Mmaki Jantjies

Group Executive: Innovation & Transformation at Telkom

Speaker

Dr. Mmaki Jantjies is the Group Executive, Head of Innovation and Transformation at the South African Telecommunications Provider, Telkom. She joined Telkom in April 2021 to establish the new Innovation Office focusing on leading digital innovation as well as research and development initiatives of the Telkom Group. Dr. Jantjies is also an Adjunct Associate Professor at a South African University.

She holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Warwick (UK), other qualifications from the UK and South Africa, and is one of South Africa’s foremost thought leaders in technology for development. Prior to joining Telkom, she led two academic departments and has played a key leadership role in advancing technology innovation and programmes within South Africa, in emerging technology areas such as Augmented and Virtual Reality as well as Big Data.

Dr. Jantjies is a member of the South African Young Association of Scientists (SAYAS), which supports the development of the field of science in South Africa. Passionate about community development, she founded a non-profit organization that rolled out programs that would educate and skill teachers and children on digital literacy, programming and related technology skills. She is also a member of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Young Global Leaders.