The Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA) collaborates with other organizations on issues surrounding the rule of law, democracy building, human rights, economic development, education, the media, and access to technology and information. The initiative's varied activities share a common goal of reducing poverty, HIV/AIDS, and political instability.

OSISA programs have aided the development of constitutions; assessed judicial independence and the government’s commitment to the rule of law; facilitated discussions regarding the situation of girls in southern Africa; supported radio and media monitoring; and developed awareness about poverty reduction strategies, public debt management, and the impact of debt. The initiative has worked with other organizations to deal with national, regional, and international economic issues by targeting local and national economic planning, trade and investment, regional integration, and globalization issues.

The countries covered by OSISA include Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.