Celebrating Women’s Excellence and Leadership: Lady Mariéme Jamme in the Spotlight

The South African government appointed technology leader and digital transformation advocate Lady Mariéme Jamme as the country’s Special Envoy for Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in July. Born in Senegal, West Africa, Lady Mariéme Jamme has built an internationally recognised career advocating for women’s digital inclusion as Africa and the world work towards a shared digital future for all.

Her responsibilities include supporting South Africa’s engagement on technology and AI while amplifying the voices of women shaping the country’s digital landscape. Her work will focus on technology diplomacy, responsible AI governance, digital inclusion, work readiness, innovation ecosystems and strategic partnerships that advance South Africa’s national development priorities.

According to a statement issued by the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, the appointment comes at a pivotal moment as governments, business leaders, investors and multilateral organisations accelerate global dialogue on artificial intelligence, digital transformation and the future of work.

Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, through the statement, reaffirmed South Africa’s vision of a digitally inclusive society where technological innovation drives opportunity, equality, economic participation and sustainable development.

South Africa is positioning itself as a leader in the continental AI conversation. The honorary, strategic and non-executive appointment of Lady Mariéme Jamme is expected to strengthen the country’s role in advancing an inclusive digital prosperity agenda.

The appointment follows Kenya’s appointment of a Technology Envoy and signals the African continent’s determination to shape global conversations on artificial intelligence. Technology envoys play an important role in advancing investment discussions, AI talent initiatives and digital infrastructure projects, including data centre investments, international commitments and strategic declarations.

South Africa’s increasing internet penetration has fuelled socio-economic development by expanding access to education, business opportunities and communication. However, this growth has also introduced vulnerabilities, including online fraud and cyber harassment, which continue to undermine public trust in digital platforms. Women, in particular, face a significantly higher risk of online violence, with 77% reporting experiences of online harassment. Addressing these challenges is essential to ensuring that digital transformation benefits everyone equitably and securely. The Tech Envoy is also expected to amplify efforts that promote stronger cybersecurity governance and the effective implementation of cybersecurity legislation.

The appointment has generated mixed reactions, particularly on social media. Some South Africans have questioned the decision, arguing that the country has capable technology experts and digital advocates who could have filled the position. Others have welcomed the appointment, saying it reflects a commitment to ensuring that African expertise and lived experiences help shape the continent’s shared digital future.

Welcoming the appointment, Lady Mariéme Jamme said:

“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.”

South Africa has also attracted attention following the withdrawal of the National Draft AI Policy, which had reportedly been developed using AI tools. Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi apologised to the public and reaffirmed his commitment to restarting the policy development process with experts leading the work.

“South Africans deserve better,” the Minister said following the withdrawal of the draft policy, which was found to contain unverifiable sources, questionable research and data that did not adequately reflect South African realities and local contexts. Concerns were also raised regarding the alleged use of AI-generated sources during the drafting process.

The Minister accepted full responsibility, acknowledging that the policy should not be a “copy and paste” document but one that genuinely reflects South Africa’s digital needs and realities.

In an official statement issued by the Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies, Minister Malatsi said:

“The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies did not deliver on the standard that is acceptable for an institution entrusted with the role to lead South Africa’s digital policy environment. The most plausible explanation is that AI-generated citations were included without proper verification. This should not have happened.

In fact, this unacceptable lapse proves why vigilant human oversight over the use of artificial intelligence is critical. It’s a lesson we take with humility. I want to reassure the country that we are treating this matter with the gravity it deserves. There will be consequences.”

The future of South Africa’s artificial intelligence regulatory framework remains uncertain, despite the appointment of an AI Advisory Panel to help shape AI governance and innovation in the country under the leadership of Professor Benjamin Rosman of the University of the Witwatersrand.

Lady Mariéme Jamme’s appointment offers renewed optimism for many South Africans who believe the country has an opportunity to build a credible, inclusive and globally respected artificial intelligence ecosystem.

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References:

South African Government News Agency (SAnews)
https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/dwypd-appoints-marieme-jamme-ai-special-envoy

Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities

ITWeb
https://www.itweb.co.za/article/malatsi-appoints-ai-advisory-panel/RgeVDvPRzbNMKJN3

Department of Communications and Digital Technologies
https://www.dcdt.gov.za

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About the Author:

Bongekile Filana is a digital storyteller working at the intersection of youth digital inclusion, technology and innovation. As a contributor to Activate Change Drivers, she writes about digital transformation, artificial intelligence and inclusive economic growth.