OUR COMMITMENTS

Localisation is the cornerstone on which nearly every one of our projects and offices are built around the world. While the approach is gaining momentum beyond our doors, it’s one we know already that works.

In Nigeria, 99% of our staff is local and in Kenya, 95% are Kenyan. The experts across these offices bring a depth of knowledge, contextual insights, and solutions that are unparalleled. 

Our locally driven approach ensures that more programs reflect local voices and solutions, we partner with more local organisations, and more revenue stays in country. All of this adds up to more sustainable, effective programs. For nearly 60 years, we’ve committed to having offices led by local staff, but with the back-office support and depth of bench and talent around the world to back them up. 

For nearly 60 years, we’ve seen how projects that prioritise local engagement can bring together different groups, build trust, and in turn contribute to more stable and peaceful communities. It’s not the ultimate solution, but it’s a way forward towards building and achieving lasting positive impact and fostering progress in people’s lives.  

As we look forward, we have a critical role to play in the future of development and it ties directly in with our approach to localisation. In some areas of the world, it’s a role we’re already playing. It’s our ability to execute and deliver on our client and funder’s goals, while at the same time building the capabilities of local partners on the ground. We offer those partners the back-office support they need so that they can focus on delivering tailored, localised solutions. 

An ideal future state is building those capacities up to the point where they too become a trusted donor partner and can manage large awards and projects. 

Given the size of the challenges being faced in the countries where we operate, true sustainable impact will only be achieved by mobilising entire ecosystems. A mandate isn’t enough. Meeting targets isn’t enough. As responsible development practitioners, we have to work with local partners and cultivate their ability to successfully manage programs and deliver results. 

Localisation is the anchor of sustainable development. It’s the heart of what we do around the world, and for nearly 60 years, we have seen firsthand how it can work and create truly successful, prosperous ecosystems and economies.