“We want to inspire the next generation of Africa’s innovators and entrepreneurs”
Message from the Founder
Our country is faced with many challenges that can be tackled by the advancement of science, technology mathematics and engineering (STEM). In order to compete in a global space, we are compelled to reinvent ourselves and adapt to changing circumstances. If we cannot compete in such a space, we risk being suffocated as a country, hence the reliance on STEM is pivotal. STEM is a seed that ought to be planted at the fertile grounds, starting with the foundation phase. We see no other ground that is fertile as our young men and women in our communities. It is for this reason that Africa Teen Geeks, together with our strategic stakeholders, plan, research and direct our efforts towards our community. Let’s work together for the greater good of us all. Yours in service,
-Lindiwe Matlali
Founder and CEO – Africa Teen Geeks
Business Leader and Entrepreneur
Lindiwe Matlali is the Founder and CEO of Africa Teen Geeks; the largest computer science non-profit organization in Africa which aims to educate, inspire and equip young people with skills, resources and experience to pursue STEM careers and close the opportunity gap through quality education. Lindiwe is also the founder and CEO of Apodytes(Pty)Ltd, an award winning software development company which specializes in Software development and VR/AR/MR game development, 3D animations, simulations for training in defense, transportation, mining and aerospace and education sectors.
Governance Committees and Academic
Ms Matlali serves as Commissioner on the Presidential 4th industrial Commission chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa. In 2020 she was appointed, Board member at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). She is currently studying towards MS in Technology Management from Columbia University in New York as well as a Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Stanford University. She currently holds Bcom Economics and Statistics from University of Cape Town, Executive Programme in Social Entrepreneurship from Standford Graduate, she also holds Board Leadership Core Programme, Strategic Leadership and other Executive Programme qualifications from Gordon Institute of Business Science.
Awards
Her numerous accolades includes Young Business awards top 3 finalist, Mail & Guardian top young South Africans 2014, TechWomen Fellow 2017, Innov8tive Magazine Top 50 Visionary Women in #Tech To watch in 2017, Destiny Magazine Power of 40 a list of South Africa’s powerful women under 40 and named one of the Top 50 most inspiring women in Tech 2017, MTN Women in ICT Community Builder Recognition Award 2018 and Fairlady/Santam Social Entrepreneur 2018.
Public Speaker
Lindiwe is also an accomplished speaker, she gave a Tedx talk at TEDxBeaconStreet in Boston Massachusetts and at the 20th MIT Venture Capital and Innovation Conference in 2018. She was also a speaker on RewiredX virtual conference which is a collaboration between Dubai Cares and Expo 2020 Dubai, in close coordination with the UAE Ministry of Foreign affairs and international Cooperation (MoFAIC). She was recently awarded the Commonwealth Point of Light by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.