African Ideas is a strategy and innovation company focused on Africa. Our services focus on strategic planning, research and disruptive innovation especially related to the impact of digitisation across society. We collaborate with companies and governments to devise transformative growth strategies, build innovation capabilities, and create products, services and solutions that improve people’s lives.
A key focus area relates to helping Governments accelerate the benefits of ICT-enabled change through transformation of the public sector and the wider economy. African Ideas brings together people with a track record of success in delivering social, economic and public sector transformation. At the heart of African Ideas is a team that has worked at top global organisations and who led some of the country’s most ambitious and successful programmes of e-transformation.
Consult with Industry Experts
Our founders are veterans of the information technology and knowledge management space in South Africa, each with 30+ years of experience
Our consulting services focus on strategic planning, research and disruptive innovation, related to the impact of digitization across society. We collaborate with companies and governments to devise transformative growth strategies, build innovation capabilities, and create products, services and solutions that improve people’s lives.
YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
leadership stats
Vibrant, Diverse Leadership Team
Our dynamic leadership team combines decades of industry knowledge and experience, with the passion, skills and enthusiasm of our young management team who are emerging as industry leaders themselves.
20+
Industry Certifications
50+
Assignments Delivered
100%
Satisfaction
13+
Years of Operation
Nirvesh Sooful
Director: Digital Innovation & Strategic Projects
Nirvesh Sooful is the founder, former CEO of African Ideas, and current Director of Digital Innovation & Strategic Projects at African Ideas. With more than 30 years of experience in the ICT industry, he is recognised as a thought leader known for turning vision and strategy into reality through the successful delivery of large, complex projects. His current focus includes digital transformation, big data, IoT, blockchain, 4IR, digital inclusion and the rise of citizen developers, with a passion for using technology as a force for social and economic development in Africa.
Rasagee Pillay
CEO
Rasagee Pillay is the current CEO of African Ideas., with decades of experience across academia, NGOs, the private sector and government in South Africa. She specialises in content and knowledge management, digital inclusion, and project delivery, with a focus on creating systems and solutions that empower organisations and communities. Passionate about mentoring and fostering innovation, she helps teams and individuals turn ideas into meaningful social and economic impact.
Devlin Sooful
Senior Manager
Devlin Sooful is a Senior Power Platform Developer and Certified Solution Architect, with over five years of experience in business automation and digital transformation. He leads the design and delivery of complex solutions across public and private sectors, creating workflows that integrate business processes and drive efficiency. Committed to continuous learning and professional growth, he recently completed an MBA and remains deeply engaged in exploring the potential of low-code platforms, AI, and digital innovation to transform organisations.
Zain Ebrahim
Divisional Executive: Operations Enablement
Zain Ebrahim is a Divisional Executive at African Ideas, with over two decades of experience in South Africa’s telecommunications sector. He focuses on growing the company’s capabilities in telecoms, managing key accounts including MTN, and driving strategic initiatives that deliver value to clients. Known for his deep industry knowledge and results-oriented approach, he is passionate about leveraging technology and expertise to create meaningful impact for both clients and communities.
Thando ShabalaLA
Senior Manager
Thando Shabalala is a Project Manager at African Ideas, with experience leading complex multistakeholder projects and directing teams across public and private sectors. Passionate about capacity-building, youth development, and leveraging technology for social and economic impact, he combines strong project leadership with strategic insight to deliver innovative and practical solutions. Currently pursuing an MBA, he continues to deepen his strategic, leadership, and innovation capabilities.