The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) was established in the United Kingdom in 1997 as an independent, not-for-profit, research training, advocacy and capacity building organisation. The purpose was to mobilise global opinion and resources for democratic development and provide an independent space to reflect critically on the challenges posed to the democratisation and development processes in West Africa.

Mission

To be the prime catalyst and facilitator for strategic analysis and capacity building for sustainable democracy and development in West Africa. CDD set out to generate dialogue on alternative pathways that are universally relevant and context sensitive. The first activity of the Centre was a roundtable organised in London in 1997 on the democratic future of Nigeria (then under military dictatorship). CDD activities have since grown not only in Nigeria but in the entire West African sub-region and the rest of the continentThe Centre remains focused on capacity building work, policy advocacy, and as a research reference point on democratic governance, human security, people-centred development and human rights.

Goal

The goal is to serve as the ultimate catalyst in the transformation of the West African sub-continent into an integrated, economically vibrant and democratically governed community that assures holistic security to the population and is capable of permanent peaceful conflict management.

Core Values

Inclusion, Pluralism, Diversity, Tolerance, Accountability, Humility, Integrity, Transparency, Openness, Freedom of expression, Social responsibility, Commitment to feminist principles and Culture of collegiality without compromising professionalism