11 Influential Government Figures Leading Africa's Tech Revolution

Africa’s digital revolution is not just transforming businesses and industries—it’s being championed at the highest levels of government. With the continent’s IT sector projected to grow to $150 billion by 2025, driven by a remarkable 10.2% CAGR, forward-thinking leaders are ensuring the infrastructure, policies, and innovation required to sustain this growth.

In our latest feature from 100 of the Most Influential African Leaders in Technology & Telecommunications 2024, we highlight government leaders shaping the continent’s digital landscape. These visionaries are not only driving policy, but also fostering digital transformation, inclusivity, and innovation for the betterment of their nations and the continent.

Here are just a few of the standout government leaders shaping Africa’s digital future.

Hon. Rose Pola Pricemou

Minister Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, Republic of Guinea

Mrs. Rose Pola Pricemou is a distinguished leader with a rich academic and professional background. She holds a Master's in Computer Science Applied to Management from the University of November 7 in Tunisia, a Master's in Computer Research from the University of Montreal, and an MBA in Information Technology Management from Laval University in Quebec.

Her career spans over a decade in both private and government sectors, including roles at the Industrial Alliance Group in the U.S. and various Canadian government ministries.

Since 2021, Rose Pola Pricemou has served in prominent ministerial positions in Guinea, including Minister of Information and Communication, Minister of Trade, Industry, and SMEs, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, and currently, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy.

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE

Director General/CEO, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General and CEO of NITDA, is a transformational IT leader with expertise in policy formulation, strategy implementation, and digital innovation. A Computer Science graduate from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, he holds advanced certifications from institutions like Harvard, Cambridge, and MIT, and is the first Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) in Nigeria’s public sector.

With nearly two decades of experience, Inuwa has held key roles at Galaxy Backbone Ltd and the Central Bank of Nigeria, contributing to cost-saving initiatives and technology advancements. Since becoming NITDA's Director-General in 2019, he has driven digital transformation, talent development, and emerging technology adoption, strengthening Nigeria's IT ecosystem.

Hon. Kabbyanga Godfrey Baluku

State Minister for ICT & National Guidance, The Republic of Uganda

Kabbyanga Godfrey Baluku Kiime, Uganda's Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance, is an economist, urban manager, and politician with extensive public and private sector experience.

Formerly a procurement manager and municipal mayor, he has also excelled in managing businesses in hospitality and farming.

A prominent figure in Uganda’s political and economic landscape, Kabbyanga's leadership and expertise make him a vital asset to the nation.

Hon. Mondli Gungubele

Deputy Minister Ministry of Communications & Digital Technologies, The Republic of South Africa

Deputy Minister Mondli Gungubele, appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa as Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies in June 2024, has a long history of public service.

Previously, he served as Minister in the Presidency and held roles in local, provincial, and national government. His career includes significant contributions as an MEC in Gauteng, Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni, and Chairperson of key parliamentary committees

A trade unionist since the 1970s, he honed his political and negotiation skills as a member of NUM and COSATU. He holds a BCom (Law) degree and a National Diploma in Nursing and serves on the ANC National Executive and Working Committees.

Nonkqubela Jordan-Dyani

Director-General Department of Communications & Digital Technologies, Republic of South Africa

Ms. Nonkqubela Thathakahle Jordan-Dyani is the Director-General of the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, appointed permanently in August 2023 after serving as Acting DG for two years. With over 20 years in public service, including more than a decade in senior management, she is a seasoned civil servant.

Nonkqubela holds a BA and BA (Hons) in International Relations from the University of Fort Hare, with certifications in telecommunications policy and digital transformation from Wits University and Cambridge. She has held leadership roles, including co-chair of the Universal Postal Union Congress, chair of the African Telecommunications Union, and council member for NEPAD’s ICT program. She also chairs the Women’s Forum and is deputy chair of South African Women in ICT.

Hon. Solly Malatsi

Minister, Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies, The Republic of South Africa

Solly Malatsi, South Africa's Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, is a seasoned leader with extensive experience in public service and strategic communication. He has held roles such as Parliamentary Counselor to the Leader of the Opposition, national spokesperson for the Democratic Alliance (DA), and caucus whip in Parliament. Malatsi has contributed to portfolios including Sports, Human Settlements, and Communications and served as a spokesperson for the Western Cape MEC of Transport and the Mayor of Cape Town.

