Dr. Aminah Zawedde named among Africa's Top Women in Digital Transformation

In recognition of her exceptional contribution to Uganda’s digital progress, CIO Africa Magazine has named Dr Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, among the Top 45 Most Influential Women in Digital Transformation in Africa for 2024–2025. The honour, featured in the November 2025 edition of CIO Africa Magazine, places Dr Zawedde among the continent’s most accomplished technology leaders shaping policy, innovation and digital inclusion.

CIO Africa Magazine is widely regarded as a leading authority on technology leadership across the continent, profiling individuals shaping Africa’s digital future. CIO Africa, one of the continent’s most respected voices in technology leadership, described the honorees as women whose work is redefining Africa’s technological direction across sectors such as artificial intelligence, digital health, fintech, e-commerce and cybersecurity. Dr Zawedde is the only Ugandan on the list, joining prominent figures such as Rwanda’s Minister of ICT, Paula Ingabire, and South Africa’s Naspers CEO, Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa.

Her recognition comes at a defining moment for Uganda’s ICT sector. Over the past three years, Dr Zawedde has played a central role in expanding the national ICT backbone, strengthening the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry, promoting digital skilling, and driving innovation-friendly reforms. These efforts align with the Digital Transformation Roadmap launched in July 2024, which sets out a national plan to accelerate ICT adoption across government, business, and society.

One of her key achievements is spearheading Uganda’s ICT Intellectual Property Guidelines in 2025, a framework designed to protect and commercialise local innovations. She has also championed a nationwide digital skilling programme that has trained more than 40,000 Ugandans, including 1,500 refugees who earned ICDL certification with an 86% pass rate. In partnership with Multichoice Uganda, she also supported the training of more than 200 public officers in digital media, crisis communication and content modernisation to improve government communication.

The CIO Africa Top 45 list celebrates women with exceptional vision, influence, and impact in advancing technology for national progress. Dr Zawedde’s inclusion reflects her dedication to fostering collaboration across government, the private sector, academia, and development partners, as well as her ability to unite stakeholders around a shared digital agenda.

In her remarks, Dr Zawedde expressed deep appreciation for the recognition, stating:
“This recognition is not just a personal achievement; it reflects the government’s leadership and the tireless efforts of our teams and partners who believe in the power of digital transformation to drive Uganda forward. I am inspired by the dedication of everyone championing innovation, building capacity, and advancing policy that empowers our youth, improves lives, and strengthens our nation’s competitiveness.”

Her recognition is a national milestone, highlighting Uganda’s growing influence in Africa’s digital landscape and reaffirming the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance’s commitment to building a digitally empowered, inclusive, and globally competitive society.