Open Knowledge Development Initiative · Gombe, Nigeria
Advancing Rights. Strengthening Civic Action. Building Inclusive Futures.
Digital
Access
Building
About OKDI
We believe that knowledge is the key to progress. Our goal is to provide individuals and communities with the tools, skills and information they need to create meaningful change.
We support education, promote digital literacy, advance human rights and civic participation, and help communities access reliable information and technology.
Learn more about usWe create opportunities for students, professionals and communities to expand their knowledge and capabilities.
We strengthen media literacy, fact-checking, digital skills and responsible use of technology.
We equip people with practical skills and resources that improve lives and strengthen communities.
We generate evidence and advocate around education, technology, human rights, governance and access to information.
What we run
OKDI has delivered projects in partnership with and/or with sponsorship from organisations including Plan International, the Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), and Lifeline, among others.
Gender Equality & Safer Communities | 2024–2025
A school and community-based initiative strengthening girls' capacity to prevent and respond to gender-based violence through training, school clubs, reporting mechanisms, referral partnerships, leadership development and digital advocacy.
200 girls trained · 50 Digital Champions · 5 schools · 5 AmplifyHer Clubs
Human Rights & Civic Space | 2025
A grassroots initiative bringing human-rights conversations directly into communities, enabling residents to identify rights concerns, discuss local priorities and develop locally owned commitments around dignity, participation, accountability and justice.
CIVICUS World Alliance Lifeline Grant
OKDI led multi-sectoral advocacy efforts addressing restrictive legislative proposals affecting civic space and fundamental freedoms in Nigeria.
The project mobilised civil society organisations, youth groups and media actors to strengthen advocacy for freedom of association and expression.
Digital Rights & Digital Resilience
Practical initiatives advancing digital rights and protection to support safer, more responsible online engagement across civil society.
Activities included organisational security assessments, training, a virtual clinic, the Digital Resilience Support Desk and practical protection resources.
Key outputs: Digital Rights Advocacy Toolkit, Digital Resilience Support Desk and Digital Civic Protection Toolkit.
128 applications · 65 organisations assessed · 66 virtual clinic participants
Thematic focus
Our work connects human rights, technology, governance, inclusion and climate resilience to help communities respond to changing challenges.
Protecting civic freedoms, strengthening civic actors and expanding meaningful participation.
Strengthening the ability of civil society and communities to participate safely and exercise their rights online.
Advancing transparency, citizen participation and accountable governance through evidence, open knowledge and public-interest technology.
Advancing the rights, leadership and participation of women, girls, young people, persons with disabilities and underserved communities.
Advancing inclusive and rights-respecting AI through research, advocacy, capacity building and public-interest innovation.
Strengthening youth and community engagement around climate change, displacement, mobility and resilience.
News & events
The Open Knowledge Development Initiative represented Nigeria at the Youth Capacity Enhancement Programme on Climate Mobility in Africa, organised by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
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Human rights are often discussed in courtrooms, conferences, policy documents and international institutions. But rights are ultimately experienced somewhere much closer to home.
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Civil society increasingly depends on digital technology to communicate, coordinate teams, store information and conduct advocacy.
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Artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing how people communicate, work, access information and interact with institutions. Its possibilities are significant.
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