The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Aminah Zawedde, has been named among Africa’s Top 45 Most Influential Women in Digital Transformation, according to the November 2025 edition of CIO Africa Magazine.
Dr. Zawedde is the only Ugandan on the list, which recognises women shaping the continent’s digital, innovation, policy and technology agenda.
Other figures featured include Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire, South Africa’s Naspers CEO Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, and pioneering innovators from across 10 African countries.
CIO Africa said the honorees are transforming sectors ranging from artificial intelligence and digital health to e-commerce, fintech and cybersecurity.
Dr. Zawedde was recognised for leading Uganda’s digital transformation agenda and advancing reforms that directly support innovation.
In 2025, she spearheaded Uganda’s ICT Intellectual Property Guidelines, creating a framework to protect and commercialise local innovations.
She has also championed a national digital skilling programme that has trained more than 40,000 Ugandans, including 1,500 refugees who earned ICDL certification with an 86% pass rate.
Under her leadership, the government has prepared Uganda to host the first East & Africa Digital Transformation Summit, bringing together universities, tech companies and policymakers to develop a shared regional ICT vision.
Her efforts have extended to strengthening public sector communication, training more than 200 government officers in digital media, crisis management and content modernisation.
Dr. Zawedde has pushed Uganda’s positioning in the Business Process Outsourcing sector, advocating for youth-centered job creation and engaging international technology firms to boost investment.
She has also supported budget provisions for universal broadband access to expand digital inclusion.
First launched in Zambia in 2022, the CIO digital transformation recognition spotlights individuals who are redefining Africa’s technological direction.
Dr. Zawedde’s inclusion places Uganda among countries demonstrating leadership in digital policy, innovation and inclusive ICT development.