Accountability Lab is a global translocal network that makes governance work for people by supporting active citizens, responsible leaders and accountable institutions. Our goal is a world in which resources are used wisely, decisions benefit everyone fairly, and people lead secure lives.
Accountability Lab is a global translocal network that makes governance work for people by supporting active citizens, responsible leaders and accountable institutions. Our goal is a world in which resources are used wisely, decisions benefit everyone fairly, and people lead secure lives.
WHAT WE DO
Accountability Lab’s flagship training program for young change-makers to build sustainable, effective tools for change.
A global campaign powered by citizens in search of exemplary government officials.
A pioneering community feedback and dialogue platform to ensure accountability in the development process.
Supportive, impactful member networks and co-working spaces for small and big nonprofits.
A conscious music campaign supporting musicians who advocate for greater representation, participation and accountability.
Channelling civil society voices into high-level decision-making at the C20, G20, and the Open Government Partnership for stronger accountability and open government.
NETWORK LABS
STAFF
PARTICIPANTS
STAFF
GLOBAL PROGRAMS
PARTICIPANTS
HOW WE’RE BUILDING A TRANSLOCAL NETWORK
HOW WE’RE BUILDING A TRANSLOCAL NETWORK
LATEST NEWS
WHAT’S HAPPENING
🗳️ Elections across Africa are moments of both democratic possibility and democratic pressure.
Ahead of the Global Democracy Coalition Africa Regional Forum 2026, civic leaders came together to discuss how young people across the continent are navigating this critical moment – ...mobilizing communities, confronting digital repression, and strengthening democratic accountability.
Speakers included @lewanikamcdonald (@accountlabalesa), Alice Kabunda Kampengele (@restlessdevelopment), @sheekwekwe (@uamuziorg), and Koketso Moeti (amandla.mobi), and @nathaniel.mongare (One Smart Star Kenya Ltd).
The discussion highlighted how youth-led civic actors are engaging in voter education, election observation, digital advocacy, and grassroots accountability efforts, even as civic space narrows and digital threats such as disinformation, surveillance, and internet shutdowns intensify during electoral periods.
One message was clear: democracy does not begin or end on election day. From documenting governance failures to mobilizing communities online and offline, young civic leaders across Africa are helping strengthen accountability throughout the electoral cycle.
🔗 Read the full blog: https://bit.ly/47CHjuT
🎥 Watch the video: https://bit.ly/4sMLOuT
#Democracy #YouthParticipation #Accountability #CivicSpace #Africa #DigitalRights
As part of a leadership retreat in Kenya last week, Accountability Lab had the pleasure of hosting friends from civil society, development, and Lab alumni from across the continent at a “friendraiser” in Nairobi. It’s not often the Accountability Lab network gets together, but when we do, ...there are songs, games, and friends made.
Socially conscious artist alumni from Accountability Lab Zimbabwe sparked questions about purpose, change and what a politics of care should look like with electric performances of poetry and music. A couple of rounds of “speed dating” were an opportunity to find friends in the room and reflect on these questions.
The warmth of like-minded changemakers sharing ideas and making connections in a climate of closing civic space and shrinking funding was a reminder that people make the work happen – or as AL Co-CEO Blair Glencorse said “In this room is the living proof of accountability in practice”.
Special thanks to McDonald Lewanika, Narayan Adhikari, artists Zarae, SoxthePoet, Mazweli and AL Mexico's Ingrid Löw.
Photos: Twist Pictures
As part of a leadership retreat in Kenya last week, Accountability Lab had the pleasure of hosting friends from civil society, development, and Lab alumni from across the continent at a “friendraiser” in Nairobi. It’s not often the Accountability Lab network gets together, but when we do, ...there are songs, games, and friends made.
Socially conscious artist alumni from @accountlabzw (@zaraemusic, @soxthepoet, @ma_zweliand) sparked questions about purpose, change and what a politics of care should look like with their electric performances of poetry and music. A couple of rounds of “speed dating” were an opportunity to find friends in the room and reflect on these questions.
The warmth of like-minded changemakers sharing ideas and making connections in a climate of closing civic space and shrinking funding was a reminder that people make the work happen – or as AL Co-CEO Blair Glencorse said “In this room is the living proof of accountability in practice”.
Special thanks to @lewanikamcdonald, Narayan Adhikari, and Program Manager and artist from AL Mexico @ingridlowmusic
📸: twist_pictures
We’re proud to celebrate the journey of Prekkshya Bimali, Program Manager at Accountability Lab Nepal, who is wrapping up her experience as a Sandra N. Smithey Fellowship for Equity and Inclusion in International Development. She has shared some of her learnings around climate finance in a new ...Accountability Note on Advancing Accountability in Development Finance.
Between 2023-2025, Prekkshya was one of eight advocates supported by the Sandra N. Smithey Fellowship for Equity and Inclusion in International Development, administered by the Accountability Research Center. The fellowship honors the legacy of Sandra N. Smithey and supports leaders working to make development finance more transparent, inclusive, and accountable.
