About Zaza Development Initiative (ZDI)
Zaza Development Initiative (ZDI) is a youth- and women-led non-profit organization committed to creating a sustainable future across Africa. We work at the intersection of civic education, mentorship, community engagement, advocacy, and leadership development, with a strong focus on empowering young people and women to become active citizens and change-makers.
ZDI was established in response to the growing need for inclusive civic participation, accountable leadership, and sustainable community-driven solutions across Africa, particularly in underserved and conflict-affected communities.
ZDI operates primarily in Nigeria, with growing engagement across Africa through partnerships, mentorship networks, and regional initiatives. Our programs are designed to be scalable and adaptable to different local contexts.
We work with young people, women, internally displaced persons (IDPs), grassroots leaders, community-based organizations, and other marginalized or underrepresented groups.
Our Focus Area
Our work is centered on: – Civic Education and Active Citizenship – Youth and Women Leadership Development – Mentorship and Capacity Building – Community Engagement and Humanitarian Outreach – Gender Equality and Human Rights Advocacy
This focus area promotes informed participation in governance and public life. We equip young people with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to engage responsibly in democratic processes, demand accountability, and contribute meaningfully to societal development.
Yes. Gender equality and women’s empowerment are cross-cutting priorities in all our programs. We actively support initiatives that challenge gender-based violence, promote women’s leadership, and advance human rights.
Programs and Initiatives
The ZDI Mentorship Programme connects young people across Africa with experienced professionals and thought leaders. It focuses on leadership, civic responsibility, career development, and values-driven service.
“Spreading Warmth, Preserving Dignity” is ZDI’s community outreach initiative, implemented primarily in internally displaced persons (IDP) settlements. The initiative combines humanitarian support, such as food, clothing, and hygiene items, with dignity-centered engagement, mentorship, and long-term sustainability planning.
Yes. While ZDI is not a traditional humanitarian agency, we respond to urgent community needs through structured outreach, referrals, partnerships, and advocacy, ensuring that support is delivered with dignity and accountability.
Partnerships and Collaboration
ZDI is funded through grants, donations, partnerships, and contributions from individuals and institutions that believe in our mission.
Organizations can partner with us through program co-creation, funding support, technical assistance, research, advocacy campaigns, or community-based interventions. Partnership inquiries can be sent through our page (email).
Yes. ZDI actively engages with regional and global partners to exchange knowledge, strengthen impact, and align local action with global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and youth-focused international agendas.
Volunteering, Mentorship, and Participation
You can volunteer with ZDI by supporting our programs, outreach activities, research, communications, or mentorship initiatives. Volunteer opportunities are announced on our website and social media platforms.
Interested mentors and mentees can apply through our mentorship programme application calls, which are periodically shared on our platforms.
Yes. Subject to organizational needs and funding, ZDI offers internships, fellowships, and short-term engagements for young professionals passionate about development, governance, and social impact.
Funding, Donations, and Accountability
ZDI is funded through grants, donations, partnerships, and contributions from individuals and institutions that believe in our mission.
We are committed to ethical practice, transparency, and accountability. We document our activities, share impact reports, and uphold strong governance and financial management systems.
Yes. ZDI actively engages with regional and global partners to exchange knowledge, strengthen impact, and align local action with global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and youth-focused international agendas.
Governance and Values
Our work is guided by intentionality, integrity, equity, inclusion, solidarity, accountability, and respect for human dignity.
No. ZDI is a non-partisan organization. While we work on governance, democracy, and civic engagement, we do not support or endorse any political party or candidate.
Contact and Engagement
You can reach us through the contact form on our website or via our official social media platforms.
Follow Zaza Development Initiative on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter (X), and other official platforms for updates, opportunities, and impact stories.
This FAQ is reviewed periodically and may be updated to reflect our evolving work and partnerships.
Zaza Development Initiative (ZDI) is a youth- and women-led organization committed to advancing gender equality, leadership development, civic participation, community resilience, and social justice across Nigeria.
- Phone: +2348137926509
- Email: info@zazadevelopment.org
- Address:Abuja, Nigeria