Elma Akob is an award winning speaker and MC who has hosted over 150 events in 4 different continents. She uses her voice to inspire, challenge and advocate. Whether it’s leading global conversations, presenting thought-provoking keynotes or being a voice over artist.

Elma is a quirky nerd at heart. Her academic qualifications include a degree in BCom Law, Communication Management Honours, a Masters degree in Strategic Business Management, and she is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Corporate Sustainability at the University of Pretoria at just 26 years old.

Her global speaking career began at just 16, when she received a standing ovation for her closing speech, Dare to Dream, at the UN Headquarters in New York. She is best known for her viral TEDx Talk, The Dangers of Western Feminism to African Women, which has amassed over 400,000 views. Through it, she retells the African matriarch story.

She is also a public speaking coach and the founder and CEO of Elevate Africa Academy, an award-winning company that prides itself on passing on the gift of public speaking to individuals, corporates and students. With 400+ trained from 5 African countries thus far, Elma is building the next generation of eloquent African speakers.
Elma has received multiple accolades including the Women of Wonder Award, Tshwane Women in Business’ “Most Creative Business,” Sunday World’s Unsung Heroes in Entrepreneurship, GradStar’s Top 100 Most Employable Graduates in South Africa and the JCI Top 10 Outstanding Young Persons in the World.

Her quirky, cool tone combined with her vibrant personality gives her the versatility to deliver everything from high-energy animated characters to rich, gentle soft-sell narrations. From South African to British to West African, Elma delivers each accent with skill and authenticity, shaped by her lived experiences in all three regions

For bookings or more information on Elma, please get in contact with an agent at OSM Talent