Obami offers R1m in free digital services to SA NGOs

To honour the work being done by non-profits and small businesses to build a better South Africa, local digital transformation company Obami is introducing the Tech in Kind initiative.

Obami will provide up to R1 million worth of pro bono digital transformation services to selected organisations.

Up to 10 NGOs, NPOs, and small businesses making a social impact will each be awarded R100 000 in free services to support volunteer onboarding, staff skill development, and operational streamlining. These services will help them strengthen their capacity and enhance the impact they have on the communities they serve.

Barbara Mallinson, CEO of Obami says: “Tech in Kind isn’t just about tech for tech’s sake. It’s about saying thank you to those organisations who are out there, working hard to make a difference.

“They’re the heartbeat of South Africa, and I truly believe that when we connect their efforts with tailored, digital solutions, they’ll be empowered to achieve so much more.”

With nearly 75% of South Africans now connected online, the potential for digital engagement is immense. However, only 42% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have a website or active social media presence, and many lack the necessary digital infrastructure to optimise their operations.

Similarly, non-profits often grapple with the heavy administrative demands of their work, relying on manual processes. These challenges make it difficult for both sectors to scale their efforts effectively.

Tech in Kind aims to address these issues by equipping organisations with the tools and expertise to thrive in the digital space. By offering customised digital solutions that enhance stakeholder experiences, streamline operations, and optimise human capital management, this initiative will help businesses and non-profits improve efficiency, reduce costs and risks, and amplify their positive impact.

The process:

Apply: Submit an application by midnight, October 31, 2024.

Selection: A panel of experts will review all submitted applications and select those organisations that best align with Obami’s mission for a better South Africa.

Transformation: Selected organisations will each receive up to R100 000 worth of pro bono digital transformation services, tailored to their specific needs.

What’s included:

Platform access: Leverage Obami’s powerful white-label platform to create engaging online experiences for community members.

This could include onboarding and upskilling of staff and volunteers, carrying out market research activities, developing passive income streams through content sales and member subscriptions, offering dedicated customer support channels, securely distributing sensitive information… essentially, winners will get a content management system (CMS), learning management system (LMS) and design experience platform (DXP) in one.

Expert guidance: Work with Obami’s team of digital specialists who’ll come to understand your organisation’s exact needs and develop a customised solution that drives results.

Technical support: Receive training on solution handover with dedicated channels set up for ongoing assistance, ensuring your digital solutions are up-to-date and performing optimally.

Order of events:

1. Selection of NGOs
   Obami will review all applications and select up to 10 NGOs based on alignment with their goals and skills. Selected organizations will be notified and asked to confirm their participation by 7th November 2024.
2. Onboarding & Solution Definition
   Once selected, there is an onboarding process to fully understand each organization’s needs, collect brand assets, and any existing content. Working together the process will define the solution to best serve each individual goal.
3. Solution Development
   The Obami Team (from remote digitisers, designers, curriculum specialists and UX specialists) will work diligently to design and develop a tailored digital solution, whether it’s an online learning platform, content digitisation, or a comprehensive program for staff and beneficiaries. Each case is different.
4. Final Delivery & Launch
   After the development phase, the solutions will be ready for delivery by 1st January 2025! A handover, skills transfer, and empowerment session will be held with each participant to make sure they are equipped with the tools and knowledge to manage the platform going forward. Hands will be held thereafter to ensure success.

Interested organisations can apply at: https://www.obami.com/portals/Obami/Tech-in-Kind/About/