Rapelang Rabana is a Botswana-born technology entrepreneur, computer scientist and business leader known for building companies at the intersection of technology, telecommunications and education. She co-founded Yeigo, an early mobile Voice over Internet Protocol company, before establishing Rekindle Learning, an education technology business focused on workplace learning.
Her career has since expanded into digital innovation, venture building and education. She currently serves as Co-CEO of Imagine Worldwide, an organisation that uses technology to improve literacy and numeracy outcomes for children across Africa.
Who Is Rapelang Rabana?
Rapelang Rabana is a technology entrepreneur who began building companies shortly after graduating from university. Her career has combined technical expertise with entrepreneurship and a long-standing interest in using technology to solve social and economic challenges.
She was born in Gaborone, Botswana, and later moved to Johannesburg, South Africa, where she continued her schooling. She eventually established her professional career in South Africa’s technology sector.
Her work has earned international recognition, including selection as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and recognition through Forbes Africa and the World Entrepreneurship Forum.
Rapelang Rabana Age
Rapelang Rabana is 42 years old as of September 2026 if the November 5, 1983 birth date recorded in several biographical profiles is used. Some published biographies have given different birth years, so the exact year should be treated cautiously.
She was born in Gaborone, Botswana, and has spent much of her professional life in South Africa.
Education
Rabana began her schooling in Gaborone before moving to Johannesburg, where she attended Roedean School.
She studied at the University of Cape Town, graduating with honours in 2005 with a Bachelor of Business Science specialising in Computer Science. She later obtained a Master of Science degree from the same university.
Her combination of business and computer science education became important to her approach to entrepreneurship. Rather than focusing only on software development, she became interested in how technology could be turned into practical products and businesses.
Early Career and Yeigo
After university, Rabana entered entrepreneurship at a young age. In 2006, she co-founded Yeigo Communications with fellow University of Cape Town graduates.
Yeigo developed mobile VoIP technology that allowed users to communicate over internet connections. At the time, mobile internet communication was still developing, making the company’s work notable within the African technology sector.
The venture won the inaugural Enablis Business Plan competition. In 2009, Telfree acquired a majority stake in Yeigo, after which Rabana became involved in Telfree’s research and development activities.
Her experience with Yeigo established her reputation as an early African technology entrepreneur and gave her experience in developing products for a rapidly changing communications market.
Rekindle Learning
In 2013, Rabana founded Rekindle Learning, an education technology company focused on digital learning and workplace skills.
The company developed mobile and computer-based learning solutions that allow organisations to create, distribute and measure training content. Its platform has evolved into a broader learning ecosystem designed to help businesses capture institutional knowledge and improve employee development.
Rekindle Learning became an important part of Rabana’s work because it combined her technology background with her interest in education and skills development.
BCX and Digital Leadership
Rabana later moved into corporate digital leadership. In 2017, she was appointed Chief Digital Officer of BCX, one of South Africa’s major information and communications technology companies.
The position placed her within a large corporate environment after years of building technology ventures. Her responsibilities included digital transformation and helping organisations respond to technological change.
She subsequently continued working in innovation, entrepreneurship and technology advisory roles.
Imagine Worldwide
In 2023, Rabana became Co-CEO of Imagine Worldwide, an education-focused organisation that uses technology to expand access to foundational learning.
The organisation develops tablet-based programmes designed to help children build literacy and numeracy skills. Its work has expanded across several African countries, including Malawi.
Her role at Imagine Worldwide represents a continuation of the education focus that began with Rekindle Learning. Instead of concentrating mainly on workplace learning, she is now involved in technology-enabled education for children.
Other Companies and Business Interests
Rabana’s entrepreneurial activities extend beyond Yeigo and Rekindle Learning.
She is a partner at FFWD Innovation, a digital advisory firm that works with organisations on innovation and technology. She has also been involved in venture-building and entrepreneurship initiatives designed to support emerging businesses.
Her professional experience has included advisory and board roles connected to education, technology, entrepreneurship and investment.
This broad portfolio has allowed her to work across both commercial and social-impact ventures.
Awards and Recognition
Rabana has received recognition from several international and African organisations during her career.
Her notable honours include:
- World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, 2017
- Entrepreneur for the World by the World Entrepreneurship Forum
- Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 recognition
- Forbes Africa cover feature before age 30
- Fast Company Maverick recognition
- Oprah Magazine O Power List
- Choiseul 100 Africa recognition
- Inspiring Fifty recognition in technology
- Women in Tech Leadership recognition at the South African National Innovation & Technology Awards
She has also spoken at international business and technology events and has contributed to discussions about entrepreneurship, innovation and Africa’s digital future.
Family and Personal Life
Rabana was raised in a family that valued education and encouraged her interest in mathematics and science. Her mother, who trained as an electrical engineer, was an important influence on her approach to education and technology.
Rabana generally keeps her private family life away from the public focus. Her professional profile is instead centred on entrepreneurship, technology, education and innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Rapelang Rabana?
Rapelang Rabana is 42 years old as of September 2026 if the November 5, 1983 birth date used by several biographical records is accepted.
Where is Rapelang Rabana from?
She was born in Gaborone, Botswana, and later moved to Johannesburg, South Africa.
What did Rapelang Rabana study?
She studied Business Science with a specialisation in Computer Science at the University of Cape Town and later obtained a Master of Science degree from the same university.
What companies did Rapelang Rabana found?
She co-founded Yeigo Communications and founded Rekindle Learning. She has also worked with and advised other technology and innovation ventures.
What is Rapelang Rabana known for?
She is known for her work in technology entrepreneurship, telecommunications, education technology and digital innovation.
What does Rapelang Rabana do now?
She serves as Co-CEO of Imagine Worldwide and remains involved in technology, education and innovation initiatives.
Conclusion
Rapelang Rabana has built a career around the practical use of technology. From co-founding an early mobile VoIP company to creating an education technology business and leading an organisation focused on children’s learning, her work has crossed several stages of Africa’s digital development.
Her education in business and computer science provided a foundation for this journey, while her entrepreneurial experience has allowed her to apply technology to communication, workplace learning and education. Her continuing work with Imagine Worldwide adds another chapter to a career focused on expanding what technology can make possible across Africa.