Richard Gevers is the Head of Service Design and Delivery, Digital Services Unit, The Presidency (South Africa).
He is also the founder and co-leader of Open Cities Lab (OCL), a non-profit organization advancing inclusive development, responsive governance, and service delivery in African cities and governments. OCL specializes in data-driven decision-making, digital government, service design, and digital public infrastructure (DPI). As Chief Strategy Officer, Richard leads initiatives that address critical urban challenges by fostering transparency, enabling collaboration, and building capacity in data and digital governance.
He is also the CEO and co-founder of Tenji, a data science startup that develops innovative tools and products to support socio-economic development and urban planning.
A recognized leader in government digital services, digital public infrastructure, and data-driven governance, Richard works with governments, international organizations, and civic groups to design systems that improve public decision-making, enhance service delivery, and empower citizens. Through OCL, he focuses on building scalable, interoperable digital systems and fostering co-designed, citizen-centric approaches that are deeply rooted in local contexts.
In addition to his roles at OCL and Tenji, Richard serves as:
– Programme Director at Africa Data Hub, leading initiatives to improve data accessibility and quality across the continent.
– Non-executive Director at Innovate Durban, contributing to innovation and economic growth in the KwaZulu-Natal region.
– Reference Group Member at the Civic Tech Innovation Network, sharing expertise in digital government and participatory governance.
Before founding OCL, Richard worked as an economist and data scientist in South Africa, collaborating with private clients and all tiers of government. His projects spanned a range of sectors, focusing on leveraging technology and data for better governance and development outcomes.
Driven by a commitment to advancing African communities, Richard is a thought leader in digital and open governance, frequently contributing to global discussions around digital transformation in Africa. When he finds spare time, he grows his beard, brews beer, appreciates good coffee and likes to tell people he listens to vinyl.
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