About Zarq

Building a pathway from digital exclusion to economic participation.

Zarq is a youth technology and digital opportunity company based in Matatiele, Eastern Cape. We combine commercial technology services with practical youth programmes, and each one makes the other stronger.

Our story

There is a gap between what young people are capable of and their access to technology, mentorship and opportunity.

In underserved communities, that gap shows up as more than missing devices. It’s limited connectivity, little exposure to AI and emerging technology, few mentors, and limited chances to build real projects or learn what a technology career looks like.

Zarq exists to close that gap. It combines access, learning, practical creation and opportunity, so young people can move from consuming technology to creating with it.

Vision

A future where a young person’s location or access to technology does not determine their ability to participate in the digital economy.

Mission

To give young people, especially those from underserved communities, access to digital tools, practical technology education, mentorship and opportunities to build solutions that shape their futures.

Our approach

More than a programme. A pathway.

What makes Zarq different is the connection between each stage: learning leads to building, building leads to proof, and proof leads to opportunity.

01
Learn
Practical, project-based technology education.
02
Build
Real projects, not just exercises.
03
Demonstrate
Portfolios that show what young people can do.
04
Connect
Mentors, networks and industry exposure.
05
Earn
Work, income and entrepreneurship.

Zarq combines

Community access
Practical technology education
Project-based learning
Mentorship
Entrepreneurship
Commercial technology services
Career and opportunity pathways

Our impact

Measured by what young people go on to do.

Using technology isn’t the same as having access to opportunity. Young people in underserved communities often miss out on the tools, skills and networks that turn digital ability into income and careers.

What’s often out of reach

Computers and reliable connectivity
Practical digital skills
AI and emerging-technology exposure
Mentors and professional networks
Project opportunities
Knowledge of technology careers

How Zarq sustains itself

Commercial work and impact, by design.

Zarq is a hybrid social-impact and commercial technology company. Commercial services earn revenue. Funding and partnerships make youth programmes accessible.

As capability and impact grow, so do Zarq’s reputation and partnerships, which brings in more customers and support.

01Zarq Digital earns revenue
02Revenue and partnerships fund infrastructure
03Infrastructure powers youth programmes
04Young people become technology creators
05Projects and portfolios open opportunities
06Employment and entrepreneurship follow
07A stronger network and reputation bring more customers and partners
↻ and the cycle continues

Our goals

What we’re working towards.

Our goals for the first year of Zarq programmes.

30–50

young people reached

20–40

programme completions

15+

technology projects

20+

mentorship sessions

community workshops

5–10

devices made available

2–3

school or community partnerships

20+

young people with career or industry exposure

2–5

paid or part-time opportunities

We report on progress openly with our partners.

Where we work

Rooted in Matatiele, working everywhere.

Matatiele is home. It’s where our programmes are based and where Zarq Hub is coming, giving young people a dedicated place to access technology and learn. Zarq Digital works with clients online across South Africa, and our model is designed to grow into other communities through partnerships.

Founder

Lesedi Siyaya

Founder, Zarq

BSc Information Technology
Business analysis
Programming & mathematics foundation
Websites, apps & UI/UX
Digital products & AI-related work

Lesedi translates business needs into practical technology: websites, applications, digital products and AI-powered tools. She brings the discipline of business analysis to every project, so the technology solves the real problem.

She understands how technology is built, and is just as focused on how people get access to it and benefit from it. Zarq brings those two things together: technical capability and a clear understanding of the access problem.

Get involved

Help build what comes next.

There’s a place at Zarq for young people, schools, mentors, partners and clients.

Get involved Start a conversation