Advancing Justice, Dignity, and Inclusive Development Across Africa
CDSJ works with communities, civil society, governments, and partners to strengthen public health, governance, gender equality, human rights, child protection, research, and access to justice — connecting community realities with evidence, policy influence, and practical systems change.
Six integrated programmes driving change
Working across community, institutional, and policy levels so that immediate development responses connect to longer-term systems change.
Public Health and Community Wellbeing
Strengthening equitable health systems — HIV/AIDS, SRHR, mental health, nutrition, and the broader determinants of health.
Socio-Economic Empowerment and Resilient Livelihoods
Supporting livelihoods, social protection, skills, and economic inclusion for women, youth, and structurally excluded communities.
Governance, Gender and Human Rights
Advancing accountable governance, inclusive participation, gender equality, and human rights protection.
Child Protection and GBV Prevention and Response
Preventing and responding to violence, abuse, exploitation, and harmful practices affecting children and women.
Research, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning
Generating and applying evidence for better programming, accountability, policy influence, and institutional learning.
Access to Justice, Accountability and Institutional Strengthening
Improving access to justice and strengthening the accountability systems that help people seek remedy and fair treatment.
Built from commitment, not comfort
In April 2025, a group of African development professionals came together in the wake of the USAID shutdown — when projects were closing, civil society was weakening, and critical gains were at risk of being lost.
They invested their skills, leadership, and resources into building a new institution grounded in justice, dignity, evidence, and systems change. CDSJ was formally registered in April 2026.
- April 2025CDSJ begins as a self-funded initiative — development professionals respond to the USAID shutdown, investing personal resources to sustain impact.
- Mid 2025Institution-building takes shape: governance structures, six programme pillars, core policies, and strategic partnerships developed.
- Early 2026Leadership team confirmed. Core documents — board charter, safeguarding, child protection, and DEI policies — finalised.
- April 2026CDSJ formally registered with Lesotho as its founding base and a continent-wide African outlook from day one.
CDSJ Justice and Development Update
Monthly updates on programmes, partnerships, publications, events, and opportunities for engagement across Africa.