Strengthen Civic Tech & Inclusion
Because technology should connect, not exclude.
In the age of apps and dashboards, it’s easy to forget that most Nigerians still engage government without screens...
Civic tech must begin with this reality: inclusion isn't automatic—it must be designed into the process. At CISD, we use technology as a tool, not a trophy. It’s not about shiny platforms, but about who they serve—and who gets left behind.
We believe civic tech must be gender-aware, access-conscious, and deeply local. We’re not coding for clicks; we’re building systems that move power closer to the people.
✦ Approach
Our Approach⚡
We design civic tools with—and for—those often excluded: women, rural dwellers, persons with disabilities, and young people facing digital barriers.
Our approach blends digital equity, behavioral science, and co-creation to ensure civic tech is not another layer of exclusion, but a gateway to engagement.
From mobile apps for budget tracking to AI roadmaps grounded in local governance needs, we build what’s useful, usable, and just.
+ Design
+ Digital Equity
+ Behavioral Science
+ Co-Create
✦ Ongoing Initiatives
Ongoing Initiatives Gender Tech DesignDigital Equity ProgramsAI & Ethics forGovernance (2025-2026Roadmap)
We ensure that every civic platform we support includes diverse user testing, voice-led design, and features that reflect the needs of marginalized users. From language options to accessibility features, we build with inclusion in mind—not as an afterthought, but from the start.
We tackle misinformation, digital illiteracy, and infrastructure gaps head-on.
Through training, grassroots sensitization, and collaboration with telcos and government, we’re working to make tech truly public.
We’re laying the groundwork for a civic-tech future that centers ethics and justice.
In partnership with researchers, designers, and governance actors, we’re developing a national roadmap on how AI can support—not subvert—democracy and inclusion.
Selected Publications & Knowledge Work
“Who Gets toUse the Platform?"“Digital Exclusion is Civic Exclusion”“AI & Accountability:Framing the Future”
- “Who Gets to Use the Platform?” A research brief on gender and access in Nigerian civic tech.
- “Digital Exclusion is Civic Exclusion” A behavioral report on barriers to tech-enabled governance in rural communities.
- “AI & Accountability: Framing the Future” Our upcoming publication outlines principles for ethical AI use in public governance.
Co-Create the Future With Us
You Can:
Contact Us
Contact Our Civic Tech & Innovation Team
