ABOUT

Our Approach

The Centre for Development Alternatives (CDA) is a mission-driven think-and-do-tank based in Kampala, Uganda. Our overarching goal is to foster homegrown ideas that drive economic, political and social transformation in East Africa.

Applying a unique mix of local and global knowledge, we identify potential pathways for long-term development in the region, diagnose the binding constraints holding back progress, and explore opportunities to overcome those constraints. We then help change-makers design business models, policies and programmes that maximise impact by leveraging the most promising opportunities to tackle the most binding constraints.

Our Services

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Market Insights

We employ market systems development approaches and systems thinking to help various stakeholders understand the market characteristics, constraints and opportunities of key sectors.
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Political Economy Analysis

We help change-makers understand the region’s complex political economy at every level, unpacking the formal and informal power structures, interests and incentives of key stakeholders.
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Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

We design and implement MEL frameworks for a range of development interventions, combining quantitative and qualitative methods, and turning insights into actionable strategic recommendations.
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Project Design

We work with development partners, NGOs, philanthropists and governments to design and set up projects and programmes that use robust evidence to prioritise scarce resources and maximise sustainable impact.
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Social Business Strategy

We leverage our market insights and networks to help social entrepreneurs and impact investors develop or review business models and strategies that maximise viability, scalability and impact.
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Policy Incubation

Applying our own problem-driven policy analysis framework, we work with political entrepreneurs and decision-makers to create impactful and politically smart policies that drive transformation in the region.

Our Projects