Sydani Initiative for International Development

Leader in advancing the African Health Sector

Sydani Initiative for International Development, a member of the Sydani Group, is a non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to driving sustainable development and social impact across six key areas: Agriculture, Education, Human Capital Development, Climate, Health, and Technology.

Founded in 2017, with headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, and a regional office in Nairobi, Kenya, our vision is to pioneer innovative solutions to complex global challenges, empowering communities and individuals to thrive across Africa. We work to strengthen local capacities, foster inclusive growth, and promote human well-being.

As a trusted partner to governments, civil society organizations, and development agencies, we provide strategic guidance, technical assistance, and thought partnership to help our partners achieve their development goals. We promote sustainable farming, innovative learning, effective human capital development, climate resilience, and health system strengthening
while leveraging technology for social impact. Our comprehensive approach enables us to design and implement impactful projects that drive sustainable development and social progress.

SEASONED TEAM OF EXPERTS

Our Leadership

Sidney Sampson

Group Managing Partner

Zachariah Itodo

Head of Operations and Human Resources

Andikan Ibanga

Senior Manager

Vivian Ajuonu

Head of Finance

Akolade Jimoh

Senior Manager
OUR IMPACTS WITHIN THE DEVELOPMENT SPACE

Our Projects

Cold Chain Equipment Optimization Project (CCEOP)
- Initiated in 2019 and concluded in 2023
- Strengthened Nigeria's cold chain system and enhanced immunization coverage
- Procured, deployed, and installed 9344 CCEs nationwide
- Increased country’s CCE ward saturation from 39.5% to 96%
- Funding from GAVI and the Nigerian Government
Determination of the Operational Expenditure of PHC Facilities
- Created a nationwide evidence-based PHC policy on facility operational expenditures
- Funded by NPHCDA
Development of the Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP)
- Reviewed the implementation of the National Strategic Health Development Plan II (NSHDP II)
- Informed the development of the Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP)
- Activities were planned and prioritized across FMoH departments, with costing and resource mobilization opportunities identified
- Funded by the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH)
Extended Midwives Service Scheme
- Enhanced maternal, newborn, and child health in Nigeria by deploying skilled birth attendants to primary healthcare facilities
- Recruited and deployed 1,977 SBAs in 34 states
- The project aligned with the government's goal of revitalizing primary healthcare and achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2026
Southern Religious and Traditional Leaders' Engagement for PHC Delivery (SORTLE)
- Engaged traditional and religious leaders across 17 Nigerian southern states
- Raised awareness about cVPV2
- Boosted routine immunization coverage to curb the vaccine-circulating polio variant
- Increased vaccination demand
- Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and executed with the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency
Niger State Management Capacity Strengthening
- Aimed to enhance Niger state PHC managers' skills across seven thematic areas
- Developed tools, systems, and a capacity-strengthening curriculum, utilizing methods like on-site training and mentorship in collaboration with SPHCDA
- A sustainability strategy was devised for the SPHCDA to maintain the gains achieved beyond the project's duration
- Project conducted, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and conducted from 2022 through 2023
Vaccination Insights
- Project aimed to enhance immunization decision-making by addressing data challenges in Cross River and Jigawa
- A platform called "VacInsight" was developed to aggregate vaccination data from various sources including DHIS 2, EMID, Open LMIS, and Call-in data
- VacInsight platform improved public health outcome by integrating AI technology to analyze data and provide evidence-based insights on vaccination coverage and services, benefiting policymakers, health administrators, and EPI Data Managers at state and LGA levels
Sydani EcoResearch
The Sydani EcoResearch Project, commissioned in May 2023 serves as our flagship initiative in the climate change sub-sector. Examined the complex interplay between public perception of climate change, climate policy, and climate action in Nigeria. By addressing critical gaps in knowledge and awareness, our primary goal was to drive positive behavioral change and pave the way for a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.
Covid-19 Technical Support Project
- Provided critical technical support to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) with a focus on enhancing financial management and optimized supervision for the deployment of COVID-19 vaccinations
- This partnership has yielded significant progress in the nation's fight against the pandemic and the safeguarding of vulnerable populations
- The project was funded by GAVI Alliance
Nigeria Healthcare Financing Technical Assistance Program
- SIfID leads the Nigeria Healthcare Financing Technical Assistance Program
- The project is aimed at strengthening healthcare financing mechanisms, improving access to quality healthcare services, and promoting universal health coverage across Nigeria
Supply Chain Support
- SIfID provides supply chain support to enhance the delivery of essential health commodities, including vaccines, medicines, and medical supplies
- In partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF)
Preventing Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Assault in Nigeria (PISAN)
- The PISAN project focuses on preventing intimate partner violence and sexual assault through community-based interventions and awareness campaigns
- In collaboration with Grand Challenge Canada

Gavi COVAX Project

SIfID supports the Gavi COVAX Project, which aims to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria

THE EXCELLENCE CULTURE

Our Approach

At SIfID, we believe in a participatory, evidence-based approach to development that prioritizes local ownership, sustainability, and impact. Our team of experts works closely with government agencies, NGOs, community leaders, and other stakeholders to co-create and implement innovative solutions that address the root causes of social and health challenges. Through capacity building, advocacy, and knowledge sharing, we empower individuals and communities to drive change and build resilient, inclusive societies.

FOSTERING STRATEGIC COLLABORATIONS

Our Partners