Rapelang Rabana

About Rapelang Rabana

Rapelang Rabana is a South African computer scientist, entrepreneur and keynote speaker who builds technology that changes how people learn and work. She is Co-CEO of Imagine Worldwide, an edtech nonprofit delivering tablet-based literacy and numeracy programs with African governments. Previously, Rapelang founded Rekindle Learning—recognised by McKinsey as a striking innovation in mobile learning—and co-founded Yeigo Communications, one of the earliest mobile VoIP innovators in South Africa. She also served as Chief Digital Officer at BCX, driving enterprise digital strategy and new ventures. A World Economic Forum Young Global Leader and former board member at organisations including Standard Chartered Bank Botswana, she holds a Business Science (Hons, Computer Science) and an M.Sc from the University of Cape Town. Her talks translate founder-level lessons into practical playbooks on digital transformation, tech fluency and micro-learning that measurably improve performance.

Key message

Innovation must change behaviour and outcomes to matter. | Use technology to break constraints and produce resilient, scalable solutions. | Leaders are tech fluent when they can leverage the best of technology combined with human skills. | Data-driven experimentation is key to asking better questions and picking the right bets. | Micro-learning + data loops reduce time-to-competency and lift productivity.

Speaking topics and expertise

• Getting to Game-Changing Innovations | Digital Fluency | Re: Education - The Future of You | Innovation as a lever for Inclusive Economic Growth | Entrepreneurship: The African Advantage | My Journey - Inside Innovation and Entrepreneurship