TOP 16 YOUTH-OWNED BRANDS AWARDS 2026
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TOP 16 YOBA AWARDS

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Don't miss the celebration of young brands, creators, entrepreneurs and changemakers. Join us for an unforgettable evening at the TOP 16 YOBA Awards.

02 SEPTEMBER 2026
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Elevate Africa education brand logo
2024 Top 16 YOBA Winner

Elevate Africa

Elevate Africa is a Pretoria-based communications and education company that trains Africans in public speaking, strategic communication, presentation and voice-over skills to build confidence and career opportunities across the continent.

Top Education Brand Public Speaking South Africa

Brand Story

Elevate Africa is a South African education and communications brand founded in 2021 by Elma Akob, operating from Pretoria, Gauteng, with a pan-African focus.

The company offers training in strategic communication, public speaking, public presentation, voice-over skills and related practical work, helping individuals and organisations communicate with clarity and impact.

Elevate Africa was created to address the gap in accessible, high-quality communication training for Africans, equipping learners with skills that improve employability, leadership and influence.

The brand has been recognised as a Top Youth Owned Education Brand in South Africa and positions itself as a catalyst for confident, articulate African voices in business, media and public life.

Why It Exists

Elevate Africa exists to pass on the gift of public speaking and strategic communication to Africans, unlocking opportunities and amplifying voices across the continent.

The company was created to respond to the reality that many talented Africans lack access to structured training in communication, which limits their career growth and impact.

Through workshops, coaching and digital content, Elevate Africa helps learners build confidence, improve presentation skills and position themselves for leadership roles in their fields.

The Purpose

To equip Africans with world-class communication and public speaking skills so they can speak with confidence, lead with clarity and create opportunities across the continent.

Founder & Key People

Elma Akob, founder and CEO of Elevate Africa

Elma Akob

Founder & CEO

Elma Akob is the founder and CEO of Elevate Africa, an award-winning communications and education company focused on public speaking and strategic communication training.

A multi-graduate with a Masters in Strategic Business Management and a PhD candidate in Corporate Sustainability, Elma is also an award-winning global speaker, TEDx speaker, MC and voice-over artist for major brands.

She has been recognised as one of the Top 10 Outstanding Young Persons in the World (2022) and has led Elevate Africa to win awards including Top Youth Owned Education Brand in South Africa.

Achievements & Recognition

Elevate Africa has earned recognition for its contribution to education, communication skills development and youth empowerment in South Africa and beyond.

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2024 Top Education Brand

Elevate Africa was recognised as the Top Education Brand at the 2024 Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards.

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Award-Winning Education & Speaking

The company has been recognised as a Top Youth Owned Education Brand in South Africa, while its founder has been listed among the Top 10 Outstanding Young Persons in the World and honoured in multiple speaking and entrepreneurship awards.

What They Do

Elevate Africa provides training and coaching in public speaking, strategic communication, presentation skills and voice-over arts for individuals, organisations and pan-African clients.

Public Speaking Communication Training Voice-Over Skills Leadership Development Pan-African Education