Movement Building for Social Impact
Introduction Movement Building can be defined as the process of organising and mobilising communities and/or
Recent & Upcoming Activities
This month’s hashtagLastThursdays brings together a compelling panel of women in the Social Impact Space who will be reshaping how we think about impact. The conversation will explore how organizations can shift from static reporting to adaptive ways of Impact Measurement and Management (IMM) using learning loops, stakeholder feedback, and intentional course corrections to create lasting change. Framed through the Sailing and Tacking phases of the IMM Journey, this session challenges us to rethink not just how we measure impact, but navigating it in real time with agility, reflection, and a focus on root causes.
ThisWeekatDD, we held the fourth session of our hashtagMBFSI Masterclass. We are at that stage where we are diving deep into one of the most powerful pillars of movement building: Relationship Building.The session was facilitated by our very own Senior Associate, Strategic Partnerships and Affiliate Network, Victor Kimanthi, alongside Doris Ndewa Likwelile (MBA) from the Leading Change Network —a dynamic duo whose synergy brought the content to life through thoughtful delivery, engagement, and coordination of the session.
In partnership with Wellcome Trust, Development Dynamics (as Network Facilitator) and Pivot Collective (as Learning and Evidencing Partner) co-created the next two years of the Centres for Exchange (CfE) programme with eight organisations in India, South Africa, and Kenya. CfE is re-envisioning knowledge exchange with communities in health research, striving to shift power, embed reciprocity, and make health research more equitable and contextually responsive through meaningful community engagement.
Pan-African Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships Ecosystem Webinar
🌍 ICYMI: Key Insights from the Pan-African Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships (MSPs) Webinar. This initiative is supported by WINGS and conducted by Development Dynamics, commissioned by the African Venture Philanthropy Alliance (AVPA). The future of Africa’s development hinges on collaboration, equity, and local resource mobilization. Here’s a snapshot of critical takeaways from the recent Pan-African MSP webinar
Values That Guide Us
People
First
People
First
We put people first to ensure that our interventions cater to real individual and collective needs.
Love &
Liberation
Love &
Liberation
We champion love and liberation, recognizing that all people are deserving of human dignity and justice.
Stewardship
Stewardship
We practice stewardship and stay accountable to the people, partners, and planet.
Development Dynamics (DD) is a premier pan-African Think Tank, Do Tank, and Through Tank dedicated to unlocking the next generation of Innovation, Investment, and Impact.
We collaborate with Investors, Investees, and Intermediaries to Reframe, Reimagine, and Resolve complex challenges, intersectional and urgent issues in the development, philanthropy, and social impact ecosystem.
The Triple Play Approach
Our work is rooted in the fusion of Design thinking, Systems practice, and Strategic foresight as a cohesive framework that enables us to co-create sustainable and equitable solutions that drive meaningful change across Africa and beyond. This triple-play approach ensures that our solutions are Holistic, Innovative, and Future-fit since we are able to;
Design Thinking
Design Thinking
Empathize deeply with user needs to create functional, human-centered solutions.
System Practice
System Practice
Analyze complex systems to understand the interconnectedness of social and business landscapes.
Strategic Foresight
Strategic Foresight
Anticipate future challenges and design adaptable, resilient interventions.
Our Strategic Pillars
Think Tank (Insights Hub)
As a Think Tank (Insights Hub), we bridge knowledge gaps by conducting research and analyses for governments, NGOs, communities, and the private sector. We facilitate knowledge exchange through dialogue and regular ecosystem convenings, ensuring insights are shared and actionable.
Do Tank (Advisory & Consulting Practice)
As a Do-Tank (Consulting & Advisory Practice), we deliver tailored strategy design, impact measurement, and community-building services. These empower leaders and practitioners to amplify movements and accelerate their impact effectively.
Through Tank (Investment Catalyst)
As a Through-Tank (Investment Catalyst), we partner with funders and grantees to maximize the impact of every investment. This includes streamlining access through grant and fund management, preparing organizations for investment via incubation and investor readiness, and shifting power and resources to local actors for more equitable and sustainable outcomes.
