2024 Milestones: A Year of Impact and Growth

Greetings, Dynamic Development Practitioner,

Welcome to The Nile, Development Dynamics' newsletter that highlights our journey in advancing social impact, amplifying the voices of change-makers, and reflecting on key insights shaping the African landscape.

This edition of The Nile wraps up 2024 with a look back at the milestones, connections, and progress we’ve made together. Celebrate with us as we reflect on key events and engagements, share updates from last Thursday’s insightful conversations, spotlight the inspiring episodes of DDWithMaqC, and review the impact of our transformative projects.

As we transition into 2025, we remain committed to fostering collaboration, sharing lessons from the field, and co-creating solutions that are systems-focused, people-centered, and future-ready.

We hope these updates inspire and inform your work as we continue shaping impactful futures together.

With gratitude,

The Nile Editor, Wanda Simbe

Partnerships?

Unveiling strategic partnerships that bridge gaps and accelerate impactful outcomes.

• B-Corp Certification?

Development Dynamics achieved B Corp Certification In 2024 February, marking a significant milestone in our social and environmental responsibility commitment.

• UBUNTU HIVE Launch— Bridging Africa's Impact Investment Gap

Development Dynamics and SNDBX launched UBUNTU HIVE, a partnership aimed at addressing Africa's funding gaps and localizing impact investments. The initiative combines expertise in impact strategy, incubation, and cultural competency to foster sustainable, collaborative solutions across the continent, empowering entrepreneurs and communities for greater social impact.?Learn More at [email protected]

• IMPACT 2024?

Development Dynamics and Well Made Strategy launched IMPACT 2024, a transformative partnership addressing key concerns shared by social justice organisations. This initiative seeks to answer three fundamental questions: How do we strengthen our organisations? How do we optimise program effectiveness? How do we effectively communicate our impact??Book a free consultation at [email protected]

• B-Lab Summit 2024?

The B Lab Africa Summit 2024 brought together leaders in impact investing to discuss resilience, collaboration, and aligning business goals with people, planet, and profit. Read More?

Events & Engagements

A look at the key events and engagements that highlight DD’s evolving journey.

• Development Dynamics Turns Five — Half a Decade of Impactful Work

We celebrated our fifth year of operation, marking a significant milestone on April 25, 2024. We ushered in our fifth year by officially opening our new office in Nairobi at Cathy Flats on Lenana Road, Kilimani. Location

• The Lives, Times, & Chapters of Luminaries Making Good Happen in Africa.

Development Dynamics launched the Luminaries Booklet, Volume 1, celebrating leaders and practitioners in Africa’s development and social impact ecosystem. The booklet, features personal stories of challenges, triumphs, and commitment to positive change. It highlights four key themes, aiming to inspire action and showcase Africa's immense potential for transformation. Get your copy at [email protected]

• Priorities for Advancing AYSRHR in Africa— 7th AYSRHR Scientific Conference

Development Dynamics submitted two abstracts to the 7th AYSRHR RHNK Scientific Conference: State of Intersectional Feminist Leadership in Africa and Movement Building for Community Engagement in Advancing AYSRHR. Read Here !?

• EAPN forum 2024—Methodological Excellence in Impact Reporting

DD collaborated with the East Africa Philanthropy Network (EAPN), Rwanda Philanthropy Forum (RPF), and Rwanda Civil Society Platform. Leading a training on Methodological Excellence in Impact Reporting during the Advancing Evidence-Based Practices Forum. Read More.

• Movement Building Masterclass for Social Impact —Driving Waves of Change ( Cohort 2)?

Cohort 2 of the Movement Building Masterclass for Social Impact (MBFSI) launched in 2024, engaging young individuals from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and South Sudan. Participants gained insights into movement-building strategies through mentorship, interactive sessions, and networking with social impact practitioners and fellow changemakers.

• Hacking The Hyphen?

Hacking the Hyphen, an innovation challenge launched by Development Dynamics, tackled critical issues at the intersection of SRHR, Gender, and Climate Justice. Teams of 3-5 individuals aged 18-30 were invited to address challenges in these areas. The winning team received a small grant to implement their solution. Read More.

Last Thursdays?

Last Thursdays is a monthly virtual gathering designed to encourage peer-to-peer learning, collaboration, and innovative thinking within the development and innovation landscape.

???Intersections & Futures | Gender, SRHR, Climate Action in Africa January Edition of #LastThursdays delved deep into the intertwined challenges and opportunities shaping Africa's future. Learn More?

