By Charmaine Ndlela
South Africa has appointed internationally recognised technology leader Lady Mariéme Jamme as a special envoy for technology and artificial intelligence, as the country seeks to strengthen its role in global debates on responsible AI and digital inclusion.
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities said Jamme would serve as its Special Envoy for Technology and Artificial Intelligence in an honorary, strategic and non-executive role.
The announcement followed the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as Summer Davos.
The department said the appointment reflected South Africa’s commitment to advancing ethical, inclusive and human-centred artificial intelligence, while ensuring that women, young people and persons with disabilities are not excluded from the digital economy.
In the role, Jamme will serve as South Africa’s global representative and adviser on technology diplomacy, responsible AI governance and digital inclusion.
She is expected to support the country’s engagement with governments, multilateral institutions, academia, investors and industry leaders, with a focus on innovation ecosystems, workforce readiness and partnerships aligned with South Africa’s development priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga said Jamme’s appointment came at a critical time, as governments and businesses accelerate discussions on artificial intelligence, digital transformation and the future of work.
“The appointment of Lady Mariéme Jamme as Special Envoy for Technology and Artificial Intelligence reflects our commitment to advancing ethical, inclusive and human-centred artificial intelligence while strengthening South Africa’s leadership in global technology diplomacy.
“Her extensive experience in digital transformation, innovation and skills development, together with her deep commitment to empowering communities across Africa and beyond, will help us build strategic partnerships that advance our national priorities, create opportunities for all, and ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age,” Chikunga said.
Jamme said artificial intelligence was redefining power, productivity and possibility across the world, but warned that technology without ethics, inclusion and human dignity risked widening inequality instead of reducing it.
“This appointment is an opportunity to strengthen Africa’s contribution to global AI governance and to ensure that innovation expands opportunity, protects human dignity and creates lasting prosperity for women, young people and underserved communities. Together, we can help build an AI future that leaves no one behind,” Jamme said.
The department said the appointment also reflected South Africa’s view that the future of artificial intelligence should not be shaped by a small group of countries or institutions, but should include the voices and experiences of Africa, women, young people, persons with disabilities and historically excluded communities.
Jamme is an award-winning technologist and advocate for inclusive digital transformation, with more than two decades of experience in technology, systems change and digital skills development.
She is the founder of iamtheCODE, an African-led global movement that works to advance STEAMD education — science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics and design — for girls and young women, particularly those from underserved communities.
The organisation aims to enable one million young women and girls to become coders by 2030.
Jamme, a Senegalese-born French-British businesswoman, has been recognised by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader.
In 2017, she received the Global Goals Award for Innovation for her work supporting girls and young women and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
She has also been named by Apolitical among the world’s 100 most influential people in digital government.
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