Senior Director Africa

Charmaine Houvet is an accomplished ICT leader with more than three decades of experience across the public, private, and academic sectors, where she has helped shape technology strategy, digital transformation, and innovation policy. Recognized for her ability to build strong partnerships across government, industry, and civil society, she has served as a trusted advisor on strategic technology adoption and was a key member of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 4IR Commission. Charmaine also serves on the boards of the International Women’s Forum South Africa and WeThinkCode, and chairs Cisco’s Charitable Trust Foundation. Holding an MBA, she combines strong business acumen with deep sector expertise, and is widely respected for her advocacy for connectivity, gender equality, and women’s empowerment in technology. Through her mentoring, coaching, and non-profit work supporting women in ICT, she continues to inspire future leaders and advance a more inclusive digital economy.