???Impact Metrics That Matter-The February edition? of #LastThursdays, where we tackled the challenges of planning and measuring social impact. Learn More?

???Intersectional Feminism | From the Sidelines Into the Arena- March Edition of #Last Thursdays was an an exciting discussion on the transformative power of #intersectionalfeminism (IF) within the African social impact landscape. Learn More?

???Impact in Africa | An Organizational Health Checklist Thinking of a future where African communities flourish and are empowered by sustainable solutions? A collaboration between Development Dynamics and Well Made Strategy. May's Last Thursday edition looked into discovering innovative approaches designed to address Africa's specific challenges. Learn More?

???The Art and Science of Building Movements for Social Impact- This #LastThursdays June edition was a discussion on?the intricacies of building movements for social impact, focusing on community engagement, strategic communication, and leadership in driving social change. Learn More?

???Navigating the Social Impact Ecosystem by Affiliation-July's Edition of #LastThursdays, was a timely discussion exploring the complexities of the social impact ecosystem, focusing on affiliations within the nonprofit sector. The discussion is enriched by personal anecdotes and professional experiences. Learn More?

???Social Impact Financing- August Edition of #LastThursdays looked into the importance of defining impact goals in advancing sustainable development, the role of investors and enterprises in achieving these goals, and how we can better measure, manage, and report on progress and impact. Learn More?

???Pact Of The Future: What Next For The African Woman?- October edition of #LastThursdays centred around the transformative role of African women in governance, inspired by discussions from the UN Pact for the Future Conference 2024. Learn More?

???Systems Practice for Social Impact- #LastThursdays November Edition was an insightful session which explored the power of systems thinking—a framework for understanding the intricate relationships between various factors influencing development. Learn More

???Storytelling as a Catalyst for Equity and Change as well as Why We Need More Stories From Women in Africa September’s Last Thursday edition was a special Edition held live at the NOIR gallery in Nairobi Kenya. Learn More?

Hot Of The Press?

1. DDWithMaqC— A Vibrant New Season?

• We interviewed Dr Lilian Otiso, Executive Director at LVCT Health, a passionate advocate and champion for the marginalised. ?Watch her full story here.

• We also had the honour of hosting Michael Ngigi, CEO of ThinkPlace Africa. Arguably one of our most emotional and heartfelt stories. This is one to watch: here.

• We have featured the incredible Lucy Muigai, CEO of B Lab Africa , a renowned Sustainability Champion. Lucy Muigai shares various aspects of her life and career, offering her wisdom and experiences. Watch Here ?

• We were honored to converse with Dr Were Onyino , a Kenyan surgeon and public health leader with a decade and a half of progressive multisectoral impact — a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon.? Watch Here

• As an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a renowned leader, Andrew Ranja, #DDwithMaqC's hosted guest and Founder of Taifa Teule Network shares his vision for change and commitment to? governance and integrity in this candid conversation. Watch Here

• We journeyed through the life of Joy Zawadi, Executive Director of Akili Dada. From her early years, school days, and university life to her passion for social justice and storytelling for impact, Joy shares her experiences and the lessons learned along the way.? Watch Here?

2. DD Deep Dives?

Dive into reflections from our team of advisors, associates, and analysts who are dedicated to creating meaningful social impact. Explore their insights and experiences as they shape the future of development . Watch Here

Projects?

Explore the diverse projects that showcase DD’s dedication to innovative strategies and impactful collaborations.

• Revitalizing Impact—Akili Dada's Strategic Program Review and Refresh

Acknowledging the critical role of programs in marginalised communities, Akili Dada engaged DD to conduct a short-term program review and refresh, aligning with Akili Dada’s strategic vision for 2024-2028. Read More?

• Transforming Health— Co-Creating a Strategy for Universal Coverage by 2030

Development Dynamics facilitated a two-day co-creation workshop with the Transform Health Kenya Coalition to develop a strategy to achieve Universal Health Coverage in Kenya by 2030. Read More?

• Catalyzing Investment for 2gether 4 SRHR

Development Dynamics supported the 2gether 4 SRHR Phase II program by facilitating the development of a comprehensive resource mobilisation and partnership strategy. This effort aimed to harness the potential of resource holders to advance the program’s impact significantly. Read More

• The Road To Impact: Refining Y+Kenya Strategic Plan?

