Joanna Govender, CEO of EPF Tech Fund & Empire Partner Foundation, is a visionary leader dedicated to leveraging technology for social impact. Since joining the EPF ecosystem in its founding year, 2016, she has played a pivotal role in driving initiatives that empower youth, tackle pressing societal challenges, and foster economic growth. With a strong belief in Africa’s untapped potential, she is committed to ensuring technology serves as an enabler for all, regardless of background or circumstance.

Under her leadership, the Empire Partner Foundation and the EPF Tech Fund have pioneered transformative initiatives in governance, financial inclusion, justice, and education. While actively contributing to the Artificial Intelligence Campus (AIC), she collaborates closely with its leadership, spearheaded by Simbarashe Mhlanga, to advance technological skills and innovation. Joanna’s approach is deeply rooted in purpose, ensuring that Africa’s youth are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities needed to thrive in the digital age. Her vision is to cultivate an Africa where innovation is driven by its people, fostering a future shaped by local ingenuity and global impact.

Pivotal Moment in Leadership

According to Joanna, “One of the defining moments in my journey was realizing that technology isn’t just a tool—it’s a bridge to opportunity. A meeting with a young entrepreneur from an underserved community, who had a brilliant idea but lacked resources, mentorship, and digital tools, highlighted the systemic barriers many faces. This realization ignited my deep sense of purpose, leading to the founding of EPF—not just as an organization, but as a mission to break down barriers, nurture talent, and use technology to empower those who need it most.”

Today under her guidance EPF is shaping ecosystems in justice, governance, financial inclusion, and education. She is passionate about people and technology, seeing her work not as a job but as a purpose-driven mission. Her greatest motivation comes from her identical twin boys, who remind her daily that the work she does isn’t just about today—it’s about the generations to come.

Africa’s Evolving Business Landscape

Technology is Africa’s greatest equalizer, and its youth are its most valuable asset. With over 60% of the continent’s population under the age of 25, Joanna sees unprecedented potential in the young minds shaping economies and redefining industries. Through the Empire Partner Foundation, the Artificial Intelligence Campus, and the EPF Tech Fund, she is focused on leveraging AI, data, and digital solutions to streamline governance, empower entrepreneurs, and create sustainable jobs.

“By investing in young innovators, I believe that EPF is not just solving today’s problems but laying the foundation for Africa’s economic resilience and global competitiveness. Technology, in the hands of those who dare to dream, becomes a force for lasting change.”

Leveraging Innovation for Impact

Under Joanna’s leadership, EPF has built powerful digital platforms to address Africa’s biggest challenges:

• Orcaa.ai – An AI-powered skills-matching and recruitment platform that connects businesses with talent, particularly from marginalized communities.
• Visible Social Impact Platform – A real-time data-driven tool that allows businesses and NGOs to measure and showcase their social impact.
• Governance Technology Solutions (GTS) – An AI-driven platform simplifying compliance with B-BBEE requirements to foster inclusive growth.
• Trust Us Project Management – A real-time project monitoring tool ensuring accountability in social impact initiatives.
• JusticeTech Platforms – AI-powered legal case management systems that improve access to justice in low-income communities.
• Solve for X Hackathons – Industry-focused problem-solving events that connect youth with leaders and provide platforms for tech innovation.
• Digital Literacy and Skill Development Platforms – Initiatives focused on equipping youth and marginalized groups with essential digital skills.
• Financial Inclusion Platforms – Tools facilitating financial literacy, micro-lending, and broader access to financial services.
• Smart Cities and IoT Initiatives – Data-driven urban management projects enhancing safety and infrastructure in underserved areas.
• Innovation Labs and Incubators – Spaces that nurture young tech entrepreneurs by fostering creativity, collaboration, and mentorship.

Through these initiatives, Joanna ensures that EPF is not just addressing immediate challenges but also paving the way for long-term, sustainable development in Africa.

Overcoming Challenges in Leadership

One of the biggest challenges Joanna has faced is navigating traditional mindsets in an era of digital transformation. “Resistance to change is common in many industries, but through persistence, education, and showcasing real-world success stories, I have overcome skepticism.” By empowering youth-led startups and partnering with forward-thinking organizations, she has demonstrated the tangible benefits of AI, automation, and digital governance—leading to faster adoption of these solutions.

Creating Social and Economic Value

Joanna believes businesses today must go beyond profits to drive social impact and economic growth. At EPF, this is achieved through:

• Job Creation – Training and upskilling young entrepreneurs to launch businesses that generate employment.
• Startup Incubation – Providing essential resources through the EPF Tech Fund to help youth-led ventures scale.
• Hackathons & Innovation Challenges – Platforms for young innovators to tackle Africa’s biggest challenges.
• Financial Inclusion – AI-driven solutions offering financial access to the unbanked and underbanked populations.

EPF doesn’t just build businesses; it nurtures ecosystems that empower individuals, create jobs, and uplift entire communities.

