Dr. Shikoh is the CEO of Qhala, a Digital Innovation company driving Africa’s digital transformation. With over a decade of experience in emerging markets, she has led innovation across Agriculture, Education, Health, Payments, Retail, and Renewable Energy.

She founded Safaricom Alpha, Africa’s first corporate innovation hub, serving as Chief Innovation Officer and leading Safaricom’s digital shift. At the African Development Bank, she guided governments in ICT adoption and co-authored the Digital Government Blueprint. Her experience at Google and Microsoft strengthened her ability to bridge business, government, and technology.

Dr. Shikoh advises governments on data and digital policies, sits on the boards of WiDEF, Longhorn, Open Institute, ANU, and IPSL, and contributes to steering committees and think tanks shaping Africa’s digital future.

Holding a PhD and MSc in Computer Science from the University of Cape Town, she is a Women in STEM Champion committed to empowering women and building Africa’s startup ecosystem.