Prekkshya’s work focused on climate finance in Nepal examining how funds reached communities and helped sustain accountability networks during the 2025 funding crisis. Her work highlights a simple but critical idea: climate resources must reach those most affected, and communities should have a voice in how those funds are used.
Her story is featured alongside seven inspiring advocates. If you're interested in how trust-based, flexible funding can support locally grounded solutions and strengthen movements for accountability, read the full report here: https://bit.ly/4lsGOJs
#Accountability #DevelopmentFinance #CivicLeadership #AccountabilityLab
Lessons from the design of a fellowship program supporting the work of eight advocates to advance accountability in development finance.
bit.ly🎙️ Integrity, Business, and the Real Trade-offs of Reconstruction
Cheri-Leigh Erasmus, Co-CEO of Accountability Lab, is joined by researcher Sofiia Sapihura for a conversation on what integrity looks like for businesses navigating Ukraine’s path toward reconstruction – grounded in... the report, "Leveraging Integrity for Ukraine’s Reconstruction: The Role of Ethical Businesses".
Drawing on insights from Ukrainian companies, the episode explores how ethical leadership shows up in practice – and why integrity is both a strength and a challenge in complex environments.
🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4aCrLJy
🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4sdeLjC
Explore further:
• Summary of key recommendations: https://bit.ly/3ZXPwFR
• Donor Roadmap: https://bit.ly/4aA0asz
• Full report: https://bit.ly/4cMWftL
Research prepared in collaboration with Accountability Lab and the Corporate Governance Professional Association, and supported by the Danish Industry through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark.
#AccountabiliTeaPodcast #Ukraine #Integrity #Business #EthicalLeadership
🎙️ Integrity, Business, and the Real Trade-offs of Reconstruction
@cherileighe, Co-CEO of @accountlab, is joined by researcher @sofiiasapihura for a conversation on what integrity looks like for businesses navigating Ukraine’s path toward reconstruction – grounded in the report, ..."Leveraging Integrity for Ukraine’s Reconstruction: The Role of Ethical Businesses".
Drawing on insights from Ukrainian companies, the episode explores how ethical leadership shows up in practice – and why integrity is both a strength and a challenge in complex environments.
🎧📑 Listen to the conversation and dive deeper into the report via the links in our bio.
Research prepared in collaboration with @accountlab and the Corporate Governance Professional Association, and supported by the Danish Industry through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark.
#AccountabiliTeaPodcast #Ukraine #Integrity #Business #EthicalLeadership
📣 Pre-Bid Webinar Announcement | DDI South Asia – Cohort 2 Subgrants
Join the Pre-Bid webinar to learn more about the Request for Applications (RFA), eligibility criteria, thematic focus areas, and the application process of the @ddisouthasia Cohort-2 Subgrants.
Date: March ...16, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM (UTC +5)
Platform: Zoom
For pre-registration:
Scan the QR code to complete the pre-registration form. Upon completing the preregistration, you will receive the Zoom link on registered email address.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how your organization can apply for the Cohort-2 subgrants under the DDI South Asia program and contribute to strengthening civic engagement and digital democracy across South Asia.
📣 Pre-Bid Webinar Announcement | DDI South Asia – Cohort 2 Subgrants
Join the Pre-Bid webinar to learn more about the Request for Applications (RFA), eligibility criteria, thematic focus areas, and the application process of the DDI South Asia Cohort-2 Subgrants.
Date: March... 16, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM (UTC +5)
Platform: Zoom
For pre-registration:
Scan the QR code to complete the pre-registration form. Upon completing the preregistration, you will receive the Zoom link on registered email address.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how your organization can apply for the Cohort-2 subgrants under the DDI South Asia program and contribute to strengthening civic engagement and digital democracy across South Asia.
🌍 International Women’s Day 2026
Progress toward gender equality remains uneven across many sectors and regions.
This year’s theme, “Give To Gain,” reflects an important reality: when individuals, organisations, and communities invest in women, opportunities expand, ...and institutions grow stronger.
Across our network, partners and communities are working to translate this principle into practice.
In Pakistan, Accountability Lab Pakistan and Green Media Initiative - GMI are supporting district-level women journalists to strengthen climate reporting and connect community realities with national governance conversations.
In Mali, Accountability Lab Mali supports the Avenir au Féminin initiative led by @Kia Sissoko in which women engage directly with local authorities and contribute to dialogue on local priorities.
In Nigeria, Accountability Lab Nigeria highlights how creative voices like @Annie Daymar encourage reflection on accountability, integrity, and civic responsibility through her song Stand 🎵 Listen here: https://bit.ly/3ONsZcF
These examples represent just a few of the many efforts to expand women’s participation and strengthen more inclusive and accountable societies.
#InternationalWomensDay #GiveToGain #GenderEquality #WomenInLeadership #InclusiveGovernance #AccountabilityLab