London, February 6th, 2026
iamtheCODE is an African-led global movement advancing STEAMD education and AI literacy for women and girls. The organisation is pleased to announce the appointment of Davis Adieno as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). It also confirms Philip Thigo as Chairman of iamtheCODE.
This announcement marks an important milestone for iamtheCODE. The organisation is strengthening its leadership, governance, and operational capacity. These efforts help governments, multilateral institutions, and partners deliver inclusive, ethical, and future-ready digital skills for women and girls globally.
Welcoming Davis Adieno as Chief Operating Officer
Davis Adieno is a seasoned leader in the public sector, data, and operations. He has extensive experience across government, civil society institutions, and development partners. He has also worked on digital transformation programmes in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
His professional background includes supporting data-driven policymaking and programme coordination. He has also worked on institutional strengthening and cross-sector collaboration within complex public-sector environments. Davis has worked with regional bodies, national and county governments, development agencies, and implementing partners. His work has improved service delivery, accountability, and economic outcomes.
As Chief Operating Officer, Davis will lead iamtheCODE’s operations, partnerships, and execution. He will ensure strong coordination across countries, disciplined delivery, and measurable impact. His role is central to supporting government-facing programmes and strengthening operational systems. He will coordinate cross-country teams and align programme delivery with national priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“We are delighted to welcome Davis as our Chief Operating Officer,” said Lady Mariéme Jamme, Founder and CEO of iamtheCODE.
Kenya plays a central role in our mission, particularly in supporting young women and girls to access future-ready skills aligned with the digital economy. Davis brings deep public-sector experience, data expertise, and operational rigour that will strengthen programme delivery in Kenya, support government collaboration, and help translate policy ambition into measurable outcomes for youth employment and inclusive growth.”
H.E. Ambassador Philip Thigo serves as Chairman of iamtheCODE. He provides strategic leadership, governance oversight, and long-term vision. His work supports the organisation as it scales its global impact. The focus areas are digital skills, artificial intelligence, and inclusive economic transformation.
Ambassador Thigo is an award-winning global technology policy leader. He is one of the leading voices shaping responsible, inclusive, and sovereign approaches to artificial intelligence and digital transformation. He currently serves as Special Envoy on Technology for the Republic of Kenya. This is the first role of its kind in Africa. In this role, he supports national digital transformation and international technology diplomacy. He also works on global AI governance processes and the responsible adoption of emerging technologies.
Across his career, Ambassador Thigo has shaped global multi-stakeholder cooperation on digital public infrastructure, data governance, and AI for sustainable development. He has advised governments and international institutions. He has also held executive roles across the public and private sectors. He co-founded global initiatives that advance data for development and digital inclusion, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
As Chairman, he brings experience in building coalitions across governments, multilateral institutions, industry, academia, and civil society. He accelerates equitable access to technology and strengthens digital sovereignty. He works to ensure that the benefits of the Age of Intelligence are inclusive and globally distributed, especially for women and girls in emerging and frontier markets.
“Philip’s leadership as Chairman anchors iamtheCODE in credibility, policy alignment, and ethical governance, said Lady Mariéme Jamme.
Kenya is a priority country for iamtheCODE, and our work strongly aligns with Kenya Vision 2030 and the national digital transformation agenda. Philip’s expertise as a Technology Adviser and Special Envoy ensures that our AI literacy programmes for girls and young women contribute meaningfully to youth empowerment, the digital economy, and responsible innovation — while meeting global standards of trust and accountability.”
Looking Ahead
With strengthened leadership and governance, iamtheCODE is well-positioned to deepen collaboration with governments, UN agencies, and global partners. These efforts are intended to increase programme access, boost the number of girls and women gaining digital and AI skills, and drive measurable progress in education, leadership, and wellbeing across more than 89 countries.
About iamtheCODE
iamtheCODE is the first African-led global movement mobilising governments, the private sector, and philanthropic partners to advance STEAMD education and AI literacy for women and girls. Founded by Lady Mariéme Jamme, iamtheCODE aims to empower one million women and girls by 2030, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
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Media Contact
iamtheCODE Communications Team
www.iamthecode.org
socialmedia@iamthecode.org