About Us
DEVELOPMENT EXCHANGE CENTRE (DEC)Development Exchange Centre (DEC) is a women focus non- governmental organization, empowering communities with its inclusive services and approach. For the past 38 years, DEC has been training community members across 24 of 36 states of Nigeria on governance issues, health enlightenment and services, entrepreneurial skills for women and providing micro finance credit facilities for sustainability.
Who We Are
We are a purpose-driven organization committed to empowering women and strengthening communities through strategic partnerships and integrated development initiatives.
Mission
Empowering women to improve their living conditions and status through partnerships and integrated development services and initiatives.
Vision
A society with equitable opportunities for sustainable development.
Core Value
We equip women with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to improve their lives and reach their full potential.
Our Coverage In Nigeria
Delivering impact across key regions nationwide
We operate across multiple states in Nigeria, delivering impactful programs and services that empower communities and drive sustainable development nationwide.
Our Partners |
Brief History
DEC is a non-governmental, non-discriminating, not-for-profit, women-focused organisation improving the wellbeing of women groups and communities in Nigeria through socio-economic interventions for sustainable development. DEC is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as an entity incorporated by trust with number (IT-10826).
The establishment of Development Exchange Centre (DEC) in 1987 was inspired by research conducted by a group of volunteers from the Canadian University Services Overseas (CUSO) with support from the Adult and Non-Formal Education Agency (ANFEA), Bauchi state which highlighted various ways and areas in which women were disadvantaged and marginalized, particularly in northern Nigeria. DEC was conceived as a social enterprise to empower women and improve their living conditions and status through integrated development services and initiatives.
DEC started as a forum to exchange development ideas among practitioners in the industry and women groups, and it emerged with the mission to deliver both social and economic development services to identified target populations. Over the years DEC has pursued its mission through various services including functional adult education; vocational skills development; livelihood & resilience; sexual and reproductive health education; water, sanitation & sustainable environment; democracy and good governance; and microfinance for which DEC is most known. Currently, DEC is present in 24 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria, operating through 36 Area Offices that oversee 133 business units.
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DEC as an institution is guided by strategic documents that are developed for fixed periods, mostly 5 years. The current strategic plan will run from 2025 through 2029. To ensure that its strategic plan aligns with those of its stakeholders, DEC ensures the inclusion and participation of these key players during its strategic plan development process.
