RAPELANG RABANA

“I became an entrepreneur because I believe that the most powerful way to create value is by developing innovative products that will positively infl uence how the world works,” says Rapelang Rabana, 29, coined by CNN as one of Africa’s Marissa Mayers in 2012.

In 2006, Rapelang entered the inaugural Enablis Business Plan Competition in South Africa and won fi rst place in the start-up Information and Communication Technology sector, beating thousands of competitors. Right after, she founded Yeigo Communications, an innovative Cape Town-based company that develops and designs some of the world’s earliest mobile VoIP applications. In 2008, Yeigo partnered with the Telfree Group of Companies, a pioneering next-generation telecoms operator, where Rapelang now works as Global Head of Research & Development.

“My time with my Cape Town Enablis E-Circle was the first time as an entrepreneur that I could develop meaningful and influential relationships with other entrepreneurs, especially those in the technology space. It provided a safe space and great sense of “you are not alone” on this difficult journey. I will always treasure those friendships.”

“I was also privileged to be mentored through Enablis by the highly accomplished and yet very real Julia Raphaely. Again, it was the first time I had the room to develop a deep relationship with a successful woman and get an understanding of how women today can navigate their personal and professional ambitions and dreams.”