He holds a Bachelor of Administration from the University of Limpopo and an Honours Degree in Political Studies from Wits University. Known for his expertise in governance and digital transformation, he is shaping South Africa’s digital future

Mlindi Mashologu

Deputy Director-General (DDG): ICT Information Society & Capacity Development, Department of Communications & Digital Technologies, South Africa

Mlindi Mashologu, Deputy Director-General for ICT Information Society and Capacity Development at South Africa's Department of Communications and Digital Technologies since 2020, leads the country's digital transformation initiatives. His responsibilities include driving the adoption of emerging technologies, bridging the digital divide through critical skills development, digitizing government services, and ICT forecasting. With 26 years of ICT experience across Africa, Mlindi holds an M.Eng in Telecoms from Wits, an MBA from Nelson Mandela University, and a PGDip in Futures Studies from Stellenbosch, where he is pursuing an MPhil.

Hon. Monica Musenero Masanza

Minister, Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation, The Republic of Uganda

Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation in Uganda, is a distinguished scientist and consultant with extensive national and international experience. She has served as Assistant Commissioner for Epidemiology in Uganda’s Ministry of Health, a Principal Program Officer at AFENET, and a Field Coordinator with the WHO during the West African Ebola outbreak, earning recognition for her expertise and leadership.

With an MS from Cornell University in Microbiology and Vaccine Development and an MPH in Epidemiology, Dr. Musenero has been instrumental in shaping Uganda’s epidemic preparedness systems, leading responses to multiple Ebola and Marburg outbreaks since 2007. A champion of the One Health movement, she introduced innovative multi-sectoral approaches to disease control. Currently, she serves as a Senior Presidential Advisor on Epidemics and a key figure in Uganda’s COVID-19 response efforts.

Dr. Margaret Nyambura Ndung'u

Cabinet Secretary, Minister of Information, Communication & The Digital Economy, Republic of Kenya

Dr. Margaret Nyambura Ndung'u is an ICT specialist with 28 years of experience spanning public, private, and development sectors at community, national, regional, and global levels. She has contributed to key initiatives, including Kenya’s National ICT Master Plan, the African Union’s Internet Governance Strategy, and the AU Child Online Safety Policy.

Dr. Ndung'u holds a doctorate in Information Systems from the University of Nairobi, a Post-Doctorate Fellowship from Tshwane University of Technology, and an MBA in Management Science. She is a member of the AU Cyber Security Expert Group, a founding member of the Network of African Women in Cybersecurity, and a member of the UN Policy Network on Meaningful Access. Passionate about digital inclusion, she advocates for safe and secure digital spaces.

Eng. John Tanui

Principal Secretary, State Department for ICT & the Digital Economy, Government of Kenya

Eng. John Tanui, MBS, is the Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy in Kenya's Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy.

With over 20 years of experience, he previously served as CEO of Konza Technopolis Development Authority and held leadership roles at Huawei Technologies, including Deputy Country CEO for Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, and Djibouti.

Eng. Tanui holds a BTech in Electrical and Communication Engineering from Moi University and an MBA in International Business from the University of Nairobi.

Alderman James Vos

Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, City of Cape Town

Alderman James Vos, Cape Town's MMC for Economic Growth, is dedicated to enhancing the city's business environment, spanning tourism, trade, investment, and strategic assets. As one of the youngest to earn the Alderman title, he has served as a Ward Councillor, Member of Parliament, and Shadow Minister of Tourism, earning an International Merit Award for his civic contributions.

James spearheaded the Ease of Doing Business Index, streamlining processes for entrepreneurs, and launched the Jobs Connect initiative to link job seekers with training and employment. Collaborating with partners like Wesgro and Cape Town Tourism, he has helped attract flights and open global markets for local businesses. Passionate about making Cape Town Africa's top business hub, James focuses on creating jobs, driving investment, and securing a prosperous future for all residents.

Don’t miss the opportunity to discover all of the innovators and changemakers featured in our second edition of the Top African Leaders in Technology and Telecommunications report.

Download the full report now and explore how these visionaries are transforming industries across the continent.