ABOUT US

Design and Experience is a development consultancy dedicated to being a catalyst for sustainable development across Africa. With a focus on development finance, education, health, the environment, rural and urban development. We collaborate with communities, governments, organizations and investors to create innovative solutions that address complex challenges and unlock opportunities for progress across the continent.

We recognize that access to development finance is a critical stimulus yet many organizations and initiatives in Africa face barriers to securing the resources they need to thrive. We believe this gap can be bridged by aligning capital with purpose, structuring organization to attract capital and through innovative development finance solutions.

We offer advisory services on funding allocations and innovative financial solutions, where we develop blended finance models. Furthermore, we empower organizations with the skills and frameworks to attract and manage development finance effectively.

Improving access to development finance ensures critical initiatives have the resources to scale and succeed in fostering economic empowerment, social equity and sustainable growth.

Services

We provide a range of services that can be utilized independently or combined as a package.

Program Design

Program Design

We craft tailored, evidence-based programs to address critical challenges in education, health, the environment, and rural and urban development. Our program design services are a blend of strategy development, analysis of processes, operations design, and deep sector expertise that ensures initiatives are impactful, scalable, and aligned with stakeholder goals. Whether creating new frameworks or enhancing existing ones, we focus on delivering sustainable solutions that drive meaningful change for communities and organizations.

Impact Investing

Impact Investing

Bridging the gap between capital and purpose, guiding investments that drive social and environmental progress. Our impact investing services focus on aligning investors with transformative opportunities, combining financial expertise with a deep understanding of development challenges to ensure both returns and meaningful impact. Through innovative blended finance models, and capacity building, we empower organizations to attract and manage investments effectively.

MERL

MERL

We provide comprehensive Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning services to ensure development programs in education, health, the environment, and rural and urban development achieve their full potential. Our expertise lies in designing theories of change, clear measures of progress, adequate understanding of communities that are being developed as well as evaluating the impact of the program.

Project & Change Management

Project & Change Management

Successful development projects require more than just execution—they demand adaptability, collaboration, and a clear vision for change. Our team combines strategic planning with hands-on expertise to guide projects from inception to completion while managing transitions effectively. We prioritize stakeholder alignment, risk mitigation, and capacity building to deliver lasting impact.

Articles

Fair Share: Proportional Reinvestment by Financial Institutions in South Africa.

December 30, 2024

The financial ecosystem has a profound impact on societal dynamics, particularly in a country like South Africa with a complex historical backdrop. Key players in this ecosystem include asset managers, insurance companies, investment firms, and banks. These institutions serve a dual purpose: protecting wealth and driving economic growth and community development through investment. Therefore, it is crucial to examine the evolution of financial institutions in South Africa and assess their impact on society to determine whether industry growth benefits all populations.

Read More

The Pitfalls of Headline-Driven Narratives in South African Education.

December 6, 2024

South Africa’s education system is widely acknowledged to be in crisis. This is a national concern, echoed by international education agencies, commentators, and news outlets. This shared understanding of the problem prompts critical questions: What are the root causes of this crisis, and how can we effectively address them?

Read More

Landscape as an expression of culture.

December 6, 2024

Running has always been my way of exploring neighbourhoods. It’s a great way to experience any place—be it a city, a town, a nature reserve, or an oceanside. Running allows you to traverse areas without appearing creepy or suspicious or facing the all-too-familiar question, “Are you from around here?”

Read More

"Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works."

Steve Jobs

The Team

Our team is the heart of everything we do. Comprised of passionate professionals with deep expertise in education, health, the environment, and urban development, we are united by a shared commitment to creating meaningful change across Africa.

Our diverse team brings together innovative thinkers, seasoned strategists, and on-the-ground specialists who understand the unique challenges and opportunities in the regions we serve. With a collaborative and inclusive approach, we work closely with partners, clients, and communities to deliver impactful and sustainable solutions.

Together, we are building a brighter future—one project, one partnership, and one community at a time.

CONTACT US

Contact Info