Accountability Lab is a global translocal network that makes governance work for people by supporting active citizens, responsible leaders and accountable institutions. Our goal is a world in which resources are used wisely, decisions benefit everyone fairly, and people lead secure lives.
Accountability Lab is a global translocal network that makes governance work for people by supporting active citizens, responsible leaders and accountable institutions. Our goal is a world in which resources are used wisely, decisions benefit everyone fairly, and people lead secure lives.
WHAT WE DO
Accountability Lab’s flagship training program for young change-makers to build sustainable, effective tools for change.
A global campaign powered by citizens in search of exemplary government officials.
A pioneering community feedback and dialogue platform to ensure accountability in the development process.
Supportive, impactful member networks and co-working spaces for small and big nonprofits.
A conscious music campaign supporting musicians who advocate for greater representation, participation and accountability.
Channelling civil society voices into high-level decision-making at the C20, G20, and the Open Government Partnership for stronger accountability and open government.
NETWORK LABS
STAFF
PARTICIPANTS
STAFF
GLOBAL PROGRAMS
PARTICIPANTS
HOW WE’RE BUILDING A TRANSLOCAL NETWORK
HOW WE’RE BUILDING A TRANSLOCAL NETWORK
LATEST NEWS
NEWS
February 14, 2025
WHAT’S HAPPENING
"As political and funding winds shift, it is important that democracy, rights, and governance ...non-profits explore ways to diversify their funding streams for greater resilience."
If you're an organization in the #DRG space affected by the US government's aid cuts, and looking for alternative revenue streams, here are some sources Accountability Lab co-CEO Cheri-Leigh Erasmus and Open Government Partnership's Joseph Foti have gathered to help fortify and keep your critical work going. They offer a list of alternative funding models with an explanation of each, including its benefits and rewards - divided into categories of financial innovation, pooling risks and assets, and payment services. Let us know what you think?
READ the full piece here:
NGOs in the democracy, rights, and governance space are facing unprecedented cuts to their funding. This blog explores new revenue streams…
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Accountability Lab Nigeria recently examined the systemic obstacles to achieving tech ...accountability, focusing on the impact of collaborations between governments and tech companies. In a January policy paper “Beyond the Consumer: Shaping Africa’s Voice in Tech Accountability and Human Rights" Odeh Friday, Ehi Idakwo and Jake Okechukwu Effoduh explored the ways that such collaborations can contribute to Africa’s relegation to the role of a consumer market rather than an active participant in innovation, especially in environments with weak regulatory frameworks.
READ the full policy paper here:https://bit.ly/4iLNgZt
It is in this context that the Lab created an Open Contracting AI platform for citizens, journalists, researchers and policymakers to easily access procurement information. For now, the platform includes 2500 health and education contracts over 3 Nigerian states – Ekiti, Edo and Plateau.
The system extracts information from physical contracts and converts it into structured procurement data, which can then be accessed through an easy-to-use chat function. Users can track how public funds are spent and identify contract awardees in real time without any technical skills.
The tool is part of AL Nigeria's push for procurement transparency in the country, with the aim of building trust between people and government, and ensuring powerholders be held accountable.
CHECK them out here:
https://open-contracting-ai.web.app/
https://ekiti.opencitizencontracts.com/
https://plateau.opencitizencontracts.com/
As part of an ongoing survey, we're hearing how some organizations have started receiving ...payments for work affected by the US government aid freeze, while others are trying to urgently diversify funding streams. If you're affected, what other strategies have you heard about? We'd be grateful to hear from you.
We’re continuing to track the effects of the #foreignassistance cancellations with Humentum. Our survey is available in English, Spanish, French, and Arabic. Take it now, and please share it with your peers 
https://www.globalaidfreeze.com/survey
#GlobalAidTracker #FundingFreeze
As part of an ongoing survey, we're hearing how some organizations have started receiving ...payments for work affected by the US government aid freeze, while others are trying to urgently diversify funding streams. If you're affected, what other strategies have you heard about?…
The Action for Accountability Toolkit: Your guide to strengthening governance
...Governance should work for the people. But that mostly happens when communities engage, question, and push for transparency. The Action for Accountability (A4A) Toolkit, developed in partnership with Accountability Lab South Africa, Public Service Accountability Monitor - PSAM, Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, Planact, and the Centre for Social Change at the University of Johannesburg, provides practical tools for citizens, activists, and organizations to drive real change.
How can you use the toolkit?
For Activists & Advocates – Strengthen advocacy campaigns with structured tools to monitor government performance, track service delivery, and engage authorities effectively.
For Community Leaders – Equip your local networks with guides on how to hold municipal officials accountable, participate in budget processes, and push for transparent governance.
For Civil Society Organizations – Integrate accountability strategies into programs, ensuring sustained civic engagement and policy influence.
For Concerned Citizens – Understand your rights, learn how to report governance failures, and join collective efforts to improve public services.
What’s Inside the Toolkit?
