Global recognition for New Leaf as its learning platform earns top industry award

South African-headquartered digital learning provider New Leaf Technologies has earned Silver at the prestigious Learning Technologies Awards 2025 in London – one of the world’s most competitive and respected accolades in workplace learning.

The award, presented on Wednesday evening at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel, recognises New Leaf Technologies’ Best Learning Platform Implementation for its groundbreaking work with Worth, a leading financial-education organisation.

Judged by a panel of 64 international experts, the win positions South Africa firmly on the global map for high-impact, high-innovation digital learning - and signals growing international recognition for the world-class work emerging from local teams.

The award celebrates New Leaf Technologies’ implementation of a fully customised aNewSpring Learning Experience Platform (LXP) that transformed how thousands of South Africans access financial literacy education.

The project delivered:

• 12 700+ learners onboarded
• 65% completion rate - far above global online-learning norms
• 80% learner activation within two weeks
• Over 99% cost reduction for learners (from R6 499 to R5)
• Frictionless mobile access via WhatsApp and email links
• Real-time Power BI dashboards offering instant performance insights

Judges praised the solution’s innovation, seamless user experience, behavioural-nudging design, and ability to generate real, measurable impact - including thousands of participants reporting improved financial habits and reductions in personal debt.

New Leaf Technologies CEO Paul Hanly says the award reflects both the team’s commitment to excellence and the strength of South Africa’s digital-learning industry: “This is a proud moment for us and for South African learning professionals. To be recognised on a global stage among some of the best implementations in the world is a testament to our team’s creativity, our commitment to impact, and the incredible results achieved through our partnership with Worth.”

Across the L&D sector, the Learning Technologies Awards are considered the global benchmark for excellence. Competing against entries from across Europe, the Middle East, North America, and Asia-Pacific, New Leaf Technologies’ Silver win demonstrates that South African design, technology integration, and learning innovation can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the very best internationally.

The Worth platform reimagined how financial literacy is delivered at scale, blending technology, behavioural insight, and accessible mobile design to reach learners where they are.

Key advances included:

• Password-free, one-tap access via WhatsApp links
• High-volume automation for learner enrolment
• Smart nudges to drive progress and reduce drop-off
• Fully mobile-optimised UX
• Customised branding aligned to client needs
• Data-rich reporting, enabling banks and insurers to track impact in real time

The platform’s impact extended far beyond numbers. Thousands of learners reported improved budgeting, reduced debt, and greater financial confidence.

Hanly adds: “South Africa has exceptional talent in digital learning design and strategy. This award helps shine a light on the quality, creativity, and technical depth that exists in our industry. We hope it inspires greater global collaboration, recognition, and investment in local skills.”

The achievement also aligns with the strong growth of the local L&D sector, as South African organisations increasingly invest in capability-building, digital transformation, and workforce development supported by advanced learning platforms.