South Africa has strengthened its commitment to inclusive digital transformation with the appointment of technology leader and digital transformation advocate Lady Mariéme Jamme as the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities’ Special Envoy for Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Announced during the AMC Davos 2026 gathering in Tianjin, China, the appointment highlights government’s determination to ensure that women, youth and persons with disabilities play a leading role in shaping the country’s digital future.
The appointment was announced by the Office of the Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, who described the move as a strategic step towards positioning South Africa as a global voice for ethical, inclusive and human-centred artificial intelligence. As AI continues to transform economies and industries, government believes digital innovation must create opportunities for all, particularly historically underrepresented communities.
In her honorary, strategic and non-executive role, Jamme will serve as South Africa’s global representative and adviser on technology diplomacy, responsible AI governance and digital inclusion. Her responsibilities include strengthening collaboration with governments, multilateral institutions, academia, investors and industry leaders to advance workforce readiness, innovation ecosystems and strategic partnerships aligned with South Africa’s development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Department said the appointment reflects South Africa’s commitment to ensuring that Africa’s expertise, priorities and lived experiences help shape international AI policy, governance and innovation. It believes the future of artificial intelligence should not be determined by only a handful of countries or institutions but should also reflect the voices and aspirations of Africa, women, young people, persons with disabilities and communities that have historically been excluded from technological progress.
Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga said Jamme’s appointment demonstrates government’s commitment to ensuring that women, youth and persons with disabilities are at the forefront of the digital economy. She said Jamme’s extensive experience in digital transformation, innovation and skills development will strengthen South Africa’s global technology diplomacy while helping build partnerships that create opportunities and ensure no one is left behind in the digital age.
Jamme welcomed the appointment, saying artificial intelligence is redefining power, productivity and possibility across the world. However, she warned that technology without ethics, inclusion and human dignity risks widening inequality rather than reducing it. She said the appointment presents an opportunity to strengthen Africa’s contribution to global AI governance and ensure innovation protects human dignity while creating lasting prosperity.
As the Founder and CEO of iamtheCODE, an African-led global movement operating in nearly 90 countries, Jamme has spent more than two decades equipping women and girls with coding, artificial intelligence, digital literacy and future-of-work skills. Her appointment signals South Africa’s growing influence in global technology diplomacy and reinforces the country’s vision of building a digitally inclusive society where innovation drives economic participation, equality and sustainable development for all.
