Johannesburg-based digital innovation hub, Tshimologong Precinct, has announced that its CEO Lesley Williams has been selected as a member of the inaugural class of the Obama Foundation Leaders: Africa programme.

Williams, who was appointed to the role of CEO less than a year ago, is said to be ecstatic after her nomination as a future African leader within the Obama Foundation.

"Through Tshimologong Precinct and other initiatives, South Africa has made impressive progress to not only improve our country, but to build much needed skills. I am excited to form part of this working group and committed to help make Africa better for all," she said.

The Obama Foundation Leaders: Africa is a year-long initiative to empower and connect 200 emerging leaders from across Africa to take on the biggest challenges in their communities, countries, and continent.

Former US President Obama met with the emerging leaders to better understand how the Obama Foundation can support their work over the course of 2017.

Williams was appointed as part of the Obama Foundation's commitment to grow its global network of innovative and ethical change makers who seek to drive transformation in their communities.

She says the Group will kick off with a five-day workshop convening in Johannesburg. The convening will also include a town hall meeting with President Obama where he will learn about their experiences and the work Africa is doing.

"This program will provide emerging African leaders from a range of backgrounds with the skills they need to create change. Through plenary sessions, problem-solving workshops, technical trainings, and leadership development, this working group will aim to find ways to create and solve African-specific issues," reads a statement from the Tshimologong Precinct.

"We are overjoyed at the news. It is even more exciting as at the same time, while in Johannesburg, President Obama will deliver the 16th Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture. In honour of the 100th anniversary of Madiba's birth, the lecture's theme will be "Renewing the Mandela Legacy and Promoting Active Citizenship in a Changing World." adds Williams.

Williams also revealed that she hopes that the appointment will enable her to continue making Tshimologong Precinct a place of new beginnings for all: "We have made such progress and have so much to offer the Foundation, we are very motivated to grow and develop the precinct into a globally recognised hub of digital innovation."