Empowering Communities through Technology, Education, and AI for Good
My journey as a tech entrepreneur is driven by a relentless pursuit of innovation and a desire to uplift communities through technology. From my early days tinkering with computers in a small town to founding impactful initiatives like Akili IT Services and Teachify Africa, I have witnessed firsthand how access to education and digital resources can transform lives. I believe in the power of collaboration and am committed to fostering environments where aspiring entrepreneurs can thrive. Through my experiences and insights, I aim to inspire the next generation to harness technology responsibly, ensuring that advancements in AI and digital solutions are aligned with the greater good, ultimately paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future for all.
About Chris
Early Life and Education:
I was born in Alice, a rural educational town in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Growing up in a family led by my father, a local businessman who embarked on several entrepreneurial ventures, I learned the importance of hard work, innovation, and community from an early age. My fascination with technology began at age 14 when I discovered personal computers. I would spend endless nights tinkering on an old 386 PC, and that passion for technology has never waned.
Projects & Ventures
Akili IT Services
As the Founder and CEO of Akili IT Services, I have guided the company to become a leading provider of ICT solutions to government agencies, medium-sized businesses, and corporate clients. Our focus on digital transformation, cloud solutions, and
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Teachify Africa
Teachify Africa is a non-profit initiative that I founded to democratise access to AI education across Africa. By offering innovative and easy-to-understand AI skills training, Teachify Africa aims to bridge the digital divide and foster economic growth. Our
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Growpreneur
As Co-Founder of Growpreneur, I am dedicated to nurturing entrepreneurship in Africa. Growpreneur provides comprehensive support to aspiring entrepreneurs through workshops, seminars, and access to
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Research Papers and Presentations
“MOOCs and Access to Higher Education by South African Underprivileged Learners”
Co-authored with Prof. Van Belle, presented at the 14th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies, Palma, Spain. This paper explores the potential of MOOCs to democratise access to education in South Africa.
Blog and Insights:
I share my thoughts on various topics through my blog, focusing on the ethical implications of AI, the future of work in Africa, strategies for building and scaling tech enterprises, and how generative AI can be used to address social challenges. Join me in exploring how we can harness technology for social good and drive positive change.
AI and Digital Colonialism in the Global South: A New Era of Power Imbalance?
The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has presented enormous potential for economic and social transformation across the globe. However, in the Global South, it is also intensifying an already-existing problem: digital colonialism. As Michael Kwet poignantly...
The Ethical Implications of AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been making waves for a while now, and we’ve all seen its power to transform industries, solve complex problems, and make our lives easier. But while we celebrate the innovation, we also need to take a step back and ask ourselves: What...
Why Collaboration Is Key to Entrepreneurial Success
Let’s be real: Entrepreneurship can sometimes feel like a solo journey. You’ve got your big ideas, you’re hustling every day, and there are moments when it feels like you’re doing everything yourself. But here’s the thing—while individual effort and resilience are...
My FREE eBook
“AI Simplified” is a practical and accessible guide designed to help non-technical business leaders understand and implement artificial intelligence (AI) in their organisations. Complete the form below to download the ebook for free.
Testimonials:
Chris Mabhele is a visionary leader who has the rare ability to see both the big picture and the intricate details. His commitment to using technology and AI to empower communities is truly inspiring.