Neftaly Charity – January 2023
SAYPRO – DEVELOPMENT BANK OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (DBSA) PARTNERSHIP
Report by Neftaly Chief Development Officer
1. Introduction
January 2023 marked an important milestone as Neftaly and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) formalized their partnership aimed at empowering youth and fostering sustainable development in the region. This report outlines the foundational steps taken to initiate collaborative programs.
2. Strategic Priorities – January 2023
- Establish a framework for youth skills development focusing on digital literacy and entrepreneurship
- Identify key community centres for infrastructure upgrades
- Develop a joint action plan with DBSA for sustainable project implementation
- Set up monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems to track progress
3. Key Highlights and Activities
a. Partnership Formalization
- Signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to outline shared goals and responsibilities
- Formed joint steering committee for oversight and coordination
b. Youth Empowerment Initiatives
- Conducted baseline assessments of youth skills and training needs
- Designed curriculum for digital literacy and entrepreneurship programs
- Initiated recruitment for program participants and mentors
c. Infrastructure Planning
- Surveyed potential sites for solar energy and ICT infrastructure improvements
- Engaged local authorities and stakeholders for buy-in and support
d. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)
- Developed MEL framework tailored to partnership objectives
- Trained key staff on data collection tools and impact measurement
4. Performance Indicators – January 2023
| Indicator | Result |
|---|---|
| MoU Signed | Yes |
| Joint Steering Committee Formed | Yes |
| Youth Skills Assessments Conducted | Completed |
| Curriculum Developed | In Progress |
| Sites Surveyed | 3 |
| MEL Framework Established | Yes |
5. Challenges and Mitigation
- Coordinating across multiple stakeholders to align objectives
- Ensuring resource allocation for initial program rollout
- Building capacity for MEL systems implementation
6. Outlook for February 2023
- Launch pilot youth training programs
- Begin infrastructure upgrade projects at selected sites
- Strengthen partnership coordination and communication
- Initiate data collection for baseline impact measurement
7. Conclusion
The foundation laid in January 2023 set the stage for a robust partnership between Neftaly and DBSA, focused on sustainable youth empowerment and infrastructure development. With strategic planning and stakeholder engagement underway, the partnership is prepared for impactful program delivery in the months ahead.

