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mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} When PSAf was established in 1996, the organisation was just a small establishment. In fact, it was a branch of Panos London with a lean structure of about three to five staff members.

Between 1996 and 2005, PSAf depended entirely on support from Panos London especially in the areas of governance, programme development and fundraising. This has changed over the years. The changes accelerated from May 2005 when PSAf gained autonomy from Panos London.

The organisation has grown to become a leading communication for development organisation in Southern Africa. The number of staff has more than quadrupled to 23 members, and still counting as the organisation continues to expand in terms of implementation of programmes. The staff members are drawn mostly from the different countries the organisation operates in. The organisation has also set up national offices in three countries, and has national focal points in all SADC countries.

The organisation’s expansion brings with it the need to develop capacity to enable PSAf operate effectively, independently and in all Southern African countries. Currently, PSAf covers 12 Southern African countries which include Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Prior to 2006, the geographical coverage of PSAf excluded the island countries of Mauritius and Madagascar. Most PSAf programme activities are still concentrated in Zambia. In the other countries programmes undertake one off activities.

To enhance its capacity as an autonomous organisation, PSAf develops and implements five-year strategic plans to guide its activities. The strategic plans provide a framework for organisational and programmatic growth, effective implementation of the regionalisation and decentralisation and enable the organisation to respond to key development challenges within Southern Africa.The key strategic issues are outlined under dedicated sections for each programme on the website.

Through robust partnerships with various national, regional and international development partners, PSAf has managed to scale up its programmes in Southern Africa. Partnership have been and continue to be one of the key entry strategies to the countries where PSAf does not have an official presence.  Key partners will include Governments, inter governmental organisations, research institutions, academic institutions, regional bodies including COMESA and SADC, as well as national and local  NGOs and CBOs.