The facilitators were wonderful. Thank you. Your team is amazing! The movement for liberation in Africa needs you!
CHEVS Team
Youth-led Feminist Collective
DD provided a safe space for sharing and exploring of idea in creative ways that stimulated conversations. They bring out the creativity in you and help midwife a great innovation
DHCK Member
SRHR Advocate
The creative and engaging way in which the facilitators introduced sensitive topics was effective. We just didn’t stumble into choppy waters, but we were prepared through laying solid groundwork which was much appreciated.
Mallah
CATALYSTS Core Team
The facilitators are top-notch. There were no tables, barriers and distractions. Also the discussions were well-structured and there was strong coordination
Transform Health Kenya Team
Health Practitioner
DD team are very efficient at implementing new strategies, processes, and procedures. Not only do they work with senior management to develop a plan of action, but they also work directly with program staff and beneficiaries to implement strategies that bring the desired change.
Daisy Tuzo
Associate Director, PPG
We wholeheartedly express our sincere appreciation and deep gratitude to Development Dynamics for their exceptional guidance and remarkable adaptability as facilitators. Their expertise and know-how in co-creation workshops have left a lasting impact on us.
Luz, Yuri, Julia
Governance Committee of the ILGA World Board
This conversation on intersectional feminism led by DD was absolutely phenomenal!
Understanding how our engagement with feminism influences community development projects can significantly enhance their impact.
Last Thursday Audience Member
Not Shared
The Movement Building Masterclass for Social Impact by DD was nothing short of insightful.
From the amazing facilitators to the global classroom.
MBFSI Cohort 2 Graduate
Change-Maker
For over 6 years, we have partnered with philanthropy, public, and private sector clients across 17 countries to advance sustainable and equitable development outcomes in:
Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights.
Public Health.
Climate and Environmental
Justice.
Peace and Governance and
Intersectional Feminism.
Smart Strategies & Movements.
We help you design clear, practical plans that tackle today’s challenges while preparing for the future. At the same time, we strengthen collectives, making sure everyone is ready to take action and every part is aligned for the bigger purposes.
Making Impact Visible & Actionable.
We ensure your efforts are making a real difference by measuring metrics that matter, amplifying your outcomes, and refining your approach. This helps you stay on track, learn and adapt quickly, and get the most out of your work.
Securing Funding & Building Partnerships.
We prepare you to attract and manage funding —whether it’s grants, investments, or partnerships—so you can sustain and grow your impact. We also connect you with the right people and resources because collaboration and shared knowledge amplifies success for one and all.
Kabutu Kelvin
Manager | Finance & Investments
Mutile Mwongo
Associate | Research, Knowledge & Systems Practice
MaqC Eric Gitau, PhD
Group CEO
Nasira Khamala
Associate | Multimedia & Productions
Nicholas Mwakuwona
Senior Associate | Expansion, Consultancy & Advisory Practice
Phelsia Achieng
Senior Associate | Insights Hub & Product Development
Victor Kimanthi
Consultant Advisor| Strategic Partnerships & Organizational Development
Waithira Kibinda
Chief | People, Practices & Performance
Wanjiru Gitua
Junior Associate| Operational Efficiency Business Intelligence & Results Optimization
You Are In Good Company
We are proud to be trusted by a diverse range of partners, each benefiting from our unique offerings:
We help investors maximize their impact by shifting power to local actors, managing grants effectively, and preparing organizations for investment.
We support intermediaries in navigating complex systems, fostering collaboration, and designing resilient strategies.
We empower investees with tailored strategy design, organizational strengthening, and measurable impact frameworks.
Sectors we have worked with
- Gender Transformative Programming
- HIV Prevention, Care and Treatment
- Adolescent & Youth Development
- Sexual, Reproductive Health
- Public Health Emergencies
- Digital Health
- Climate change
- Sustainable Livelihoods
- Urbanization & Cities
- Rights, including Queer Justice
- Education
- Livelihood