A finance specialist, she  is using technology to transform the mental health sector and address the growing psychological challenges faced by the population.

Onkgopotse Khumalo, a finance graduate and entrepreneur from South Africa, is the founder and CEO of Amari Health, a digital mental health startup.

Founded in 2019 as The Pocket Couch, Amari Health aims to improve access to mental healthcare in Africa through a digital platform that is accessible and adapted to local cultural contexts.

The platform uses advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, to connect users with qualified mental health professionals in under five minutes. It offers services in several South African languages, reflecting a strong commitment to cultural sensitivity and inclusivity. This approach is designed to overcome traditional barriers to care, such as high costs, social stigma, and the scarcity of specialized services.

Amari Health serves both individuals and companies that want to offer psychological support to their employees. The startup’s digital tools provide personalized tracking and daily mental wellness management.

Before creating Amari Health, Khumalo founded Sequoia Consulting Services, a business support company, in 2018, where she served as CEO until 2024. She holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Cape Town, which she earned in 2013.

After graduating, she joined the investment management firm Afena Capital in 2014 as an investment analyst intern. She also worked as an investment analyst at financial services company Absa Group. In 2016, she joined the management consulting firm McKinsey & Company as a management consultant. In 2018, she worked as a special projects manager for the Awethu Project Holdings incubator.

Melchior Koba