Website Upgrade and Maintenance and Cooperative Support Network Platform

Cooperation Africa is inviting qualified and experienced agencies and developers to submit proposals for the redesign and maintenance of our organisation’s website and to develop software that will enable the operation of a Cooperative Support Network.

1. WEBSITE UPGRADE AND MAINTENANCE

The website will serve as a key communication and membership engagement platform which will enable the organisation and its network to access information on demand while also allowing for users to network through access-controlled mechanisms. 

We are looking to work with a service provider who is cognisant of the varying digital access on the continent, an understanding of website management best practices, and has a track record of utilising digital platforms to create a difference for communities.

Objectives

The selected service provider will be responsible for redesigning, developing and maintaining Cooperation Africa’s website to enhance our online presence, improve user experience, and streamline membership management.

The service provider must have the resources to deliver on the full scope of services in consultation with the Cooperation Africa Operations and Management.

Scope of services

The scope of services are sectioned into 7 areas, these are as follows:

1. Functionality

1. Use and integration of an accessible Content Management System

2. Online payments facility to process receipt of payments through scoped platforms, 

3. Functionality that enables Cooperation Africa to contact its various stakeholders for information sharing and marketing purposes.

4. Functionality for running surveys or collecting feedback from visitors

5. Subscribers opt in forms and functionality, using email or text number 

6. Ability to load and rsvp for online events, with links to post event recordings 

2. Design and development

1. Design of unique, professional interface that represents our mission and brand

2. High fidelity wireframe which presents an interpretation of the CA brand guidelines 

3. Suitable development site to enable approval and testing

3. Content writing

1. Copy writing per page to ensure consistent keywords and organisation language

2. Outlining user-friendly and consistent navigation menus

3. Basic SEO features per page to enhance search engine ranking and organic traffic

4. Accessibility into English and French languages, with relevant plugin being able to cater for manual editing of language.

4. Memberships

1. Robust database to store and manage members information securely

2. Secure login area for approved members to access exclusive content and resources.

3. Ability to view and update member profiles, membership status, information on scheduled renewals and communication preferences.

5. Networking

1. Functionality to enable approved members to view and search for other members

2. Members ability to share resources on the platform with other members

3. Functionality to enable non-members with approved access to interact with members

4. Library with documents and resources to be available to members.

6. Stakeholders

1. Functionality to allow Cooperation Africa to store and manage non-member stakeholder information securely in the database

2. Ability of cooperation Africa to contact non-member stakeholders for information and marketing purposes.

7. Additional Requirements 

8. Compliance with best practices for data security, including SSL certification, secure payments, and data protection (to be discussed)

1. Integration with Google Analytics or other tools to track site performance and user engagement

2. A fully responsive site accessible across devices, including mobile and tablet

3. Consideration for various browsers and devices

4. Automated and customisable messages for various transactions.

9. Post launch support

1. Hand over documentation 

2. Training to assigned staff members 

2. Cooperative Support Network Platform

Additionally, we seek to introduce a web-based platform that will directly link cooperatives in need of assistance with experienced resource persons. This platform will serve as a vital tool in fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing within the African cooperative ecosystem.

1. Platform Objectives:

1. To connect cooperatives seeking support with qualified resource persons possessing relevant skills and expertise.

2. To streamline the process of identifying and engaging appropriate support for cooperative development.

3. To facilitate knowledge transfer and capacity building within the cooperative sector in Africa.

2. Deliverables (in addition to the website redesign features):

1. Cooperative Support Application:

1. A user-friendly online questionnaire for cooperatives to identify and articulate their specific needs for support. This questionnaire should allow for detailed descriptions of the challenges faced and the type of assistance required.

2. Resource Person Onboarding:

1. A registration portal for resource persons to create profiles outlining their skills, areas of expertise, and experience relevant to cooperative development.

2. Admin interface for Cooperation Africa staff to review and approve resource person applications.

3. Intelligent Matching Algorithm:

1. A robust algorithm to automatically match cooperatives with suitable resource persons based on the needs identified in the cooperative's questionnaire and the skills listed in the resource person's profile.

2. Consideration for factors such as sector, geographical proximity (if relevant), and specific expertise.

4. Communication and Connection Tools:

1. Integrated messaging system to allow matched cooperatives and resource persons to communicate directly within the platform.

1. Option for video conferencing or other virtual meeting integrations (desirable).

2. Admin Dashboard for Platform Management:

1. Comprehensive dashboard for Cooperation Africa administrators to:

1. Manage cooperative applications.

2. Manage resource person profiles.

3. Monitor matching activity and platform usage.

4. Generate reports on platform engagement and impact.

3. Secure Data Management:

1. Secure storage and management of cooperative needs data and resource person profiles, adhering to data privacy best practices.

2. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Interested IT companies are invited to submit their proposals by 1st June 2025 via email to it@cooperationafrica.org  with a copy to admin@cooperationafrica.org Proposals should include the following:

1. Company profile, including relevant experience in website redesign, maintenance, and development of web-based platforms (specifically matching or networking platforms is advantageous).

2. Portfolio showcasing previous similar projects, including examples of platform development.

1. Detailed approach and methodology for:

1. Redesigning Cooperation Africa’s website (as outlined in the original call).

2. Developing the cooperative-resource person matching platform, including the proposed architecture, technology stack, and matching algorithm.

2. Cost estimation and breakdown of expenses, clearly separating the costs for the website redesign and the platform development.

3. Timeline for project completion, outlining key milestones for both the website redesign and the platform development.

4. References from previous clients (if applicable), particularly those related to platform development.

3. Selection Criteria:

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Experience and expertise in website redesign, maintenance, and web-based platform development.

2. Relevance of previous projects and client references, including platform development experience.

3. Proposed approach, methodology, and creativity in redesigning the website and developing the matching platform, including the logic and efficiency of the matching algorithm.

4. Cost-effectiveness and budget compliance for both the website redesign and the platform development.

5. Timeliness of project completion for both components.

4. Key Milestones and Dates

1. Proposal submission date 1st June 2025

2. Proposal Review Period: June 2025

6. Project Commencement Date: 1st July 2025

5. CONTACT INFORMATION

Enquiries must be sent to admin@cooperationafrica.org.

6. ABOUT COOPERATION AFRICA

Cooperation Africa is a non-profit organisation dedicated to making a positive impact in Africa. We are group of Africans committed to advancing cooperatives for the socio-economic liberation of Africans. Our vision is to enable the vast network of African cooperative enterprises providing secure livelihoods and high standards of living and wellbeing for self-determined, efficient and resilient Africans. Our mission is to promote the growth of cooperatives throughout Africa, particularly for women and youth, in support of African aspirations for equitable and inclusive development. 

To achieve the above our work embraces three main pillars: 

3. Research and advocacy

4. Education and training

5. Fundraising and Cooperative Financing

http://cooperationafrica.org