Joanna Govender, CEO of the Empire Partner Foundation (EPF), has just won at the Women in Tech Africa Awards 2025.
She took home the award for ‘Most Impactful Initiative,’ securing her spot to represent the entire African continent at the global finals in Paris this November.
This iconic event in Paris is the grand finale of a massive three-month world tour that honoured women tech leaders across seven regions: LATAM, North America, Africa, Europe, APAC, MENA, and Caucasus and Central Asia.
The best from each region will now compete for the global title.
The award celebrates EPF’s groundbreaking work using tech as a force for good. Their programmes drive youth empowerment, create jobs, and support entrepreneurs across South Africa and beyond.
What makes EPF so unique?
They built a first-of-its-kind digital platform that makes their impact totally transparent.
EPF has embedded impact in its DNA, not only through program design but also through a first-of-its-kind digital platform that:
Visualises impact across multiple programs in real-time
Builds stakeholder trust through transparency and accountability
Measures progress with clear metrics on jobs created, enterprises supported, and communities uplifted
Runs actual programs that show stakeholders exactly where their spend is allocated and what outcomes are being achieved
This unified platform ensures funders, partners, and stakeholders have unprecedented visibility into the real change being created, setting EPF apart as a pioneer in the social impact and development ecosystem
“We are honoured to be recognised on the African stage and now to represent our continent globally,” said Joanna Govender, CEO of EPF and the EPF Tech Fund.
EPF CEO, Joanna Govender
“This award is not just a recognition of our work—it’s a testament to the incredible potential of technology when it is applied to solve real problems for people and communities. We look forward to showcasing Africa’s innovation and impact in Paris.”
The win puts a focus on African innovation and proves that technology is a powerful tool for solving real-world problems.
All eyes will be on Paris this November as Joanna and EPF showcase their model to the world.
