DecoloniSing Development
Reimagining the aid and development sectors to become truly “sustainable”
At Development Reimagined, we take seriously the agency of low-income and middle-income countries to reshape aid and development – including the global health, agriculture and humanitarian sectors – into more equitable, sustainable and exit-able systems.
As a pioneering, African-led development consultancy, our team provides a unique perspective backed by evidence-based analyses of the challenges and opportunities for change in aid and development, along with tailored support to organisations and partners that wish to drive internal or external change and/or design new programmes that truly center recipient needs.
We do not shy away from difficult topics or conversations, but also focus on the practical activities, norms and outputs that might be needed. In all our work, we conduct and draw evidence and inspiration from a diverse set of organisations, other non-development sectors as well as a diverse range of countries, including emerging economies such as China.
Our work on Making Africa’s Pharmaceutical Needs a Reality: Part 1 and Part 2 is a key example, where we investigated the local medicines manufacturing deficit in Africa, and the learning opportunities from China and India’s pharmaceutical sectors.
Reimagining aid and development to become truly “sustainable”
Meet Our expert lead
Leslie Mudimu
Leslie Mudimu is the Programme Manager for the Decolonising Development programme. She is a multidisciplinary social scientist with a background in Politics, History, International Relations, Justice and Transformation and Development Studies. Leslie’s academic research focus was on the inclusion of women in transitional justice processes and the representation of women in politics in Zimbabwe. She has professional experience in qualitative research, project management and marketing and communications. She previously worked with a range of organisations such as UNAIDS, MSF, Institute for Security Studies, supporting systems change processes, evaluation and project communications. Leslie is a trained facilitator with expertise in online and in-person facilitation. She was an ASRI Future Leaders Fellow in 2021 and was awarded an Andrew Mellon Scholarship in 2019 to pursue her Masters. She holds a Master of Arts in Development Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand and a Bachelor of Social Sciences (Hons) degree from the University of Cape Town.
What we do
Helping you cultivate the key relationships you need to expand your impact
Professional events and stakeholder facilitation
We organise private and public events in both online and hybrid formats, from transcontinental dialogue conferences to internal learning sessions for leading organisations – bringing relevant stakeholders together to rethink the wide scope of challenges in the development and aid sector.
Cross-continental, Africa-focused analyses and infographics
We specialise in exploring African economies and development issues on a cross-continental basis through timely articles and infographics that centre African and other low- and middle-income stakeholders and inform on-going trends and conversations, including on policy topics such a global health, sovereign debt and trade.
Delivering analyses and infographics that shape the conversation
Keeping you one step ahead of critical developments
Research reports and policy briefs
We offer cutting-edge research and policy advice for organisations and governments on practical steps to decolonise development work and institutions – from the global health to trade and agriculture sectors – helping key decision-makers shift structures and systems to chart more equitable and sustainable paths forward.
Accessible, informative media for decolonisation
We prepare accessible and educational briefings by experts and leaders from African and other low- and middle-income countries about current development trends and policy issues. These are viewed by thousands, including key decision-makers globally.
Elevating inclusive, sustainable perspectives
How we can help you
Sound Strategic Advice
Whether you’re seeking approaches to development and aid that transcend dominant paradigms and center the needs of recipients, or you want to reimagine your organisation’s norms and processes to embrace equity and inclusion, have the experience to help you develop deep, data-driven, and truly sustainable strategic plans. As an independent, African-led consultancy, we work with private companies, government agencies, and international organisations. Clients we’ve worked with on decolonial approaches include African governments, key decision-makers in Chinese and African organisations, and leading European think tanks.
Evidence-Based Analysis
Backed by data, our analyses simplify seemingly complex topics that are often misunderstood due to outdated paradigms or merely presented at surface level. We dig deep to unearth fresh insights and reimagine development, especially the Africa-China connection. From public health and finance to private sector investment and household-level welfare, we view development through multiple lenses to enhance your project with diverse and informed research.
BROWSE OUR WORK ON DECOLONISING DEVELOPMENT
Speech: What is “the West” missing? Defining an affirmative agenda for engagement in Africa
Remarks as prepared to deliver by Development Reimagined CEO Hannah Ryder during a forum of representatives from G7 governments in Nairobi, Kenya, March 2024. FULL
Infographic: Are African Organisations Procuring Locally? The Case of AUDA-NEPAD
It might sound a little boring, but the word “procurement” is actually a very important one in development. It is so important that since 2022,
Infographic: Why do some African countries import electricity?
In November 2023, news of a company operating “power” ships that send electricity to African and other countries hit the headlines – as the firm
Event: Fast-Tracking Decolonisation Dialogue Series launch Collaboration vs. Competition: How can African organisations get the most out of local partnerships?
On 5th December 2023, Development Reimagined launched a new dialogue series entitled Fast-tracking Decolonisation. The series will explore ways for development organisations to enhance their
Infographic: Africa’s Ascent: What progress is Africa making in the fight against HIV/AIDS?
The 2023 theme of World AIDS Day, celebrated annually on 1st December, is “Let the Communities Lead”. This is a great theme, however, at Development
Infographic: African Countries Support a Humanitarian Truce in Gaza but Reluctant to Condemn Hamas
On Friday 27th October 2023, the UN General Assembly approved a non-binding resolution calling for a humanitarian truce in Gaza. The 193-member global body adopted
Report: Financing Reparations and Loss and Damage – What are the Options?
A new report by The Advocacy Team and Development Reimagined reveals some of the financing options for reparations and makes recommendations on the most ideal
Infographic: Evaluating UNGA 2023: How many African Leaders attended, and why?
Amidst a backdrop of global challenges, almost 60% of African member states gathered for the 2023 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City,
Event: Engaging Africa in the G20 – Preparing for the African Union’s Inclusion
On the 21st of August 2023, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, Development Reimagined and the South African Institute of International Affairs hosted a
Infographic: Can The AU’s Inclusion in The G20 Help Rebalance Trade Relationships?
Over the past year, Development Reimagined has been leading the call for the African Union (AU) to join the G20 as a permanent member to
Infographic: Comparing Africa’s Agricultural Trade Alliances: BRICS vs. G7
The BRICS Summit has kicked off this week in South Africa, including a new announcement by President Cyril Ramphosa that South Africa will export beef
Infographic: Is COVID-19 Finally “over” in African Countries?
In May 2023, the WHO announced that COVID-19 was no longer a global health emergency. But does this ring true for the African continent, especially
Event: From Paris to Delhi: The Demand for a New Financial Architecture – Why the G20 Needs the African Union
Development Reimagined and the African Climate Foundation (ACF) co-hosted a panel discussion on the side lines of the Summit for a New Global Financial Pact
Policy Brief: What Does an Influential African Union in the G20 look like?
A new Policy Brief by Development Reimagined gives reasons for the African Union (AU) to join the G20 as a permanent member, offering compelling reasons
Infographic: Can African countries feed themselves?
At a recent conference the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat’s Secretary General Wamkele Mene remarked “I see milk from New Zealand in an African
Talk to our experts today
Use our work
At Development Reimagined, we’re dedicated to transforming the global conversation on development by expanding the reach of innovative perspectives that put Africa first. Hence, we welcome and permit you to quote, link to, and/or comment on our research reports and visual analytics on your organisation’s website or social media posts under the condition that you provide proper attribution including reference to Development Reimagined and a link to the source page on the DR website, for any text, charts, images, or other DR content you use.
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