Development Dynamics facilitated a workshop for Y+Kenya to refine their Strategic Plan, aiming to strengthen youth-led HIV and SRHR responses and ensure a lasting impact. Read More

• Utilization-Focused Learning Agenda Training

The Utilization Focused Learning Agenda Training, an exercise that brought together the USAID Democracy Governance Peace and Security (DPDS) implementing partners (IPs) and their sub-awardees, provided hands-on skills and guidance on developing and iterating their learning agendas. Read More?

• Zero Malaria Campaign Coalition (ZMCC) Steering Committee Meeting

The 4th Steering Committee Meeting for the ZMCC was facilitated by Development Dynamics and focused on reviewing the coalition’s achievements, sharing key lessons learned, and defining future strategic directions in alignment with national malaria goals. Read More

• Massive Open Online Course Program on Peace and Security in Africa

MOOC Program on Peace and Security in Africa. Development Dynamics is supporting African Union ECOSOCC in developing a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) program on peace and security in Africa, aimed at equipping journalists, Civil Society Actors (CSAs), and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) with the knowledge and skills to contribute to peace and security efforts. Read More

• Food For the Hungry Writeshop

Development Dynamics led a user-centred, systems-focused review with the Resource Development Working Group of Food for the Hungry, Inc. Kenya. The process aimed to design impactful solutions for ending poverty through development programs, disaster relief, and advocacy, challenging assumptions to ensure the best outcomes for the people they serve. Read More

• A Digital Strategy for Reproductive Justice

In collaboration with Fos Feminista, DD developed a digital communications strategy to address the implications of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization ruling on reproductive rights in Kenya, Nigeria, and India.

• Harmony in Strategy and Structure: A Co-Creation Journey with CHEVS

In a dynamic co-creation journey with CHEVS, we collaborated on crafting a comprehensive strategy and governance manual to guide their mission until 2030 while assisting in crucial role recruitment.?

• Co-Creating a Feminist Governance Model for ILGA World

ILGA World engaged in an 18-month co-creation process to develop a feminist-responsive governance structure. Through surveys and workshops, we helped assess governance gaps and co-design inclusive leadership models for better intersectional representation.

• Empowering Youth for Change: B!ll! Now Now!

Commissioned by Planned Parenthood Global, DD supported the B!ll! Now Now! movement, empowering youth across East Africa through impactful campaigns, toolkits, and digital engagement, amplifying their call for urgent change on autonomy and rights.

• KCDF ( Ubora Mashinani)?

The USAID Ubora Mashinani Program’s Annual Learning Workshop, facilitated by Development Dynamics, convened stakeholders from 12 counties to strengthen the sustainability of local organizations. Focused on USAID’s localization agenda, the event highlighted LDOs' role in amplifying community voices and fostering responsive county governance through evidence-based learning and collaboration. Read More?

• NEXUS

A leadership and governance training facilitated by DD equipped Nexus Somalia Consortium board members with tools for strategic decision-making, risk management, and ethical leadership. The workshop enhanced governance principles and leadership capacity for sustainable organizational growth.

• Advancing the Zero Malaria Campaign

Development Dynamics supported the ZMCC partner meeting on advocacy and communication planning for 2025, crafting an actionable roadmap for national malaria priorities. The workshop fostered collaboration, advancing efforts in advocacy, communication, and resource mobilization.

• Transparency International Learning Event

Development Dynamics facilitated a learning event for the USAID-supported USAWA program, bringing together county stakeholders from across Kenya. The event served as a platform to exchange experiences, share challenges, and highlight impactful strategies implemented under the program. Insights gathered during the session will shape the next year of the USAWA program, ensuring more effective and impactful implementation moving forward.

#LifeatDD: Laughing, Learning, Crying, & Growing Together

1. With the growth of our projects and offerings, our team has evolved to reflect fresh perspectives and expertise. We were fortunate to bring on board an exceptionally skilled individuals in their respective fields. See more here!?

Development Dynamics Affiliate Program

We launched the DD Affiliate Program to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and drive professional growth in the consultancy ecosystem. This initiative breaks industry silos, promotes impactful partnerships, and serves as a matchmaker for insights, impact, and investment.

? Interested in joining? Apply Now?

Looking Ahead to 2025 As we step into 2025, we aim to refine our Triple-Play Approach further, ensuring it is more impactful and aligned with the needs of the communities and stakeholders we serve. Expect expansions in partnerships and deeper collaborations with investors and investees, strengthening our commitment to being systems-focused, people-centred, and future-ready.

Stay tuned for innovative initiatives, transformative collaborations, and more opportunities to create sustainable, long-term impact together. The best is yet to come!