- Obami hopes to help NGOs with digitalisation as part of the Tech in Kind initiative.
- 10 NGOs will be given digital transformation services up to a value of R100 000.
- Applications for this initiative close at the end of this month.
Just over 70 percent of South Africans are online as of January 2024 and as such, there is a greater sense of urgency regarding digitalisation.
The processes of moving a business or organisation online is an arduous one fraught with many pitfalls and costly exercises. While COVID-19 and the ensuing lockdown accelerated the digitalisation journey for many out of necessity, there are still many organisations that aren’t fully online.
According to cloud services experts Obami, only 42 percent of local SMEs have a website or social media presence and it wants to assist in changing this, with a view to assisting 10 NGOs. This is particularly important as while NGOs do important work, they often don’t have funds available to invest in digital transformation services.
Today Obami has launched its Tech in Kind initiative. This initiative sees Obami offering up to R1 million in pro bono digital transformation services to select organisations.
“Tech in Kind aims to tackle this problem by providing organisations with the tools and expertise they need to thrive online. Through unique digital solutions that personalise stakeholder experiences, automate business processes, and improve human capital, these businesses can increase efficiencies, reduce costs and risks, and effectively amplify the impact that they make,” says Obami.
Businesses are invited to submit an application on the Obami website by midnight on 31st October for consideration of the digital transformation services. A panel of judges will then select the eligible businesses and provide online experiences for that business.
“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,” explains Obami.
Business will work with Obami’s experts to tailor solutions to meet their needs while also receiving training on the platforms that they are granted access to. Each business will receive up to R100 000 in services from Obami.
NGOs who are selected will be notified by 7th November.
“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,” Obami chief executive officer Barbara Mallinson said in a statement.
NGOs interested in this initiative can and should head to the official website here for more information and to submit an application.
