Hamzat Lawal, Founder of Connected Development (CODE), celebrates 13 years of impactful work in citizen-led accountability, announces new leadership, and charts a bold future for the organization.
Connected Development (CODE) marked a major milestone on September 1, 2025, in Abuja celebrating 13 years of impactful work in promoting citizen-led accountability across Africa.
Founder Hamzat Lawal reflected on the organization’s humble beginnings, from the Save Bagega campaign to its current status as a leading accountability organization.
CODE’s journey began with a single campaign that drew global attention to the lead poisoning crisis in Zamfara State, Nigeria. The organization’s work has since expanded to over 12 African countries, empowering marginalized communities to demand answers and track government spending.
Through its flagship initiative, IFollowTheMoney (IFTM), CODE has tracked over ₦400 billion in budgeted funds, ensuring they translate into essential infrastructure and services. The organization has also championed notable campaigns, including Not Too Young To Run and the COVID-19 Transparency and Accountability Project (CTAP).
CODE’s work has earned global recognition, including the 2016 ONE Africa Award, the 2019 UN SDG Mobilizer Award, and the 2019 Council of Europe Democracy Award.
These accolades affirm the organization’s mission to advance accountable governance and empower citizens.
As CODE marks 13 years, Hamzat Lawal announced his temporary departure to pursue a Master’s degree at the University of Sussex.
During his absence, he has appointed an Acting Chief Executive Officer and a Secretary General for IFollowTheMoney International to steer the organization forward.
Lawal emphasized his continued commitment to the cause, stating that he will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with citizens and movements fighting for justice and accountability.
He outlined a bold vision for CODE’s future, including scaling its work, expanding IFollowTheMoney, and leveraging technology to drive citizen oversight.
As CODE embarks on its next chapter, the organization remains committed to its mission of amplifying community voices, strengthening democracy, and proving that citizens can change the course of history.
With a new leadership team in place, CODE is poised to continue its impactful work and inspire a new generation of changemakers.