New York, NY, September 23, 2025 – Senegalese British technologist, philanthropist, and pioneer Lady Mariéme Jamme, Founder of the iamtheCODE Foundation, unveiled a landmark 10-Year Impact Report at PwC US Consulting headquarters in New York during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The report highlights the socio-economic value of educating girls, particularly in marginalised and crisis-affected communities, and underscores the urgent need for collective global action to close the digital divide.
Since its inception in 2015, iamtheCODE has become the first African-led global movement mobilizing governments, the private sector, philanthropic organizations, and civil society to empower girls and young women through STEAMED (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, Entrepreneurship, and Design) education. The Foundation’s mission is to enable 1 million young women and girls to become coders by 2030.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to serve young women and girls around the world, many of whom remind me of my own journey. As an African woman, I never imagined I would be working alongside the United Nations and global partners to open doors for refugee girls, marginalized girls, and the next generation of changemakers. This report is our collective testimony — proof that investing in girls’ education is not only a moral duty but also a powerful driver of social and economic transformation,” said Lady Mariéme Jamme, Founder and CEO of iamtheCODE.
Major Announcements at UNGA
The anniversary event marked several key milestones:
- Ambassador Philip Thigo was nominated as Chairman of the iamtheCODE Foundation, recognizing his leadership in advancing technology, innovation, and public policy across Africa.
- iamtheCODE has co-signed a new partnership agreement with the South African Ministry of Youth, Disability, and Inclusion, reinforcing a shared commitment to expanding digital opportunities for young women and girls across South Africa.
- The Business and Technology University (BTU) of Georgia played a central role in developing the 10-Year Landmark Report. Its researchers provided rigorous analysis, comparative data, and methodological support that validated the findings and strengthened the evidence base on the economic and social value of girls’ education. This collaboration underscores the importance of academic research in informing global policy advocacy and making the case for long-term investment in girls and women.
- The launch was further supported by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) through the Digital Hunger event at UNGA, where iamtheCODE and BTU were featured as examples of how innovative partnerships can address digital inequality.
A Decade of Transformation
Over the past decade, iamtheCODE has transformed more than 550,000 lives, reached 150,000 learners across 88 countries, and provided access to over 65,000 courses in 19 languages. The Foundation’s work has given marginalized girls—including those in refugee camps and internally displaced populations—the tools to pursue education, digital skills, and pathways into the global economy.
The 10-Year Landmark Report captures this journey, presenting data, testimonies, and photographs that illustrate how digital literacy and mentorship can break cycles of poverty, improve economic outcomes, and create lasting social change.
Spotlight on Kakuma Refugee Camp
A highlight of the celebration was the screening of a video message from Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya, where iamtheCODE has worked since 2017. The film featured girls who first began coding at age 11 and, now in their 20s, continue to learn and build futures shaped by resilience, creativity, and innovation. Their stories stand as living proof of the socio-economic value of investing in girls’ education.
Power of Partnerships
iamtheCODE’s global impact has been enabled through strategic partnerships with governments, businesses, and academic institutions. Notably, Business and Technology University (BTU) in Georgia, PwC, Skillsoft, Mastercard Foundation, UN Women, UNHCR, Coursera, Salesforce, Nasdaq, and the World Economic Forum have played key roles in advancing digital learning and inclusion.
These collaborations have accelerated progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly:
- Quality Education (SDG 4)
- Gender Equality (SDG 5)
- Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)
Event Highlights
The 10th Anniversary celebration included:
- Presentation of the Landmark 10-Year Impact Report
- Screening of Kakuma Refugee Camp video showcasing a decade of transformation
- Panel discussions on technology, inclusion, and the future of work for women and girls
- Tributes to global partners, trustees, and the iamtheCODE community
- A networking reception with leaders from government, business, and civil society
About iamtheCODE
Founded in 2015 by Lady Mariéme Jamme, the iamtheCODE Foundation is the first African-led global movement to mobilize governments, the private sector, philanthropic organizations, and investors to advance STEAMED education for girls and young women.
With a mission to enable 1 million young women and girls to become coders by 2030, iamtheCODE has already transformed 550,000 lives and provided pathways for learners across 88 countries. Its programs continue to close the digital divide, foster innovation, and create inclusive opportunities for future generations.
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Media Contact
iamtheCODE Communications Team
www.iamthecode.org
socialmedia@iamthecode.org