Robert Ndlela

HSAFP Fellow — Program for Leadership Development (PLD), Harvard Business School, 2026/27.

Robert Ndlela is a South African education entrepreneur, executive leader and community development practitioner serving as Group Managing Director of Agile Learning Group, where he leads AV College and LearnAgile. His work focuses on expanding access to vocational, occupational and digital education and strengthening pathways from skills development to employment and entrepreneurship. 

Robert has a longstanding commitment to youth and community development, working with communities in South Africa and across Africa and collaborating with public, private and international stakeholders to advance education, entrepreneurship and inclusive economic participation. He is a former Commissioner for Trade and Commerce at the African Youth Commission, where he contributed to initiatives promoting youth enterprise, trade and regional economic integration. 

Robert is a Harvard South Africa Fellow and a participant in the Program for Leadership Development at Harvard Business School. He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from Wits Business School. He believes Africa's greatest competitive advantage is its people, and that strong, innovative institutions are essential to unlocking opportunity and shaping the continent's future.