Sawa-Tech Review: An African-Based Platform for Linguistic and Media Services

Sawa-Tech is a growing platform offering a range of professional services including translation, transcription, data collection, content moderation and content localization—with a strong emphasis on African languages and culture. Although it's not as widely recognized as global platforms like RWS, Lionbridge, or One-forma, Sawa-Tech is carving a niche in the African content creation and localization space.

In this article, we’ll explore what Sawa-Tech is, how it works, how to apply, and whether it’s a legitimate opportunity for freelancers, especially those based in Africa.

What Is Sawa Tech?

Sawa-Tech is a Cape Town-based company founded in 2013, with a focus on delivering high-quality digital media services that amplify African languages and cultural identity. From translation to content localization, Sawa Tech works with native speakers and professionals across the continent to create authentic, localized content for a global audience.

Their services include:

• Translation

• Transcription

• Voiceovers

• Proofreading

• Content localization

• Video and audio editing

While the platform may not be as globally recognized, its mission to enrich and professionalize African content makes it a unique and valuable player in the online freelance ecosystem.

How I Discovered Sawa-Tech

So I came across Sawa-Tech through a website called Voice123, a voiceover marketplace where clients and talents connect. A Sawa-Tech representative (Lily Lubanzi) reached out with an invitation to join their freelance talent pool. The communication was professional and included:

• A registration link

• A confidentiality form

• Instructions to complete a freelancer profile on the Sawa-Tech portal (https://sawatech.raspberry-app.com)

While I'm yet to complete a project for them, the invitation and onboarding process suggest that the platform is operational and preparing for upcoming language-related projects.

Platform Legitimacy: Is Sawa-Tech Trustworthy?

Though the company is not widely known online, it shows several signs of being legit:

• LinkedIn Presence: Sawa-Tech has a professional LinkedIn page with over 2,000 followers and lists a team of 11–50 employees.

• Founded in 2013: Indicates longevity and credibility.

• Completed 10,000+ projects for over 250 clients.

• Supports over 120 languages, including Swahili, Yoruba, Zulu, Afrikaans, Malagasy, Kirundi, and more.

⚠️ Note of Caution: As with all freelance platforms, especially lesser-known ones, exercise caution. Always confirm project details, avoid doing unpaid work, and clarify payment terms before starting.

How to Join and Apply

Interested freelancers can apply directly through the platform’s careers page:

👉 www.sawatech.com/careers

Application Steps:

1. Fill out the application form: Includes name, contact info, position of interest, and uploads like CV and cover letter.

2. Complete the onboarding process: Once invited, you'll receive a registration link to Sawa-Tech's freelancer portal.

3. Verify your documents: Including certificates, diplomas, payment details, etc.

4. Use the portal: Once inside, you’ll find your dashboard with tabs for:

   • Work profile

   • Tasks

   • Invoices

   • Notifications

The system allows you to submit invoices upon completion of a task for payment processing.

My Experience So Far

As of now, I have :

• Registered and completed my profile

• Been asked to set rates for voiceover and translation work

• Received a few project invitations (but I have not yet completed a paid task)

Sawa-Tech appears to have a project pipeline in place and reaches out to freelancers based on their skills and languages.

Final Thoughts

Sawa-Tech stands out as one of the few platforms dedicated to localizing African content across a broad range of languages. While it may not yet have the scale of global freelance marketplaces, its focused mission and professional outreach suggest it is a promising opportunity for African freelancers.

If you're a translator, voiceover artist, or content editor who speaks an African language, Sawa-Tech is worth exploring.

✅ Pros:

• Focus on African languages and content

• Variety of services offered

• Professional onboarding process

• Company has been active since 2013

⚠️ Cons:

• Still relatively unknown

• Project availability may be limited

• No public reviews or ratings yet

Want to Join?

Visit their careers page or check their LinkedIn profile for updates. For questions or to send applications manually, you can also email their support team.

Make sure to stay tuned for updates in case I receive and complete a project. A follow-up review will cover payment reliability and workflow experience.

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