I. Committee Profile
Name:
SayProRoyal-14 – Technology and Innovation Committee
Mandate:
To lead, guide, and implement technology-driven innovations that align with SayPro’s mission of empowering youth, advancing communities, and promoting sustainable socio-economic development.
Vision:
To be a beacon of transformative technology and innovation that uplifts African communities and positions SayPro as a global leader in digital development.
Mission:
- To research, develop, and implement innovative technologies that support SayPro’s programs.
- To foster partnerships that enable digital transformation and social innovation.
- To build the digital capacity of youth and communities through training and inclusive technology access.
Key Pillars:
- Digital Transformation
- Innovation in Service Delivery
- Emerging Technologies Research
- Smart Community Development
- Cybersecurity and Digital Policy
- Tech for Education, Health, and Employment
II. Committee Member Profiles
Chairperson: Dr. Thabiso Mokone
A digital transformation strategist with over 15 years in ICT and innovation leadership across public and private sectors. Passionate about ethical AI, smart governance, and scalable solutions for underserved communities.
Vice Chairperson: Boitumelo Sello
An experienced software engineer and tech entrepreneur with a background in blockchain, fintech, and mobile innovation. Advocates for gender inclusion in STEM.
Technical Advisor: Prof. Neo Radebe
An academic and researcher in emerging technologies, including machine learning, robotics, and digital ethics. Provides oversight on R&D initiatives.
Innovation Coordinator: Lethabo Mokoena
Leads the incubation and support of innovative community-based projects. Skilled in design thinking and project acceleration.
ICT Operations Officer: Katlego Ndlovu
Manages SayPro’s digital infrastructure, cybersecurity strategy, and internal tech systems.
Youth Tech Advocate: Naledi Phiri
A youth representative promoting digital literacy, e-learning, and access to innovation tools among young people across Africa.
III. Business Plan
1. Executive Summary
This plan outlines the SayProRoyal-14 Committee’s strategic approach to leveraging technology and innovation for community empowerment. We aim to launch scalable digital platforms, promote youth-led innovation, and create sustainable tech ecosystems within SayPro and its partners.
2. Strategic Objectives
- Establish SayPro Innovation Labs across Southern Africa.
- Develop the SayPro Innovation Fund to support startups.
- Launch SayPro Digital University for online certifications.
- Deploy mobile and web-based platforms for SayPro services.
- Initiate a digital inclusion campaign in rural and peri-urban areas.
3. Core Programs & Activities
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| SayPro Innovation Labs | Tech hubs offering co-working spaces, mentorship, coding bootcamps, and innovation challenges. |
| SayPro Digital Academy | A virtual learning platform offering IT skills, digital marketing, AI fundamentals, and entrepreneurship courses. |
| Tech for Jobs Platform | Job-matching and remote work portal with resume-building, gig economy integration, and digital CV tools. |
| Community Tech Outreach | Events and campaigns to raise awareness on cybersecurity, e-safety, and ICT in education. |
| Smart Solutions Research | Research unit exploring tech solutions in agriculture, health, climate, and urban development. |
4. Funding & Partnerships Strategy
- Partner with tech companies (Microsoft, Google, IBM) for in-kind tools, training, and cloud infrastructure.
- Apply for innovation grants from bodies like the African Development Bank and UNDP.
- Collaborate with universities and R&D institutions for joint ventures and think tanks.
- Launch a SayProRoyal Innovation Membership Circle – subscription-based knowledge exchange platform.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation
- Quarterly Innovation Impact Reports
- Annual Digital Inclusion Index
- Stakeholder Satisfaction Surveys
- Real-time dashboards for project tracking
6. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
| Target | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Train 10,000 youth in digital skills | 24 months |
| Launch 5 Innovation Labs | 18 months |
| Deploy 3 SayPro mobile apps | 12 months |
| Fund 50 tech micro-projects | 36 months |
| Digitize all SayPro services | 18 months |
7. Risks and Mitigation
| Risk | Mitigation Strategy |
|---|---|
| Limited funding | Diversify income, develop SaaS models |
| Low adoption in rural areas | Partner with local leaders, provide incentives |
| Cybersecurity threats | Implement strong IT policies, hire experts |
| Skill gap among staff | Continuous training, mentorship programs |
8. Sustainability Plan
- Monetize digital platforms through licensing and white-labeling.
- Offer premium tech consulting services under SayProRoyal.
- Establish partnerships for continued innovation funding.
- Institutionalize digital strategy within SayPro’s operations.