SPDC — Sahel Public Diplomacy Centre

Who we are

A clear mandate.
Grounded in African context.

We create spaces where African communities and international institutions can listen, exchange perspectives and shape their work together.

Our vision

African peoples shaping the global agenda.

A future in which African peoples are effectively connected with the international community, helping shape the global agenda.

Our mission

Connection that starts with communities.

To create grassroots spaces that strengthen connection and dialogue between African communities and the international community, through platforms and channels aligned with African values, beliefs and contexts.

What makes us different

The context is part of the work.

Our approach brings continental reach together with local understanding.

On the ground

A standing network of researchers, facilitators and project managers across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Context-sensitive design

Approaches that respect African history, culture, religion and social values.

Informed methods

Our work draws on international standards and frameworks, applied in African context.

Theory of change

Engage → Impact → Inspire

Sustainable diplomacy starts with grassroots engagement, informs policy and inspires the next generation of African voices.

01

Engage

Open dialogue between African communities and international actors, including civil society, traditional leaders, young people and the diaspora.

02

Impact

Bring the perspectives gathered through dialogue into research, advisory and policy discussions.

03

Inspire

Support African diplomats, researchers and advocates as they develop their contribution to global affairs.

Focus areas

Where we work. How we think.

Public diplomacy connects social, cultural and development priorities.

Public Diplomacy & Citizen Engagement

Citizen-to-citizen exchange, diaspora engagement, cultural diplomacy and people-centred dialogue.

Development Diplomacy & the SDGs

Context-sensitive SDGs, advocacy, grassroots development and localisation.

Digital, Data & Public Opinion

Opinion polling, digital diplomacy, social listening and research.

12 international standards and frameworks

Methods informed by shared practice.

The following references inform SPDC’s approach. These are methodological references, not claims of certification or endorsement.

UNESCOCultural Diversity
OECD DACEvaluation Criteria
UNDPSDG Impact
ISO 20671Brand Evaluation
CHSCore Humanitarian Standard
GRIReporting Standards
INGOAccountability Charter
IPRACode of Conduct
IAFFacilitation Core
IDEOHuman-Centered Design
TamarackCollective Impact
USC CPDPublic Diplomacy Evaluation

A conversation is where
the work begins.

Contact us ↗

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