About Us

Who we are?

Communication for Development Initiatives (CDI) is a Malawian-based Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) dedicated to promoting sustainable development through strategic communication.

CDI was officially certified by the Government of Malawi under the Companies Act (Cap 46.03) and incorporated under the Companies Act No. 15 of 2013 as a Private Limited by Guarantee on Tuesday, September 10, 2024.

The organization is driven by a team of experienced professionals passionate about advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through innovative communication strategies.

Vision

To be a leading organization in utilizing communication to foster sustainable development in Malawi, building informed and resilient communities capable of achieving the 2030 Agenda and Malawi Vision 2063.

Mission

To promote the use of communication as a tool for sustainable development by raising awareness, fostering behavior change, influencing policy, and enhancing the capacity of local organizations and communities.

CDI's Objectives

Raising Awareness

Increase public understanding of sustainable development issues and the SDGs within Malawian communities through targeted communication campaigns.

Behavioral Change

Encourage communities to adopt sustainable practices in areas such as environmental management, health, agriculture, and education through tailored communication initiatives.

Influencing Policy

Advocate for the integration of communication strategies into national and local sustainable development policies to enhance the effectiveness of development initiatives.

Capacity Building

Strengthen the capacity of local organizations, media, and community-based entities to use communication as a strategic tool for achieving sustainable development outcomes.

Core Values

Inclusivity We are committed to ensuring that all voices, especially those from marginalized and underserved communities, are heard and involved in the development process.
Empowerment We believe in empowering individuals and communities by providing them with the knowledge, tools, and platforms they need to advocate for themselves and foster sustainable development.
Participation We value participatory approaches, encouraging active engagement of all stakeholders in the communication and decision-making processes.
Transparency and Accountability We uphold the highest standards of openness, honesty, and accountability in our communication efforts, ensuring trust and integrity in all our interactions.
Sustainability We are dedicated to promoting long-term, sustainable solutions through communication strategies that encourage responsible use of resources and lasting community impact.
Innovation We embrace innovation in communication technologies and methodologies to reach diverse audiences effectively and adapt to changing environments.
Collaboration We believe in the power of partnerships and collective action, working closely with local communities, governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to achieve common development goals.
Cultural Sensitivity We respect and value the cultural diversity of the communities we serve, ensuring that our communication strategies are culturally appropriate and responsive to local contexts.
Equity and Social Justice We are committed to advancing equity and social justice through communication that addresses inequalities and advocates for the rights of all individuals, especially vulnerable groups.

Past Experience

Focus Multimedia Consultancy (FMC) is one of Malawi’s leading communication agencies, established in 2016 and registered under the Business Registration Act. FMC specializes in developing and implementing communication and public relations strategies across various sectors, including media relations, outdoor advertising, graphic design, and event management. Recognizing a significant gap in addressing socio-economic issues aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Malawi Vision 2063, Prince Benito Henderson, the founder of FMC, envisioned integrating FMC's operations into Communication for Development Initiatives (CDI), a newly registered NGO.

This integration transforms CDI from a media firm into a Private Limited by Guarantee NGO, leveraging FMC’s expertise and established networks to enhance resource mobilization, stakeholder engagement, and project implementation. The synergy of FMC’s communication strengths with CDI’s developmental focus aims to increase visibility and credibility in the sector, ensuring sustainability and impactful project execution. Prince’s academic background in journalism and public relations, along with his Master of Arts in Development Studies and ongoing PhD studies, positions him as a leader capable of driving CDI’s mission to leverage communication for sustainable development and community empowerment in Malawi.

Governance Structure

Dr. Yusuf Mkungula

Board Chairperson

Mr. Prince Henderson

Founder

Ms. June Kambalametore

Board Secretary

Mr. Preston Matanda

Legal Counsel

Mr. Chipiliro Phiri

Board Member