomplished mathematician but also an inspiration for African women aspiring to excel in the field.
Dr. Tabiri’s expertise lies in quantum, or non-commutative, algebra, a complex branch of mathematics she researches at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) in Ghana.
As the academic manager for the Girls in Mathematical Sciences Program, she is passionate about mentoring young girls in STEM fields.
Established by AIMS Ghana in 2020, the program aims to empower girls in secondary schools to explore careers in mathematical sciences, challenging societal norms that have long relegated math to being a “boy’s subject.”
Dr. Tabiri’s advocacy highlights the importance of representation and mentorship in transforming gender dynamics in education.
Growing up in the bustling neighborhood of Ashaiman in Ghana, Dr. Tabiri’s journey into mathematics was unconventional. Initially aspiring to study business administration, her grades led her to mathematics and economics—a path she describes as a “blessing in disguise.”
A pivotal moment in her career came during her PhD. studies at Glasgow University when she watched Hidden Figures, a film celebrating the contributions of Black women mathematicians at NASA.
Inspired by Katherine Johnson’s groundbreaking work, Dr. Tabiri committed to pushing boundaries in her field, even in the face of challenges.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Dr. Tabiri founded FemAfricMaths, a nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing the next generation of African mathematicians.
Through workshops, online lessons, and interviews with leading female mathematicians, Angela Tabiri strives to inspire young minds and debunk stereotypes surrounding mathematics.
Her initiatives extend to advocating for quantum science, a field with transformative potential in areas such as medicine, cybersecurity, and environmental science.
Dr. Tabiri is particularly proud of Ghana’s role in proposing 2025 as the UN International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.
As Africa’s youthful population gears up to become the largest workforce by 2040, Dr. Angela Tabiri emphasizes the need for early exposure to quantum science and technology. She plans to launch a “quantum road show” to introduce schoolchildren to the field, alongside hosting events like a “Quantum Hackathon” in collaboration with UNESCO.
Her vision is clear: to equip African youth with the skills needed for the quantum revolution, ensuring they are not just participants but leaders in shaping the future of science and innovation.