In the evolving digital landscape of Africa, Apiwe Hotele stands as a trailblazer merging innovation, leadership, and advocacy. With over nine years of experience as a computer scientist, engineer, and digital innovation leader, she has pioneered initiatives that integrate technology into solving pressing challenges in education, governance, and gender inclusion.
Currently serving as a Digital Innovation Specialist at the African Union, Apiwe is at the forefront of building platforms that enhance collaboration, data-driven governance, and knowledge sharing across the continent. She is also the Founder and CEO of Enlighten Africa, a company leveraging artificial intelligence and IoT to address gaps in education and create safer environments for women and children.
Beyond her professional engagements, Apiwe’s passion for inclusivity led to the creation of #BreakingTheStereotype, a nonprofit dedicated to encouraging and retaining women in STEM fields. Her efforts have already impacted hundreds of girls and women, challenging stereotypes and reshaping perceptions of who belongs in science and engineering.
Her contributions have been recognized globally, earning her accolades such as the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans, the Accenture Rising Star Award (ICT), and being named one of Sunday World’s 2023 Unsung Heroes and Heroic Women in Science.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE SNAPSHOT
| Role & Timeframe | Organization | Key Focus & Contributions |
| Digital Innovation Specialist (Oct 2024 – Present) | African Union, Ethiopia | Leading digital transformation across AU; developing platforms for coordination, governance, and data-driven policy. |
| Founder & CEO (2018 – Present) | Enlighten Africa (Luminous) | Built AI-powered education platform improving math & science learning; supported 300+ students and tutors. |
| Founder & Director (2020 – Present) | #BreakingTheStereotype, Johannesburg | Advocacy for girls in STEM; programs preventing leakage of women in science & engineering. |
| Board Member (Apr 2023 – Dec 2024) | CodeNgwana, South Africa | Supported coding & computational skills training for children ages 3–12. |
| Emerging Leader (Sep 2024 – Oct 2024) | TechWomen, San Francisco | Professional development at LinkedIn HQ; focused on AI governance, ethics, and product development. |
| African Women in Tech & AI Fellow (May 2024 – Sep 2024) | Ai Movement, Morocco | UNESCO/OCP-funded AI training program; Enlighten selected for funding as one of 15 African projects. |
| Fellow – Young African Leaders Programme (YALP) (Sep 2023 – Dec 2023) | School of Transnational Governance, Italy | Advanced leadership fellowship under the EU; focused on governance, digital transformation & gender equality. |
| Technical Project Management Consultant (Jan 2023 – Aug 2023) | Tsolo Storage Systems, South Africa | Oversaw technical project management processes. |
| Senior Technology Commercialisation Specialist (Jan 2022 – Jan 2023) | SARAO, South Africa | Led commercialization of SARAO technologies; managed IP, product development, and entrepreneurship programs. |
| Technology Commercialisation Specialist (Jan 2018 – Dec 2021) | SARAO, South Africa | Created commercialization strategies, supported IP development, and drove market expansion. |
| Junior Science Processing Developer (Jan 2015 – Dec 2018) | SARAO, South Africa | Researched and developed HPC techniques for radio astronomy data processing; contributed to MeerKAT projects. |
EDUCATION
- MSc in Electrical Engineering – University of Cape Town (2017)
- BSc (Hons) in Computer Science – University of Fort Hare (2014)
- BSc in Computer Science & Biochemistry (Cum Laude) – University of Fort Hare (2013)
Apiwe Hotele is more than an innovator; she is a visionary shaping Africa’s digital future while breaking down barriers for women in STEM. Through her leadership roles, entrepreneurial ventures, and nonprofit advocacy, she demonstrates the transformative power of technology when aligned with inclusivity and sustainability.
As she continues her work with the African Union and Enlighten Africa, Apiwe remains a beacon of possibility—an inspiring example of how technology can empower communities, bridge divides, and create lasting impact across the continent.
LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/apiwe-hotele-42193688/
