Why we are growing a Zambian team
The Clea Recipe | Take a pinch of commercial know-how, blend with non-profit knowledge, stir in IT skills and infuse with impact-led purpose – hey presto, affordable IT support with a non-profit focus that creates decent job opportunities for professionals in Zambia.
Based in both Zambia and the UK, Clea employs a growing Zambian team of tech analysts to better deliver affordable, quality IT provision and support to charities and non-profits working in the two countries.
The drive behind this is the active exploration of how to better connect all of the dots; global tech, international non-profits, local grassroot organisations and jobseekers – all whilst boosting the positive social impact of each.
Having observed the simultaneous struggle for charities to fund overheads such as IT and the challenging employment market for qualified Zambian IT professionals, we wondered if there was a way to rejig the puzzle pieces for a better fit.
Many UK charities working in Zambia seem to have their primary IT function sat in the UK. Undoubtedly a huge number of talented individuals work hard to provide digital services and innovative solutions but we question the logic of non-profits employing comparatively expensive for-profit support when you could hire equally talented support in the country you deliver projects in. This would not only better bridge the geographical gap between your teams but would improve your return on IT investment whilst directly contributing to the sustainability of the Zambian tech sector.
Then there are the many organisations who have almost no IT provision or rely on the most technically-savvy team member to fill in the gap – a false economy as this removes them from their core work and leaves your organisation vulnerable to inefficiencies and cyber security issues.
We also saw a gap between the generous provision of free or discounted software from major tech companies and non-profit ability to effectively set up and optimise these systems. Clea works with our non-profit clients to not only apply for and obtain these licenses but will also work with you to install them in such a way that works best for your team and their needs.
Ultimately, we believe that if we are to really make a lasting dent in global inequality, businesses and non-profits must drive forward solutions together in a way that values the contribution of all partners regardless of geography. It seems a natural fit for a charity to employ a social enterprise, a CIC or a B-Corps certified business – ‘balancing profit and purpose’.
For us the question is simple - if you can boost your impact, save money and create decent, dignified employment opportunities within the same countries you serve, why wouldn’t you?
Digital support for positive change: To find out more how we can help your Zambian and UK teams deliver on your core mission, get in touch today.
