We caught up with 2018 Social Entrepreneur winner Lindiwe Matlali of Africa Teen Geeks, Africa’s largest computer science education non-profit that seeks to eliminate the digital divide and prepare African youth, especially girls, for the fourth industrial revolution. The organisation has introduced coding and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education to underserved communities, empowering thousands of children with 21st-century skills and the confidence to create their futures.
How has your social enterprise evolved since winning the Social Entrepreneur award?
Africa Teen Geeks has grown from a national initiative to one with global impact. We’ve scaled our reach through key government and private sector partnerships, and launched strategic programmes like the 10 000 Girls in Mathematics campaign in partnership with the national Department of Basic Education. We’ve also hosted international coding bootcamps. Africa Teen Geeks is no longer just about teaching coding – it’s about building a future where African innovation leads.
What kind of impact has the award had on your business?
The award was a powerful amplifier. It boosted our credibility, especially among potential partners, funders and the media. It opened doors to platforms that I wouldn’t have been able to access before, and helped build trust with stakeholders, which led to funding and collaborative opportunities. It also gave us national visibility, which translated into long-term partnerships, such as with the Department of Basic Education and international organisations.
Who or what drives your passion for social change?
My children remind me why equity in education matters, particularly as I watch them grow and thrive. I’m also deeply inspired by the children we serve, many of whom are brimming with brilliance but lack access to opportunity. The look in a young girl’s eyes when she codes her first game or solves a maths problem that no one expected her to solve are the moments that fuel me. Spiritually, I’m anchored in my faith and the belief that to whom much is given, much is required.
What key skills or mindsets do you think are essential for success in this space?
Resilience. Social entrepreneurship is often a lonely and uncertain path. You need strong commitment to your mission, a learning mindset and the ability to adapt. Humility is also vital: being willing to listen to those you serve and to your team. Courage is important too, because this work often requires standing in the gap where systems have failed.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to make a difference in their community but doesn’t know where to start?
Start small and start where you are. You don’t need funding or a team to begin; you need clarity of purpose and the willingness to take the first step. Identify a real need, connect with people doing similar work and serve consistently. The rest will follow.
How do you stay motivated and keep your team aligned with your mission during tough times?
Tough times are inevitable, but what sustains us is our “why”. I ensure that the team always sees the impact of their work, whether it’s through student success stories or feedback from parents. We’ve built a culture of purpose, prayer and community. When we go through storms, we go through them together.
What’s next for you and your organisation, and what impact do you hope to create in the future?
In addition to continuing to grow Africa Teen Geeks, I recently founded Swerfvalk, Africa’s first black female-led aviation startup that is focused on aerial defence and autonomous drone technology. Our patented systems aim to make critical infrastructure and communities safer through deep-tech innovation. My vision is to lead Africa into the future not only through education, but also through cutting-edge innovation in aerospace.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Since winning the Social Entrepreneur title, I’ve been blessed to receive several honours. I appeared among CIO magazine’s 45 Most Influential Women in Digital Transformation in 2022; was named the 2020 World Economic Forum Social Innovator of the Year; and appeared on IT Web & Brainstorm’s 2024 Top 100 Most Influential Women in Tech list, to name a few. We’ve won at least two awards a year since winning the Women of the Future award.
This journey has been a testament to faith, perseverance and the power of vision. I hope it inspires others to dream boldly.
For more info, visit https://lindiwematlali.com/