Our Story

“Hak[i]” means truth or justice in Swahili, a reflection of the centrality of justice to human existence. Hakí Associates is a collective of global justice advocates that are re-inventing how international development is done, by emphasizing justice, equity, and local knowledge as the foundation for all efforts. We are a global network of local experts, community leaders, and organizations across more than 50 countries, working together collectively to promote justice and equity as core tenets in creating durable solutions to the world’s toughest problems.

At Hakí we believe first and foremost in local, community engagement and empowerment. Hakí members bring local knowledge and perspectives to national and international debates on legal issues that directly affect the poor, including:

• Rebuilding a better, more transparent, and accountable foreign aid and development finance sector

• Leveraging private sector investment to achieve sustainable, climate-friendly growth and shared prosperity

• Combatting poverty and food insecurity through strong local land and natural resource rights

• Injecting human rights, equity, and environmental sustainability into business practices

• Eliminating injustice and violence against women

• Improving public sector governance and service provision in health, education, and water and sanitation by reducing corruption and enhancing citizen voice

• Localizing humanitarian response and peacebuilding for respectful, accountable actions

We are both a social enterprise and non-profit that uses flexible, innovative solutions, working with both the public and private sectors through our global network to emphasize sustainable results that benefit local communities.