Arlene Mulder is an award-winning South African technology entrepreneur, innovation leader and keynote speaker whose work focuses on the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence, technology, education and digital skills across Africa.
She is best known as the Co-Founder of WeThinkCode_, the pioneering South African technology academy established to identify high-potential young people and provide them with an alternative pathway into software development careers, regardless of their previous educational background. Founded in 2015, WeThinkCode_ has subsequently expanded its footprint across South Africa and continues to address the country’s critical digital-skills gap.
Arlene’s career began far from the traditional start-up environment. After completing a Master’s degree in Business Mathematics and Informatics, she joined Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), initially working in quantitative credit risk before moving into corporate finance.
During approximately seven years at RMB, she worked on major corporate transactions and gained exposure to senior business leaders and complex strategic decision-making. It was also during this period that she became increasingly interested in how technology could be used to solve fundamental business and societal problems.
Recognising both the growing demand for software engineering talent and the enormous pool of untapped potential among young Africans, Arlene left investment banking and helped establish WeThinkCode_.
The organisation challenged conventional education models through an innovative approach to identifying and developing technology talent. Instead of relying exclusively on traditional academic qualifications, candidates were selected according to aptitude and problem-solving ability and given access to intensive software-development training.
This approach positioned Arlene at the forefront of conversations around digital inclusion, alternative education, skills development and Africa’s technology economy.
Her contribution to technology and entrepreneurship was recognised in 2019 when she received the Forbes Woman Africa Technology and Innovation Award. She has also been featured by Forbes Woman Africa among the continent’s emerging wealth creators.
Arlene subsequently co-founded BiB – Africa’s Audio Library, a technology platform developed to make African literature, theatre and storytelling more accessible through audio. The platform was created with co-founder Juanita Kotzé and launched with partnerships across the African publishing and creative industries.
Her entrepreneurial journey gives Arlene a valuable perspective on the relationship between technology and human potential. She is particularly interested in how Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies are reshaping businesses, education, employment and the skills people will require to remain relevant in the future economy.
As a speaker, Arlene combines the analytical thinking of her investment-banking background with first-hand entrepreneurial experience. Her presentations encourage leaders to look beyond technology itself and consider how organisations can develop the people, skills, culture and innovative thinking required to thrive in an AI-enabled world.
She is also a passionate advocate for women in technology, inclusive innovation and expanding access to digital opportunity across Africa.
Keynote & Speaking Topics
- Artificial Intelligence & the Future of Business
- AI, People & the Future of Work
- Innovation & Digital Transformation
- Building Africa’s Digital Future
- Developing Skills for an AI-Driven World
- The Future of Education
- Technology as a Tool for Social Impact
- Entrepreneurship & Building Disruptive Businesses
- Digital Inclusion & Democratising Opportunity
- Women in Technology & Leadership
- Innovation – Turning Complex Problems into Opportunities
- Africa’s Technology & Talent Revolution
Career Highlights
- Co-Founder – WeThinkCode_
- Co-Founder of BiB – Africa’s Audio Library
- Forbes Woman Africa Technology & Innovation Award – 2019
- Former investment banker at Rand Merchant Bank
- Approximately seven years’ experience in investment banking
- Master’s degree in Business Mathematics & Informatics
- Recognised technology entrepreneur and innovation leader
- Member of the Harambe Entrepreneur Alliance
- Advocate for digital inclusion and technology skills development
- Experienced keynote speaker on AI, innovation, technology and the Future of Work
- Strong advocate for women in STEM and technology entrepreneurship
Arlene is particularly well suited to technology conferences, AI and Future of Work events, leadership summits, innovation programmes, financial-services conferences, entrepreneurship events and women’s leadership programmes.
Her strongest differentiator is that she combines financial and commercial experience with hands-on technology entrepreneurship and social impact. She does not approach AI and digital transformation solely from a technology perspective, but through the broader question of how organisations and Africa can develop the human capability required to take advantage of technological change.
