Introducing the 2026–27 Skoll Scholars

Meet the Scholars

From last-mile clean energy solutions and reusable period products to accessible financial infrastructure and community-led leather crafts, the newest cohort of Skoll Scholars are finding bold new ways to help solve complex social and environmental challenges: 

Desti Rispakasari, Co-founder and CFO, Pepari Leather

After graduating from the University of Padjadjaran with a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Desti spent five years as an internal IT auditor at one of Indonesia's largest banks. In 2018, motivated by a desire to build a business that combined commercial success with meaningful social impact, she co-founded Pepari Leather.

Based in Bogor, West Java, Pepari Leather works with local artisans to produce high-quality leather bags and accessories while preserving traditional craftsmanship. Through the business, Desti is creating flexible economic opportunities for women and underserved communities, while also supporting aspiring female entrepreneurs through leadership and skills-development programmes.

Edward Neequaye, Co-founder and CEO, Built Financial Technologies

A Chartered Accountant by training, Edward recognised early on the financial management challenges facing small and medium-sized enterprises across Africa. After studying at the University of Ghana and qualifying through ICA Ghana, he worked with TechnoServe, advising hundreds of SMEs on financial management, operational performance, and investment readiness.

To address the persistent financial gaps African SMEs face in accessing formal financing, Ed co-founded Built Financial Technologies in 2018. Today, Built provides SMEs with integrated accounting, payments, and financial management tools and has supported more than 30,000 businesses across Africa. Through its microcredit arm, Thrive Microcredit, the company has also facilitated more than $2 million in lending. An Acumen Fellow and Lead 2030 Winner, Edward's work has also been recognised by the Google Black Founders Fund.

Kehinde Abereoje, Founder, Purple Pact Initiative and Mensa Period Products

Kehinde's journey as a social innovator and gender equality advocate began at 16, when she founded Purple Pact Initiative. Through leadership programmes, mentorship, and sexual health education, the organisation equips girls and young women across Nigeria with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to advocate for their rights and make informed decisions about their futures. To date, Purple Pact has reached more than 10,000 women and girls through a network of over 300 volunteers.

Building on this work, Kehinde founded Mensa Period Products in 2025. The company designs affordable, locally produced, reusable menstrual products that ensure menstrual dignity is always within reach, without reliance on aid or charity. Kehinde holds an MPhil from the University of Cambridge and is a recipient of the Diana Award.

Al Amin Idris, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Interface Africa

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Computing from the University of Bolton, Al Amin worked with organisations across multiple sectors, helping them use data and analytics to improve decision-making and develop new products. After working on renewable energy distribution projects across West Africa, Al Amin founded Interface Africa in 2018.  

Interface Africa connects last-mile communities with essential products and services, including clean energy, healthcare, and digital education. Today, the technology company has connected more than 50,000 homes and businesses to clean energy solutions and facilitated over $8 million in solar financing.

Oxford and the Skoll Scholar Community 

This September, Desti, Edward, Kehinde, and Al Amin will join the University of Oxford to pursue an MBA at Saïd Business School and become part of the Skoll Scholar Community—an interdisciplinary network of social entrepreneurs who collaborate, mentor, and support one another in creating lasting social and environmental impact.

Professor Marya Besharov, Academic Director of the Skoll Centre and Professor of Organisations and Impact at Saïd Business School, shared:

“We are so excited for this year’s Scholars to join us in Oxford this September. By combining the Oxford MBA, our Impact Lab programme, and support from the global Skoll Scholar Community, we aim to help these outstanding innovators strengthen, sustain, and scale the impact they are already making around the world."

About the Skoll Scholarship

The Skoll Scholarship is a prestigious opportunity for social entrepreneurs to pursue an Oxford MBA with full financial support and gain access to a lifelong global network of peers, mentors, and social innovators. 

Supported by the Skoll Foundation, the scholarship is awarded to social entrepreneurs who demonstrate a strong commitment to creating and leading social ventures that tackle deep-seated social and environmental issues. Learn more about the Scholarship and find out whether you are eligible for 2027/28 applications here.