“Optimising the early years of children’s lives is the best investment we can make as a society.” — Mukundi Lambani, Founder of Ambani Africa.
Mukundi Lambani’s journey into education technology was sparked by a personal experience driven by her desire to solve a challenge she witnessed growing up in South Africa. In a country with 12 official languages but a heavy reliance on English for education, Lambani saw how language barriers left many children struggling to learn. Motivated to make a difference, she founded Ambani Africa, an ed-tech company focused on transforming multilingual education for young learners.
Mukundi’s professional path initially took her into the world of creative media. She studied film at AFDA and earned a master’s in creative media leadership at Bournemouth University. From there, she worked as a filmmaker, lecturer, and project manager, gaining valuable leadership and problem-solving skills.
However, her time as a language teacher truly shifted her perspective. Watching young learners struggle with unfamiliar languages, she realised they needed educational tools to embrace African languages and honour their culture.
In 2020, her vision came to life with the launch of Ambani Africa. The company developed an innovative platform featuring augmented reality (AR) books, interactive games, and videos in over 15 languages, including isiZulu, Kiswahili, and Yoruba. The name “Ambani,” meaning “speak” in Tshivenda, reflects the company’s mission: to help children connect with their heritage and gain confidence in their mother tongues.
The challenges Mukundi Lambani sought to tackle were urgent. Research showed that 81% of Grade 4 learners in South Africa struggled to read for meaning in any language. At the same time, many early childhood educators lacked the training to prepare children for the transition to primary school. The company set out to address these issues by offering resources that supported learners and equipped educators with practical tools. By blending technology with cultural pride, the platform made language learning engaging and immersive.
Ambani Africa quickly gained recognition, winning the MTN App of the Year Award 2021, underscoring its educational significance. However, the actual impact was reflected in the feedback from parents and teachers. Children were growing in confidence, grasping their lessons more effectively, and enjoying the learning process—proof that the organisation was meeting a critical need.
The Ambani Africa team comprises passionate educators, technologists, and creatives who work together to continuously improve the platform and ensure it serves children from all walks of life. They are united by a shared vision of creating an inclusive educational experience that fosters a love of learning and pride in cultural heritage.
Through Ambani Africa, Mukundi Lambani is helping shape a future where African languages are valued in classrooms and homes. Her work goes beyond raising literacy rates—creating a sense of belonging and pride for young learners.
