Khungeka Njobe

Ms. Khungeka Njobe is a distinguished sustainability, science, and innovation leader with more than 25 years of executive and board‑level experience across environmental governance, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and technology‑driven sustainable development. Her career uniquely integrates scientific research leadership, policy implementation, and sustainable finance, positioning her at the forefront of Africa’s transition toward climate‑aligned, nature‑positive, and technology‑enabled growth. Her extensive experience in science and technology innovation includes serving in senior executive roles at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), where she advanced national R&D strategy, innovation governance, IP commercialisation, and multidisciplinary research partnerships. She also led the establishment of the World Economic Forum–affiliated Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR South Africa), strengthening the country’s capacity to shape global governance of emerging technologies such as AI and digital infrastructure. As former Chairperson of the Technology Innovation Agency, she oversaw the development of the innovation ecosystem and technology commercialisation in support of South Africa’s knowledge economy.

She holds advanced degrees in biology, zoology, and finance and investment, complemented by executive education in ESG, sustainability, innovation, and climate change from leading global institutions. Msi Njobe is a respected sustainability strategist, having led large‑scale climate and biodiversity programmes, mobilised funding for transformative environmental initiatives, and supported public‑ and private‑sector leaders to integrate ESG and climate priorities into decision‑making. Her multidisciplinary experience positions her as a leading African voice on how AI can accelerate sustainability, climate adaptation, and inclusive development across the continent.