
Prof. Eldrid Jordaan is a South African technologist, academic, entrepreneur, and global speaker recognized for advancing digital governance, civic technology, and digital inclusion. He is the founder of GovChat, South Africa’s largest civic engagement platform, which became a critical public digital infrastructure during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling millions of citizens to access social grants, COVID-19 test results, and government services through mobile technology.
Jordaan later co-founded Suppple PLC, an AI-powered civic technology company focused on democratizing access to information and public services. The company achieved a £200 million IPO on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, marking a significant milestone for African-founded technology ventures on global capital markets.
A former Ministerial Special Advisor on digital strategy, Jordaan has played a role in shaping national digital platforms and policies aimed at strengthening state capability, transparency, and citizen engagement.
He currently serves as Professor of Practice at the Johannesburg Business School at the University of Johannesburg, where he contributes to thought leadership in digital transformation, governance innovation, and the future of digital public infrastructure.
Jordaan is also the author of The Silicon Empire vs Social Impact: The GovChat and Meta Battle, a forthcoming book examining the power dynamics between global technology platforms and public interest innovation.
He currently serves as Executive Chairman of the Eldrid Jordaan Foundation, which advances initiatives focused on digital inclusion, technology-enabled education, and civic innovation across Africa.