The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) is pleased to announce that it has secured a two-year grant from the Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) to further its work on the Corrosive and Constructive Capital Project in Nigeria and Ethiopia.
This funding marks CJID’s second partnership with CIPE, following its successful deployment of data-driven tools, investigative journalism, and research to track the influence of foreign capital on Nigeria’s infrastructure development in the first phase. The new phase of the project will enable CJID to expand its focus to Ethiopia, fostering accountability in investments and promoting the inflow of constructive capital in both countries.
In the first phase of the project, CJID conducted extensive research on the funding sources for major infrastructure projects across Nigeria’s railway, aviation, extractives, oil and gas, power, and national grid sectors over the past decade. This research culminated in the creation of an interactive transparency map, visualizing the compliance levels of loan-tied projects with local regulations.
Additionally, CJID held a three-day workshop for 23 journalists, with 60% of participants admitting limited knowledge about the impact of corrosive capital on Nigeria’s economy. Many participants were unsure about the distinction between constructive and corrosive capital inflows. Following the training, journalists received small grants to investigate specific issues, including one investigation that uncovered how the mishandling of NITEL’s privatisation derailed the $82 million Nigerian rural telephony project.
CJID also produced policy briefs and research reports highlighting issues surrounding loan acquisition by African governments. These reports raised concerns about the lack of environmental impact assessments, feasibility studies, and adherence to local procurement laws in loan negotiations and project implementations. Recommendations urged the Nigerian government to enhance its capacity for making sustainable use of foreign investments for the benefit of its citizens.
Building on this foundational work, the new grant will allow CJID to deepen its engagement and expand its impact into Ethiopia.
Akintunde Babatunde, Director of Programmes at CJID, emphasized the significance of this project: “This grant from CIPE strengthens our ability to expand our pan-African focus to Ethiopia. Our goal is to ensure that African media plays a crucial role in knowledge-driven agenda-setting, and this project will allow us to enhance research and public awareness about the impact of foreign capital on governance.”
He further noted, “This initiative is critical to ensuring that foreign capital inflows into Nigeria and Ethiopia are transparent and contribute to sustainable development. With this support, we will continue to investigate and provide tools that encourage accountable investment environments in both countries.”
Similarly, Lola Adekanye, CIPE’s Africa Director, noted that capital finance is a lifeline for emerging economies, but the risk to governance institutions and democratic consolidation could be significant if investments are not transparent, accountable and constructive.
“Data from much of CIPE’s research in several regions, including CJID-led studies in Nigeria, suggest that this risk should not be underestimated. This project will increase awareness and understanding of the nuances in Africa for practitioners in various fields and inform the formulation of policies to protect the interests of citizens, ensure a level playing field for all businesses, and strengthen governance systems.”
Babatunde expressed CJID’s gratitude to CIPE for its continued support, reiterating that the risks of corrosive capital can be mitigated through robust frameworks that attract investments geared toward uplifting communities and strengthening governance.
About CJID
The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) is an African media innovation and development think tank established in 2014. With a strong presence across Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Cameroon, Senegal, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and The Gambia, CJID leads efforts in investigative journalism, media innovation, open data, verification, and press freedom across Africa.
Signed:
Akintunde Babatunde
Director of Programmes, CJID
