Business and technologyסיון יערי

Sivan Yaari

Sivan Yaari is an Israeli social entrepreneur who founded the nonprofit Innovation: Africa in 2008 and serves as its CEO.

born 1978Founding Innovation: AfricaSolar and water projects in Africa2023 Independence Day torch lighting

Born: 23 June 1978, Israel
Occupation: chief executive officer, special adviser, activist, social entrepreneur
Founded: Jewish Heart for Africa (2008)

Sivan Yaari was born in 1978 in Israel

Sivan Yaari was born in Israel on June 23, 1978. She grew up in France and studied in the United States.

She earned a bachelor's degree in finance at Pace University in New York. She then completed a master's degree in international energy management and policy at Columbia University.

In 2008 she founded Innovation: Africa, a nonprofit that brings Israeli solar, water and farming technology to rural villages in Africa. The group reports more than 1,400 projects that provide power and clean water to more than 6 million people in 10 countries. It has offices in New York and Herzliya Pituah.

In March 2023 she presented her work in Africa to the United Nations General Assembly and African leaders. That year she lit a torch at the ceremony for Israel's 75th Independence Day. She lives in Herzliya with her husband David Yaari and their 3 children.

Milestones in Sivan Yaari's life

1978
Born in Israel.
2008
Founded Innovation: Africa.
2012
Her organization received consultative status at the UN Economic and Social Council.
2013
Innovation: Africa received the United Nations Innovation Award.
2021
Received the Light of Israel Award from the Israeli Foreign Ministry.
2023
Lit a torch at Israel's 75th Independence Day ceremony.
2024
Received the Bertie Lubner Humanitarian Award.
2026
Received an honorary doctorate from Bar-Ilan University.