Yashmita Bhana: A South African entrepreneur's journey in technology

Yashmita Bhana is a name synonymous with innovation and leadership in the African technology landscape.

As the founder and chief executive officer of Nihka Technology Group, she has been at the forefront of delivering end-to-end digital solutions across various sectors, including data analytics, cybersecurity, business optimisation, cloud modernisation and artificial intelligence.

Her vision extends beyond business; she is also a devoted mother of three, with her youngest child having Down Syndrome.

In her daughter’s name, she established the Dhiya Development Foundation, which aims to capacitate youth in digital technologies, introduce social-impact innovations into South Africa, and champion the inclusion of children with disabilities in mainstream education.

Her journey from a township in South Africa to leading a progressive ICT company is a testament to her resilience, vision, and commitment to uplifting others.

Early life and education

Born and raised in South Africa, Bhana's upbringing was marked by the values instilled by her close-knit family.

"I come from a family where hard work, integrity, and accountability were non-negotiable values," she shares.

Despite growing up in a township that lacked basic services, Bhana was surrounded by human ingenuity and community spirit, which fueled her desire to make a meaningful impact.

Bhana's academic journey began with her passion for mathematics and building things.

She pursued engineering, becoming one of the first women in South Africa to receive a Master’s in Engineering.

Reflecting on her experience, she recalls, "Little did I know I would be the only woman in my class and the only one to graduate with a Master’s, which gave me attention, I was not quite ready for."

This early experience shaped her resilience and grit, qualities that would serve her well in her future endeavours.

Transition to Technology

After starting her career as a site engineer in the mining sector, Bhana made a bold move into the ICT industry.

"Right place, right time, and the courage to say yes," she explains.

This leap was inspired by a former boss who encouraged her to apply her engineering skills to build systems in technology.

"I knew early on the impact technology would have in our lives, and I wanted to play a part in shaping how it contributed to South Africa," she adds.

Under her leadership, Nihka Technology Group has positioned itself as a strategic partner for organisations, helping them solve real-world problems in complex, highly regulated environments.

Her work often sits at the intersection of technology, trust, and social impact, as she is deeply invested in building local capability and developing young talent.

Achievements and recognition

Bhana's entrepreneurial journey has not gone unnoticed.

She has received multiple accolades, including the Business Women’s Association of South Africa’s Regional Business Achievers Award and recognition among Standard Bank’s Top Women in Business.

Additionally, she was honoured with the African Business Excellence Award for Innovation for her work with Nihka Technology Group.

"I measure success less by headlines and more by what continues to work when I’m not in the room," Bhana states, emphasising her focus on building sustainable systems and teams.

Her leadership style is warm yet direct, values-driven, and deeply people-centred, which has fostered a culture of innovation and collaboration within her company.

In addition to corporate leadership, Bhana's philanthropic work is equally notable.

In 2011, she became the first woman to summit Mt Kilimanjaro while pregnant, raising over R500,000 for children’s homes and sponsoring the tertiary education of three engineering students.

She has since built three libraries and two computer laboratories at schools across South Africa, with more projects underway to expand digital access in underserved communities.

Overcoming challenges as a woman entrepreneur

Despite her successes, Bhana acknowledges the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in the technology sector.

"The challenges women entrepreneurs face now are not overt; they are subtle and structural," she explains.

Credibility is often conditional, with women needing to prove their competence before their ideas are heard.

Navigating leadership stereotypes is another hurdle.

"If you are direct and decisive, you can be labelled as ‘difficult.’ If you are collaborative and empathetic, you can be seen as ‘soft,’" she notes.

This narrower band of acceptable behaviour requires conscious effort to find one’s leadership voice without shrinking or overcompensating.

Access to capital and networks is also uneven.

In 2024, women-led technology startups raised only 2% of the total venture capital invested in African startups, a stark reminder of the systemic barriers that still exist.

Bhana encourages women to be intentional about building visibility and alliances in their professional journeys.

The role of AI in business

Bhana is a strong advocate for the responsible application of advanced technologies like AI and cybersecurity.

"AI has helped me amplify how I think, decide, and execute, rather than replacing judgment or experience," she explains.

In her line of work, AI has become an essential tool for decision support, allowing her to identify patterns and make informed choices quickly.

"AI gives me back the one thing leaders never have enough of: thinking space," she adds, highlighting how it enables her to operate at a strategic level while staying connected to the realities on the ground.

Advice for future generations

Bhana's journey serves as an inspiration for young people and women aspiring to enter STEM fields or become entrepreneurs.

"You will be underestimated; don’t internalise it. Especially as a woman, people may doubt you before they know you," she advises.

"Surround yourself with people who challenge you intellectually and support you emotionally. You cannot do this alone; you need a supporting cast."