Development Dynamics

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Grateful to Development Dynamics and East Africa Philanthropy Network-EAPN for convening this discussions. I believe now is the evidence that development partnerships should be approached from the lens that, they have an end. This changes the perspective on why partnerships exist and how they can catalyze the existing autonomous efforts of frontline organizations and ensure their work remains RESILIENT before and after their time together.

The Global Democracy Coalition Secretariat, with 39 partners and friends, stands in unwavering solidarity with those impacted by the U.S. aid freeze, including democracy defenders worldwide. Support is needed to protect them and their vital work. Add your name to the signatories! https://lnkd.in/eUnDxg-M Political Watch Collective Pakistan CAHED KENYA Democracia Digital Freedom For Eurasia Mexiro Fundación Multitudes Federation of Environmental and Ecological Diversity for Agricultural Revampment and Human Rights (FEEDAR & HR) Sukaar Welfare Organization Development Dynamics Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) European Capital Of Democracy #ECoD#ECoD Students for Global Democracy Uganda BudgIT Nigeria Reseau Nigerien des Defenseurs des Droits Humains DIPD - Danish Institute for Parties and Democracy International IDEA Candon Youth for Empowerment Movement, Inc PEN America Club de Madrid West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) Leaders for Leaders Champion (LLCO) Red de Innovación Local (RIL) Building Blocks for Peace Foundation Vouliwatch Atlas Movement European Democracy Youth Network (EDYN) NIMD | Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) The Carter Center Government Accountability Project DT Institute RCC-ARA (Russian-speaking Community Council, Inc./Amer.Russ-speaking Ass'n for Civil & Human Rights) European Partnership for Democracy (EPD) Integrity Watch Afghanistan Alma Cívica Fundació Irla CENTRO DE GOBERNANZA PUBLICA Y CORPORATIVA INC. AWTAD Anti-Corruption Organization Youth Compassion for Humanity Uganda Global Democracy Coalition

?? Are you ready to connect with several other change-makers and be part of this discussion about the greatest challenges of our time? → Join us for a group forum to discuss challenges and opportunities in the industries you are involved in with other?change-makers who want to contribute to a thriving future. ?? RSVP Here: https://lnkd.in/dJehuvex Fru Wanka, PhD Tebogo Mogaleemang Akanimo Andrew Akpan, PhD Dr. MaqC Eric Gitau, PhD Development Dynamics Deon Cloete Brayden Beckius Ashley Ellis mathapelo mofokeng

Too often, we approach complex challenges in silos—each organisation, sector, or initiative working hard but separately. But real transformation happens when we connect the dots across disciplines, perspectives, and lived experiences. At RIAHSAH Co., we created the Systems Futures Platform because no single entity can solve systemic issues alone. Whether it's youth unemployment, food insecurity, waste management, or health system gaps, the answers lie in collective intelligence—where insights from communities, businesses, policymakers, and changemakers collide to create real impact. - What if we designed solutions WITH communities, not just for them? - What if we anticipated future challenges before they became crises? - What if we built ecosystems of change-makers rather than isolated projects? Let’s move from competition to collaboration and co-creation. Join the Systems Futures Platform today: https://lnkd.in/d-Ta259U ?? And don’t miss our 7th Community Gathering, another opportunity for a get-together experience on 19 March 2025, 5 pm SAST—a free space where we will unpack the Complex Challenges we are all tackling. ?? RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/dMvfFsfm Southern Africa Trust Primacy Youth Development Initiative Development Dynamics Collective Action Network ORIBI Brayden Beckius Denise Mubaiwa Prasanna Amanan Dorothy Hove Alice D Kwaramba-Kanengoni Mutile Mwongo Ann Karau #BuildingFutureSystems #SystemsChange #Collaboration #StrategicForesight #SocialImpact #SystemsFutures #RIAHSAHCo #JoinTheConversation

