Elma Akob

What does your company do?

Elevate Africa Academy is a pan-African education and empowerment company that transforms the voices of young Africans into powerful tools for influence, leadership, and impact. We specialise in public speaking, corporate communication, and voice-over training, equipping individuals with the confidence, clarity, and storytelling skills they need to lead authentically and compete globally, without compromising their identity, accents, or African heritage. Through workshops, coaching programmes, competitions, and a growing digital learning platform, Elevate Africa has trained over 400 individuals across eight African countries. We have been recognised as one of South Africa’s top youth-owned education brands. At its core, Elevate Africa Academy exists to dismantle systemic silence and replace it with self-belief, effective communication, and a generation of young Africans who are ready to own the room and change the world.

What is your biggest success?

One of my proudest achievements was Elevate Africa Academy being named the Top Youth-Owned Education Brand in South Africa in 2022. However, our greatest success lies in branching into the high school market and reaching young people at their most formative stage. Engaging with learners who are still discovering their identity and building confidence has been powerful and deeply rewarding. We have developed school-based programmes that not only teach communication skills but also empower students to embrace their voices, cultures, and leadership potential. The impact is tangible. Students who were once shy are now leading assemblies, others are winning competitions, and parents tell us they never imagined such potential in their children. Watching young people transform in real time, knowing we are equipping them with tools for life, is a success no award could ever measure.

What has been your biggest hurdle?

The biggest hurdle I faced was growing Elevate Africa while still working a full-time 9-to-5 job. Finding time to build the company alongside my professional commitments was a constant challenge. It was difficult to maintain consistent progress and to find the right team who shared my vision and dedication. Balancing these demands required careful time management and resilience, but it often meant sacrificing personal time and energy. Fortunately, at the beginning of 2025, I made the decision to leave corporate employment and focus entirely on Elevate Africa. This shift is allowing me to dedicate myself fully to the growth of the company and has been the best decision I have ever made.