A young entrepreneur, she is fighting to reduce school dropout rates among African children. She offers innovative, tech-driven educational solutions.

Wiem Ben Mahmoud (photo) is a Tunisian tech entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of KidzRise, a startup dedicated to empowering children to actively contribute to their communities. Established in 2023, KidzRise uses an AI-powered detection system to identify and develop the unique talents and aptitudes of children between 5 and 17 years old. The company offers e-learning programs that transform these talents into concrete, marketable skills. KidzRise awards badges and certificates for achievements, aiming to make education more inclusive and equitable.

“At KidzRise, we believe every child is gifted. Each child has unique abilities and strengths that set them apart. Our mission is to uncover and nurture these hidden gems, ensuring each child reaches their full potential and shines in their own unique way,” reads the company’s website.

Wiem Ben Mahmoud graduated from the Institute of Higher Commercial Studies in Sousse, Tunisia, with a bachelor’s degree in business management and advanced commercial studies in 2021. She also holds a master’s in digital management and information systems, earned in 2022 from Esprit School of Business.

She began her career in 2016 as the media and communications manager for the Sousse International Festival. In 2020, she worked as a market research officer at Sarraj Immobilier before joining VERMEG for Banking & Insurance Software, a software provider for banks, capital markets, and insurance companies, as a business analyst in 2021.

Melchior Koba