Charter · Phase I

An instrument of trust for lasting change

The IJIDI Foundation is a civic gate within the IJIDI ecosystem — designed to steward resources, amplify agency, and advance development on the continent's own terms.

Foundation paperwork in progress — charter disclosed in the open.
Explore our charter Partner with us
IJIDI Foundation
Entity
IJIDI Foundation
Domain
ijidi.org
Social
@ijidifoundation
Founder
Mandela Onwusah
Our mandate

Trust · Growth · Community · Sustainability · Impact

We build programmes that support communities. Here's what we know so far, and what we're still figuring out.

"We are not here to save. We are here to amplify — to clear paths, share tools, and stand beside those who already hold the answers."
Parent institution
Part of the IJIDI ecosystem under IJIDI Limited
Trustee
Ifeoma Peace David
Status
Charter disclosed · Phase I · Nigeria
Registered office
Coming soon — filing in progress
Our pillars

Five domains of lasting change

Each pillar represents a dimension of our work — click to explore.

Theory of change

How we move from insight to impact

Each step is a lever. Click to expand.

Step 01

Listen & learn

We begin with deep listening — to communities, to data, to lived experience. Our work is shaped by those we serve.

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Step 02

Co-design

We build programmes with, not for. Co-creation ensures relevance, ownership, and sustainability from day one.

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Step 03

Test & iterate

We pilot, measure, and adapt. Evidence-led iteration turns good intentions into proven practice.

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Step 04

Scale & share

What works, we scale. What we learn, we share — openly, so others can build on it.

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Our programmes

Initiatives in development

We are building our programme portfolio. These are our current areas of focus — more details coming soon.

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Education & Leadership

NextGen Africa

Youth leadership and civic engagement programmes designed to build a generation of ethical, effective changemakers.

Phase: Scoping Coming soon

We are currently designing pilot cohorts with local partners. Programme details will be shared as they are co-created with community stakeholders.

🌿
Climate & Resilience

Regenerate

Community-led ecological restoration and climate adaptation, focused on nature-based solutions and local stewardship.

Phase: Design Coming soon

We are working with environmental experts and community leaders to develop regenerative programmes that restore both land and livelihoods.

🤝
Economic Justice

Thrive

Economic inclusion and enterprise development, supporting smallholder farmers, artisans, and local entrepreneurs.

Phase: Research Coming soon

We are conducting market assessments and partner mapping to design programmes that create sustainable economic opportunity.

Impact

What we're building toward

These are our early indicators. Actual numbers will be shared as programmes become operational.

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Communities
Engaged in co-design
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Partners
Civil society · Government · Private
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Programme readiness
Phase I · Scoping in progress
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Young leaders
In pilot leadership cohorts
Governance

Who steers the foundation

Meet the team. Click to read more about each role.

Mandela Onwusah

Mandela Onwusah

Founder & Director

Mandela brings two decades of experience across development, policy, and social innovation.

He founded the IJIDI ecosystem to create a new kind of institutional architecture — one rooted in trust, transparency, and African agency. He is the author of several frameworks on civic infrastructure and participatory governance.

mandelaonwusah.com →

Ifeoma Peace David

Ifeoma Peace David

Trustee

Ifeoma is a seasoned legal and policy advisor with deep expertise in human rights and institutional governance.

She has advised governments and civil society organisations on constitutional reform, access to justice, and institutional accountability. She is committed to ensuring the foundation operates with integrity and transparency.

Personal site — coming soon

ED

Executive Director

Position open

We are currently recruiting for this leadership role.

This role will lead the foundation's day-to-day operations and programme delivery. If you are interested, please reach out via our contact form.

CAC

Registration

In progress

CAC registration and related filings are underway.

We are committed to full regulatory compliance and transparency. All registration details will be published here as they become available.

Transparency

How we resource our work

We believe in open books and honest stewardship. These are our early funding priorities.

Core operations40%
Programme delivery35%
Research & learning15%
Reserve & contingency10%
Total committed fundingComing soon
Operational runway (months)Coming soon
Audit statusIn progress
Get involved

Ways to partner with us

We are building a community of practice. Explore the ways you can contribute.

Financial contributions

Every contribution helps build the foundation
General fund100% to operations & programmes
Programme-specificDirected to your chosen initiative
EndowmentLong-term sustainability
We are finalising our contribution infrastructure. Please check back or contact us directly.

Strategic partnerships

Collaborate with us on systemic change
Programme co-designJoint initiative development
Research & learningEvidence generation and sharing
Advocacy & policyCollective influence for change
We are actively seeking partners who share our values and commitment to impact.

Volunteer & pro bono

Your skills can help us grow
Legal & regulatorySupport with registration and compliance
CommunicationsStorytelling, design, and media
Programme supportFacilitation, research, and M&E
We believe in the power of shared expertise. Please get in touch.
Contact

Let's connect

We'd love to hear from you — whether you're a potential partner, a community member, or just curious.

We'll respond within 5 working days.

✓ Thank you. Your message has been received. We'll be in touch soon.