Africa (Commonwealth) _ During its recently completed virtual Annual General Meeting, the Africa Information and Communication Technologies Alliance (AfICTA) elected Ms. Ulandi Exner as the first female chairman of the private sector driven technology authority in Africa.
AfICTA is an alliance of ICT Associations, multinational enterprises, firms, organizations, and individuals in the ICT sector in Africa, spearheaded by the private sector, with the goal of realizing the potential of the digital era for the whole continent.
“I am honored and excited to lead AfICTA as its first female Chairperson,” Exner stated, expressing her excitement. She expressed her desire to express her gratitude to the outgoing chairman, Mr. Thabo Mashegoane, for his exemplary leadership and devoted service. She expressed her excitement about collaborating with AfICTA members to grow the organization to new heights and improve technology throughout the continent.
Exner, Mashegoane’s successor, has also served as Vice-Chair for Southern Africa. Exner has extensive experience in information and communication technologies and a solid foundation in IT risk, cybersecurity, and IT governance.
She offers a depth of expertise and an imaginative approach to lead AfICTA into a new age of innovation and growth as the recently elected Chairperson. Exner is anticipated to guide AfICTA into a new phase of innovation and expansion because to his extensive expertise in the technology sector and track record of leadership.
Exner is a great fit for the position because of her outstanding commitment to and knowledge of ICT.Her rise to prominence is not only a major turning point for AfICTA, but it also provides motivation for women in technology both in Africa and outside.
Exner’s new position will allow her to concentrate on furthering the organization’s objective of encouraging the broad use of ICTs to propel the continent’s socioeconomic growth. In line with her vision, industry stakeholders should collaborate, legislative reforms supporting technical innovation should be advocated for, and AfICTA should remain at the forefront of influencing the development of ICT in Africa.
Ms. Ulandi Exner has worked in the ICT field for more than 20 years. She is a past president of the Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa (IITPSA) and has her own consultancy business. She is involved in the public, academic, and non-profit sectors as a member of several boards and committees. Ms. Exner provides guidance to businesses on IT governance, risk management, auditing, cyber security, and standards, procedures, and policies.Along with having a Master’s degree in IT Governance, Ms. Exner also holds certifications in risk and information systems control (CRISC), data privacy solutions engineering (CDPSE), information systems auditing (CISA), information systems security professional (CISSP), and certified director of the Institute of Directors South Africa.
The Africa Information and Communication Technologies Alliance (AfICTA) is an alliance of ICT associations, multinational corporations, businesses, organizations, and individuals working in the ICT sector in Africa, spearheaded by the private sector.
The goal of AfICTA is to ensure that everyone in Africa can benefit from the digital era.
In order to build an information society in Africa, AfICTA’s purpose is to promote multi-stakeholder engagement that fosters faster and ICT-enabled development across the continent. This includes utilizing cutting-edge innovative technologies including satellite, computer, and mobile technology.
The organization of non-governmental ICT stakeholders in Africa for efficient local and regional advocacy is one of AfiCTA’s main objectives. Serve as the main hub for ICT advocacy in Africa within the global digital economy. Work with stakeholders to continuously promote digital literacy in Africa.
Form alliances with the regional economic commissioners and the African Union to jointly achieve the continent’s goals for sustainable development. Encourage productive communication between members and decision-makers.