Vision for the Future

Joanna sees Africa as a continent rich in diversity, talent, and resources. Yet, despite this wealth, the continent remains reliant on international technology. Her vision is to unlock Africa’s untapped capital by empowering its youth.

Her legacy will be defined by her role in championing Africa’s digital transformation, ensuring that:

• Technology is accessible to all.
• African youth see themselves as global tech leaders.
• Africa’s innovation ecosystem thrives as a global hub for creativity and digital excellence.

Through EPF, the EPF Tech Fund, and the Artificial Intelligence Campus, she is laying the groundwork for a technology-driven Africa that is inclusive, forward-thinking, and globally competitive.

Advice to Africa’s Future Leaders

To aspiring entrepreneurs and changemakers, Joanna offers this advice: “Embrace innovation, remain resilient, and seize every opportunity to create impact. Africa’s future is bright, and those who dare to dream and act will shape it.”

Digital Literacy and Skill Development

Joanna highlights EPF’s commitment to digital literacy platforms across Africa, equipping youth and marginalized communities with essential skills for the modern economy. By focusing on technology education, EPF empowers individuals with the knowledge needed to succeed in an increasingly digital world. These initiatives include coding boot camps, digital marketing workshops, and AI training programs designed to bridge the digital divide. Through collaborations with educational institutions and tech companies, EPF ensures access to up-to-date resources and mentorship, helping to create a future-ready workforce that can secure better employment opportunities and contribute to Africa’s growing digital economy.

Financial Inclusion Platforms

Govender emphasizes EPF’s efforts in enhancing financial literacy and improving access to financial services for unbanked and underserved populations. By leveraging AI-driven credit models and blockchain technology, EPF promotes transparency and security in financial transactions. Initiatives such as mobile banking solutions, savings programs, and digital wallets enable seamless transactions, fostering economic empowerment across the continent. Workshops on financial literacy further equip individuals with the knowledge needed to manage their finances effectively, creating inclusive economic growth and uplifting communities.

Smart Cities and IoT Initiatives

EPF, under Govender’s leadership, is driving smart city development by integrating IoT devices and sensors for data-driven urban management. These projects enhance safety, improve infrastructure, and contribute to the modernization of underserved regions. EPF’s initiatives focus on intelligent traffic management, smart energy grids, and waste management systems that optimize urban living. AI-powered analytics assist governments and municipalities in making informed decisions to improve public services. Smart lighting, security surveillance, and automated public transport solutions further enhance urban efficiency, creating sustainable environments that improve the quality of life for millions.

Innovation Labs and Incubators

Govender has spearheaded EPF’s investment in innovation labs and incubators to nurture young tech entrepreneurs. These spaces provide mentorship, resources, and collaborative opportunities, ensuring that startups can scale and thrive. By offering access to funding, expert guidance, and cutting-edge technology, EPF empowers innovators to turn ideas into successful ventures. With a focus on fintech, agritech, and health tech, these incubators foster solutions to local challenges. Hackathons, pitch competitions, and networking events create an ecosystem that encourages creativity and problem-solving, positioning Africa as a hub for technological advancement and economic development.

Overcoming Challenges

Govender acknowledges that one of the biggest challenges in digital transformation is shifting traditional mindsets. Resistance to change is common, but through education, persistence, and showcasing real-world success stories, EPF has demonstrated the tangible benefits of AI, automation, and digital governance. Targeted outreach programs highlight the advantages of technology adoption, while collaborations with industry leaders provide training and exposure to emerging trends. By addressing fears and misconceptions, EPF fosters a culture of innovation and adaptability, ensuring that Africa remains competitive in the global digital economy.

Driving Economic Growth and Social Impact

EPF’s mission extends beyond profits; it is about driving social impact and economic growth. By fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion, the organization empowers communities and creates sustainable ecosystems. EPF supports small businesses, helping them scale and thrive in competitive markets. Capacity-building programs equip individuals with the skills needed for economic development. Partnerships with government agencies and private sector players create employment opportunities and stimulate local economies. Govender’s long-term vision is to build a resilient and self-sufficient Africa, were innovation and technology fuel inclusive growth and prosperity.

Building a Legacy

Joanna Govender envisions a future where Africa’s rich talent and resources unite through technology, empowering youth to lead in the global digital economy. She aspires to be remembered for championing Africa’s digital transformation and creating opportunities that drive long-term impact. By investing in education, digital infrastructure, and entrepreneurship, she lays the foundation for sustainable growth. Her goal is to inspire future generations to embrace innovation and contribute to Africa’s progress, ensuring that the continent remains a key player in the digital age.

Advice for Future Entrepreneurs

Govender offers valuable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: Solve real problems, stay resilient, embrace technology, build networks, and invest in financial literacy. Success comes from persistence, collaboration, and adaptability. She encourages young innovators to understand market needs, leverage technology to scale their businesses, and seek mentorship from experienced leaders. Surrounding oneself with a strong support system and continuously upskilling are essential to staying ahead in the industry. Above all, she emphasizes the importance of passion and commitment in making a meaningful impact on communities and beyond.