Joanna Govender honoured for African tech advocacy
South Africa
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10 May 2024
Joanna Jacqueline Govender, CEO of tech non-profit Empire Partner Foundation (EPF) and EPF Tech Fund, has received another award for advocating for technological solutions to African societal challenges.
Govender received a 2024 Global Recognition Award this week for her efforts to use technology for social impact.
The Global Recognition Award honours organisations from around the world for their efforts and contributions to their respective industries.
The accolade follows her recent recognition as one of the top 50 Africans promoting the continent's development through entrepreneurship.
The Govender-led EPF enables African youth to solve the 10 most pressing public-sector problems using technological solutions.
Water, energy, healthcare, education, agriculture, rural development, transportation, housing, unemployment, and security are the ten social and economic problems that the group aims to solve with technology.
Furthermore, the fund she runs, which now has $11 million (R200 million) supports young entrepreneurs, is raising an extra $4.2 million (R80 million) to invest in students and graduates building digital solutions.
Commenting on the latest award, Govender said: “This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire team at EPF, whose passion for driving positive change in Africa inspires me every day.
“Our work at EPF is driven by a shared commitment to leveraging technology for social and economic progress in Africa. This recognition underscores the impact of our initiatives aimed at empowering youth and fostering positive change across the continent.”
Beneficiaries and partners of the foundation and the fund also noted the impact the organisation is making on the continent.
Hashveer Singh, CEO Veers Group, said: “EPF has leveraged technology effectively; its continued engagement with youth has also been inspiring. It is at the frontline of social impact in the country and will continue to forge forward in the years to come.”
JK Du Toit, CEO of the Good People Data Company, added: "Youth empowerment and the mobilisation of technology are central to everything the EPF Tech Fund undertakes.
“Joanna's vision, strategic direction, leadership, and commitment to empowering youth have not only transformed the lives of young people within the EPF ecosystem but her actions have also sparked a moment of revelation for corporate South Africa, potentially serving as the technology enablement catalyst for a brighter technology future for Africa."