Busi Mkhumbuzi-Pooe is an award-winning social entrepreneur, education innovator and speaker whose work focuses on preparing young people and organisations for the future through education, critical thinking, leadership and 21st-century skills.
She is the co-founder and CEO of ThinkShift, where she leads the development of technology and AI-powered solutions designed to help institutions build, assess and recognise the competencies young people need for education, work and entrepreneurship. Her work has included partnerships with organisations such as UNICEF South Africa and the Department of Basic Education.
Busi first gained widespread recognition as Programme Director of the 16th Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture, delivered by former US President Barack Obama in Johannesburg. She has subsequently appeared on influential platforms including TEDWomen, the World Economic Forum on Africa and One Young World, establishing herself as a compelling voice on education, youth development and social change.
Her achievements include being named to Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30, recognised among the 100 Most Influential Young Africans, selected as an Ashoka Fellow, honoured in Forty Under 40 South Africa, and, in 2026, selected for the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship.
As a speaker, Busi combines personal storytelling with practical insight into leadership, education, entrepreneurship and the future of work, challenging audiences to think differently about how Africa develops its next generation of leaders and problem-solvers.
SPEAKING TOPICS
• Future Skills & the Future of Work — Preparing people for a rapidly changing world
• Education & Innovation — Rethinking how we develop 21st-century competencies
• Youth Leadership & Development — Empowering the next generation of African leaders
• Social Entrepreneurship — Building businesses and solutions that create meaningful impact
• Finding Your Voice — Confidence, critical thinking and the power of dialogue
• Leadership & Purpose — Turning ideas and conviction into meaningful action
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
• Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 honouree
• Ashoka Fellow
• 100 Most Influential Young Africans honouree
• Forty Under 40 South Africa honouree
• 2026 Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellow
• Programme Director for Barack Obama’s 2018 Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture
• Speaker on platforms including TEDWomen, World Economic Forum on Africa & One Young World
• Co-founder & CEO of ThinkShift
