nnovae AIAI-Native Consulting & System Integration for Emerging Markets
nnovae is a systems-driven AI venture founded in 2024 to solve complex socio-technical problems using modern artificial intelligence. Originating from the design of a digital platform for spaza shop registration in South Africa’s informal economy, the company expanded into advanced architectures for self-sovereign identity and AI-enabled trust networks. We integrate agentic AI, generative AI, and computer vision with quantitative systems engineering methods to architect scalable, governed solutions that move from concept to deployment.
Readiness Snapshot
AI Opportunity Index
Typical client AI readiness (tech + data + ops)
What We Do
End-to-end AI-driven solutions spanning strategy, systems integration, and product innovation.
AI Strategy & Roadmapping
- Readiness, roadmaps, governance, and operating models.
- Refactor and renew to AI-native.
Systems Architecture
- Architectural shifts, AI systems Architecture.
- Embed AI/ML into core systems and platforms.
- Refactor and renew to AI-native.
Product & Platform Innovation
- Build AI-native products for citizens, SMEs, and ops.
- Integrate with existing platforms.
Redefine
- Redefine your operating model.
- Adapt to new technologies.
- Change management and workforce upskilling.
Sectors We Serve
Focused where AI can unlock outsized impact in developing markets.
Telecoms
- Digital BSS/OSS.
- AI architecture & system design.
- Telco LLMs.
Financial Services
- Credit, AML/CFT.
- Claims fraud.
- CX automation.
Government
- Digital ID.
- Smart services & grants.
- Citizen platforms.
Energy & Utilities
- Renewable Energy Integration.
- Energi AI.
- Energy sharing.
Featured Work
Driving value through live platforms and strategic initiatives.
Naledi Spaza
AI-powered on-boarding, compliance management for spaza shops and informal retailers in South Africa.
Telco Trust Network
A Self-soverign Identity platform to manage Mobile number credentials, verification , privacy and compliance in line with RICA and FICA. The platform provides a secure and transparent way for users to manage their mobile number credentials and verify their identity.
Renewable Energy Integration
Systemn design of a mini-grid provider for rural communities in Nigeria .
Leadership Team
Built by experts in Systems Architecture, Strategy, and Operations.
Jacky Kotane
Founder & Chief Architect
Jacky Kotane is a South African technology executive, founder, and AI systems architect focused on building practical, scalable solutions for emerging-market challenges. With senior leadership experience in telecoms and banking—including MTN Group and Standard Bank—he now designs and develops AI-driven platforms using agentic AI, computer vision, and cloud-native architectures. Jacky earned his MSc in Engineering and Management from MIT, where he specialised in system design, architecture trade analysis, and technology strategy. His work sits at the intersection of digital infrastructure, responsible AI, and socio-economic impact.
Donavine Smith
Strategy Officer
Donavine is a Digital Transformation Director and Human + Strategy Architect with 20+ years of experience leading enterprise-scale transformation across telecoms, media, financial services, and retail in regulated, multi-country environments. Her work sits at the intersection of strategy, technology, governance, and purpose—helping organisations achieve clarity, alignment, and measurable outcomes. She has led major initiatives for MTN Group, Sephora (LVMH), Kauai Dubai, Media24, Old Mutual, and WAN-IFRA.
Carmen Bentley
COO
With nine years of experience across Telecommunications and Banking, Carmen has built a career grounded in financial modelling, commercial analysis, and product and platform development, underpinned by her CA(SA) qualification. She most recently served as Head of New Business Development for Standard Bank Group Innovation, where she led and supported initiatives that disrupted traditional business models and unlocked new revenue streams. Highlights include Taxi Yam at Standard Bank SA, XtraTime at MTN South Africa, and the Mobile Money financial model at MTN South Africa.
Palabadi Mahlaba
CTO
A versatile Software Engineering professional with software development, technical operations and team leadership experience. Skilled in Functional, Technical Analysis, Integration & Systems Architecture and Business Analysis.
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