Evidence that Changes Lives.
We research what matters. We share what we find. Research that drives inclusive development across Southern Africa.
Who We Are & What we do
ZongeTech Research Institute is a consulting firm owned by ZongeTech Investments (PTY) Ltd, based in South Africa. We are a team of social researchers working across South Africa, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique. We produce rigorous, evidence-based research for nonprofits, governments, and international organisations — and we share our knowledge freely, because we believe it belongs to everyone.
To produce high-quality social research that drives positive change for communities, workers, and vulnerable groups across Southern Africa — and to build the research capacity of the organisations we work with.
A Southern Africa where the principles of evidence-based decision-making are at the forefront of development efforts, ensuring that every community, regardless of its socio-economic status, has the opportunity to thrive.
- Rigour — we apply the highest standards to every piece of research we produce.
- Inclusion — we centre the voices of marginalised groups in all our work.
- Solidarity — we see our research partners as collaborators, not just clients.
- Openness — we share knowledge freely, because we believe it belongs to everyone.
- Accountability — we hold ourselves to the same standards we ask of others.
How our research influence development agenda
From Field To Policy
Our work is guided by one purpose: to contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the region. Every research project we carry out helps our partners design better programmes, influence policy, and improve the lives of the communities they serve.
We also believe research should be shared freely. That is why all our toolkits, training materials, and research resources are available at no cost — because we see building our partners’ capacity as just as important as delivering research to them. Most of the organisations we work with do not call us consultants. They call us partners. And that is exactly how we see them, too.
WHY CHOOSE US
WHY WORK WITH ZONGETECH?
We see ourselves as research collaborators who share a deep commitment to your mission and vision. We’re partners who not only understand the goals of your project research but are also passionate about contributing our expertise and resources to help achieve those objectives. Furthermore, here are the five key reasons that make us stand out.
- We are rooted in Southern Africa
- We share our knowledge freely.
- We build your capacity, not just our invoice
- We are academically rigorous
- We treat you as a partner, not a clien
Ten themes. One shared purpose.
Our work is organised around ten core research themes. Two of these — inclusive disaster risk reduction and climate change — are our flagship areas. They reflect the most urgent development challenges facing Southern Africa today, and they cut across everything else we do.
Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction
Natural disasters and climate shocks hit the most vulnerable people hardest — people with disabilities, women, informal workers, and migrants. We research how disaster risk programmes can be designed to leave no one behind, from early warning systems to post-disaster recovery.
Explore this themeClimate Change, Just Transition & Environmental Sustainability
The shift to a green economy is reshaping work and livelihoods across Southern Africa. We research the impact of decarbonisation on workers and communities — and we believe the shift must be fair, not just fast.
Explore this themeLabour Markets, Decent Work & Industrial Relations
From collective bargaining to trade union revitalisation, we research the conditions under which workers across the region earn a living — and how those conditions can be improved.
Explore this themeOccupational Safety & Health
We assess OSH risks in high-risk sectors — agriculture, construction, mining, and health care. Our work supports national OSH policy, workplace assessments, and advocacy for safer working conditions.
Explore this themeLabour Migration & Social Protection
Millions of workers cross SADC borders each year with limited rights and no social protection. We research fair recruitment, portability of benefits, and the policy frameworks needed to protect them.
Explore this themeDisability Inclusion in Development
Disability is too often an afterthought in development programmes. We research how to mainstream disability rights into health systems, disaster response, and community development — so no one gets left behind.
Explore this themeGender Equality & Women's Empowerment
We conduct feminist policy research, evaluate gender programmes, and investigate gender-based violence in the world of work — helping our partners build more equitable programmes and policies.
Explore this themeInformal Economy & Formalisation
Most workers in Southern Africa work informally — without contracts, social protection, or labour rights. We research pathways to formalisation and the barriers that stand in the way.
Explore this themeGig Economy, Platform Work & the Future of Work
From food delivery apps to ride-hailing platforms, the gig economy is growing fast. We research what it means for workers — and what trade unions and policymakers need to do about it.
Explore this themePublic Health & Health Systems Strengthening
We research health worker wellbeing, burnout, and the structural challenges that undermine health systems — helping organisations build more resilient, equitable health services.
Explore this theme
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