Daraja – Shared Services Platform
The impact of Daraja’s work is already taking root across Sub-Saharan Africa. Over the past two and a half years, Daraja has made remarkable strides, progress made possible through the trust, support, and partnership of visionary organizations like the Vitol Foundation, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Tiko Africa, and 55 committed CBOs and NGOs. Together, we’ve built more than just organizational capacity. We’ve strengthened systems, empowered local changemakers, and laid a solid foundation for sustainable development. Through tailored tools and strategic support, our partners have enhanced their internal processes and significantly increased their ability to attract funding. As a result, local nonprofits have successfully mobilized over USD 2.5 million in additional funding, proof of the power of collaboration and the effectiveness of Daraja’s model. We are deeply grateful for the shared commitment and look forward to continuing this transformative journey, together.
Looking ahead, Daraja’s ambitions extend far beyond these initial successes. The platform is developing an efficient model for delivering high-level technical assistance to local nonprofits, while also exploring innovative ways to help them streamline non-core functions. By scaling its impact and sharing its insights, Daraja aims to catalyze a paradigm shift in international development, placing local organizations at the forefront of change.
The Daraja – Shared Services Platform is more than just an initiative; it is a rallying cry for a more equitable and impactful aid system. By empowering local change-makers, fostering collaboration, and bridging the gap between donors and communities, Daraja is paving the way for a future where sustainable development is driven by those who understand their contexts best.
In a world where complex challenges demand innovative solutions, Daraja represents a groundbreaking approach to international development. By revolutionizing the way aid is delivered and empowering local organizations to take the lead, Daraja is not just changing lives – it is redefining what is possible when we trust in the power of communities to shape their own futures. Through its tireless efforts to bridge divides, foster collaboration, and unlock the potential of local change-makers, Daraja is writing a new chapter in the story of global progress, one in which sustainable development is not just an aspiration, but a reality driven by the passion, expertise, and leadership of those who call these communities home.
GDI’s role
GDI conducted a research effort and set of articles outlining the supply, demand, and intermediation barriers to localization in global development. From that work, GDI designed and launched the Daraja – Shared Services Platform. GDI has led the effort, recruited and staffed the team, built the initial services processes, secured the initial NGO client partners, and raised the funding to pilot the effort.
