Elma Akob

Youth in Business and Entrepreneurship

Nominee's Province:
Gauteng

Age:
23

Project Name/Description:
Elevate Africa

More info:

Winner of Top Youth-Owned Educational Brand in South Africa, Elma Akob, has discovered the secret to monetising her gift of speaking. Akob has been shaking platforms with the power of her voice from as early as 16 when she got a standing ovation at the United Nations. She is the founding CEO of Elevate Africa, an award-winning brand that trains young people all over the continent in public speaking. The decision to found the academy came after realising the demand for public-speaking skills and the opportunity to make a living out of the art. As a result, Elevate Africa trains African youth to embrace their different languages and accents and explore economic opportunities in speaking. “I believe Africans have the solutions to all of Africa’s problems, but we do not have the confidence to communicate efficiently.” The renowned voice-over artist records for Disney, DStv, Nedbank and other companies.  According to the University of Pretoria PhD student in Corporate Sustainability, the youth needs practical, crucial skills in addition to classroom theory, in order to do great exploits in entrepreneurship. Additionally, the youth do not only need financial support, but also advice and mentorship. Also important, is a safe working environment that allows for creativity and promotes individuality.   For her achievement, Akob was recently included in the Top 10 Outstanding Young Persons in the World by Junior Chamber International. Her TEDx Talk titled The dangers of Western Feminism to African Women has taken her all over the world to affirm the African matriarch story.