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What We Do
We leverage the power of media to accelerate sustainable development across Africa.
Connecting evidence with storytelling, research with communication, partnerships with action.
Development Reporting Africa Foundation (DRAF) leverages the power of media to accelerate sustainable development across Africa. We strengthen the institutions and professionals that produce, communicate, and apply knowledge, from journalists and editors to researchers, academics, and development organisations.
By connecting evidence with storytelling, research with communication, and partnerships with action, we help shape informed public discourse and drive positive social change. Our work is organised around six focus areas.
Six focus areas
Development Journalism & Media Strengthening
We strengthen the capacity of journalists, editors, newsrooms, and media organisations to produce high-quality, ethical, and evidence-based reporting on development issues through training, fellowships, mentoring, editorial support, grants, and collaborative learning.
Research, Data & Knowledge Exchange
Working with academics, researchers, think tanks, and development partners, we transform research findings into accessible content, policy dialogue, and practical resources that inform decision-making and address Africa’s development challenges.
Strategic Communication & Public Engagement
We design communication strategies and knowledge products that help development organisations engage stakeholders, influence policy, and promote behaviour change, from campaigns to multimedia storytelling and public engagement initiatives.
Humanitarian Communication & Emergency Response
We support media and communication initiatives that strengthen humanitarian response before, during, and after emergencies by improving access to credible information and promoting ethical reporting so affected communities are accurately represented and better served.
Governance, Transparency & Public Accountability
We use journalism and strategic communication to strengthen transparency, civic participation, and accountable governance by supporting reporting, dialogue, and evidence-based engagement that contributes to more responsive institutions and informed citizens.
Partnerships & Innovation
We collaborate with universities, research institutions, media organisations, civil society, governments, and development partners to design and implement innovative programmes that strengthen the media ecosystem and improve development outcomes across Africa.
See our focus areas in action
From girls’ education in Oyo to urban challenges in Lagos and local governance in Osun, explore the projects where evidence meets storytelling.
Journalists trained across projects
Reports supported & commissioned
States of focus in Nigeria
Documentaries produced
Fund the next story that drives change
Co-design a programme, or back the reporting that holds institutions to account.