Understand governance
Navigate local government structures, understand decision-making processes, and learn where to intervene for impact.
Build a strong case
Holding leaders accountable starts with evidence. Use the toolkit to track budgets, analyze service delivery, and conduct social audits to uncover inefficiencies and gaps.
Take meaningful action
Change requires strategy. Learn how to submit petitions, request public records, participate in council meetings, and launch advocacy campaigns that get results.
Mobilize your community
Accountability thrives in numbers. The toolkit helps you form Civic Action Teams (CivActs), organize town halls, and work with local media to raise awareness and drive solutions.
Ensure follow-through
Accountability doesn’t end with demands – it’s about securing real outcomes. Use the toolkit to track government commitments, monitor budgets, and ensure policy promises lead to action.
The A4A Toolkit isn’t just a resource – it’s a roadmap to action. Whether you’re tackling service delivery challenges, budget mismanagement, or lack of public engagement, this guide will help you turn concerns into impact.
Be part of the accountability movement and download the A4A Toolkit here: https://bit.ly/41HHqRZ
#Accountability #CivActs #GoodGovernance #Transparency
To ensure that our governance systems are grounded in humanity, shared values, and inclusion, we ...need to strengthen cross-sectoral networks through local and indigenous activism. In this paper, AL Training and Incubation Manager, Jaco Roets, explains how to counter the anti-rights narrative beyond identity networks.
"Keeping in mind that there is an intentional movement to divide movements and erode trust, we are reminded of the necessity to build stronger intersectional networks. These networks expand beyond identity networks as a safeguard against further fragmentation, ensuring that a global rights movement can stand as a united front, collectively advocating for inclusive democracy." Read more here:
In recent years, there has been a noticeable global trend of democratic backsliding, characterized by restrictions on freedom of expression and...
accountabilitylab.org
2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action – a visionary... women’s rights agreement endorsed in 1995 by 189 governments. It provided a blueprint of actions to end discrimination and violence against women and girls that hold them back from…
2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action – a visionary... women’s rights agreement endorsed in 1995 by 189 governments. It provided a blueprint of actions to end discrimination and violence against women and girls that hold them back from education and opportunities.
It is exactly this access to education for women that has been a fulcrum for change in Sindh Province's handling of Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases and crimes against children.
Shehla Qureshi, a Senior Superintendent of Police in the Central Karachi District and Additional Inspector General of Gender Crimes is making significant strides in addressing gender-based challenges in law enforcement in Pakistan; from reshaping policies to fostering an inclusive environment. Qureshi shared the critical need for more women in the police force for many reasons – not the least of which is creating space for GBV survivors to report more freely.
Join us to #AccelerateAction this #IWD2025!
Accountability Lab Pakistan
According to the United Nations, women hold just 23.3% of Cabinet positions and 26.9% of ...parliamentary seats—limiting their ability to shape policies on education, employment, and economic inclusion.
Annet Namugosa, Program Manager at Vijana Corps and a participant in our Global Accountability Incubator Civic Charge, is tackling these barriers head-on. Through Ajira Fit, she’s equipping young people—especially school dropouts and recent graduates—with the skills and networks they need to step into leadership and economic independence.
Here's how Annet is building accountability and expanding opportunities for young people in Uganda: https://bit.ly/4irXJJr
For #IWD2025 we can all #AccelerateAction!
According to the United Nations, women hold... According to the United Nations, women hold just 23.3% of Cabinet positions and 26.9% of ...parliamentary seats—limiting their ability to shape policies on education, employment, and economic inclusion.
Annet Namugosa, Program Manager at Vijana Corps and a participant in our…
This finding resonates deeply with us as we reflect on the upcoming International ...Women's Day – several of our incredible Integrity Icon winners have been female judges and magistrates over the past decade.
In Nigeria, Magistrate Victoria Barnabas in Taraba State is renowned for her public stance against bribery and corruption – bravely sharing stories of the massive sums often offered to judges by well-heeled suspects to drop criminal cases. However, no such offer has ever passed her desk. "If people know you, they are scared to come and bribe you. They know that even if they do, you will never accept it. Collecting bribes perverts justice," she says.
Let's forge women's equality collectively. For #IWD2025 we can all #AccelerateAction.
Accountability Lab Nigeria
This finding resonates deeply with us as ... This finding resonates deeply with us as we reflect on the upcoming International ...Women's Day – several of our incredible Integrity Icon winners have been female judges and magistrates over the past decade.
In Nigeria, Magistrate Victoria Barnabas in Taraba State is renowned…
"Focusing on uplifting individuals who do the right thing generates positive momentum ...and inspires others."
AL co-CEO Blair Glencorse joined Kristine Michie on the #Playfull Podcast to share our positive approach to making governance work for people. Through Integrity Icon Awards, which “names and fames” honest government officials, to collaborations with musicians, comics, artists, and sports stars, Blair shares how Accountability Lab is creating a playful movement for integrity worldwide.
Catch the full episode here: https://apple.co/3DchbLv