As funding landscapes shift and donor priorities evolve, the future of philanthropy in Africa hinges on ????????????????????????, ????????????????????, and ????????-????????????????. During the ongoing #LastThursdays conversation co-hosted with Development Dynamics, our CEO, Evans Okinyi, has highlighted three critical levers to ensure philanthropy remains relevant and impactful: ?????????? ??????????-???????????????????? ???? ??????????????-?????? ?????????????????? ???????????? - Philanthropy must evolve beyond traditional donor reliance by embracing blended finance, endowment models, and remittance-based investments. The sector can secure sustainable funding that aligns with local priorities by de-risking private investments and leveraging mission-related investments (MRIs). ?? ???????????????????????? ???? ???? ??????????????, ?????? ???????? ?? ???????????? - Philanthropy's role must shift from filling funding gaps to unlocking systemic change. By co-investing with governments and private sector players, shaping financial policies, and advocating for incentives that drive corporate giving, philanthropy can create an enabling environment for sustainable development. ?? ???????????????????? ??????????-??????????, ??????????????-?????? ?????????????????? - African philanthropy must embrace community-driven models, ensuring that resources flow directly to local organizations with deep-rooted connections and lived expertise. Strengthening community foundations, Indigenous giving networks, and domestic philanthropy policies will be crucial in shifting power to those best positioned to create long-term impact. ?? ???????????????????????? ???????? ???????? ???????????? ??????????-???????? ?????????? ???? ???????????????????? ????????????????????????????. #FundingResilience #AfricanPhilanthropy #LocallyLed #SustainableGiving

This article captures what I spoke about during the discussion convened by Development Dynamics to explore ways of Rethinking Development in Africa. I hope, alongside my other articles, it helps to raise critical consciousness, and frames this moment from a point of hope and empowerment. "There was a time when organizing was local. Cooperatives thrived. Mutual aid was a given. Unconditionally. Development was something communities defined for themselves. And then came the shift...the rise of individualism, globalization, and the commodification of everything. We stopped thinking about collective strength and started playing the game of personal branding, career ladders, and donor-driven priorities. Philanthropy today mirrors the very power structures it claims to challenge—presidents and vice presidents at the helm, hierarchies that mimic the political establishment. Sound like a duck, walk like a duck. Even the language betrays us. Chief of Party. Chief. A title borrowed from the colonial playbook, where European settlers reduced Indigenous governance to a term that served their administrative convenience. We replicate these structures in development, never questioning how power is framed, named, and legitimized. Even the idea of “community” itself changed—it was no longer about place-based organizing, but fragmented online interactions, where “engagement” is measured in likes and clicks, not solidarity. We call it a shared economy, but what’s really being shared? Uber and Airbnb have replaced traditional economies of care with corporate-controlled gig work. Even when we organize, there’s a middleman profiting from our labor. Public participation? A tick-box exercise. Community consultations? An afterthought. And through it all, we are told to believe that development is "apolitical." What Comes Next?

Shifting the Narrative: From Sad Stories to Impact-Driven Partnerships Just reflecting on the insightful #LastThursday session! My major takeaway was the critical need to reevaluate partnerships in the current funding landscape. We can't treat them as permanent fixtures; they require strategic planning and a business-minded approach. As development actors—NGOs, humanitarian organizations, and the like—we need to evolve. Our mission is enduring, and to ensure our sustainability, we must focus on selling our impact. No more relying solely on narratives of hardship. We need to showcase the tangible, positive changes we're creating for communities and the world. This got me thinking: As an NGO founder/worker/humanitarian practitioner (choose one or more! ), What exactly are we selling? What's our value proposition? For example, are we offering innovative solutions in education, sustainable agriculture practices, or access to clean water? Let's highlight the positive outcomes we're driving! And on a larger scale, what is Ethiopia selling? Beyond the challenges, Ethiopia offers a wealth of opportunities: high-quality coffee, gold, and increasingly, a conducive environment for investment in manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. From its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes to its growing economy and strategic location, Ethiopia has a compelling story to tell. Thank you, Development Dynamics Let's shift the focus from problems to solutions, from needs to assets. I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments! #NGO #Humanitarian #Development #Partnerships #Impact #Ethiopia #Sustainability #ValueProposition #SocialImpact #Investment #EthiopiaExports #InvestInEthiopia #EthiopiaTourism #ImpactInvesting #NGOs #Africa #SustainableDevelopment #FinancialManagement

I had the privilege of being part of the behind-the-scenes preparations for #TheMostImportantConversation happening this week. Excited for the impactful and thought-provoking discussions ahead!

Some thoughts from yesterday's conversation ?? .... development = act of progress of the people by the people !