Elma Akob
Women in Business and Entrepreneurship
Nominee's Province:
Gauteng
Project Name/Description:
Founder – Elevate Africa
Just this year alone, Elma Akob has walked away with at least three major honours: the Sunday World Unsung Heroes, Gauteng Women of Wonder Awards as well as the 2nd Annual Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards.
Winner of Top Youth-Owned Educational Brand in South Africa, Akob, has discovered the secret to monetising her gift of speaking.
Akob has been shaking platforms and dazzling audiences with the power of her voice from as early as 16 when she got a standing ovation at the United Nations headquarters. She is now the founding CEO of Elevate Africa, an award-winning brand that trains young people all over the continent in public speaking. She says she started her company to make opportunities more accessible and easier for all.
“I believe that 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 said the fact that public speaking is the fourth most demanded skill globally presented a viable business opportunity for her. As a voice-over artist, Akob records for Disney, DStv, Nedbank and many other companies.
According to Akob, who is pursuing her PhD in corporate sustainability with the University of Pretoria, winning the war on youth unemployment has to start with holistic education that includes a transfer for crucial skills, such as public speaking.
