Family Development Initiatives (FDI) is a faith-based NGO inspired by Islamic teachings, aimed at fostering sustainable and productive communities. Founded in October 2016, FDI operates with the vision of creating dignified, skilled, self-reliant, and prosperous families and communities. FDI delivers bespoke development initiatives through a program anchored on four key thematic areas: Health, Governance and Social Accountability, Climate Change Resilience, and Rural Enterprise Development, with operational research as a cross-cutting element https://bit.ly/3RBkY97.
FDI’s theory of change posits that by Increasing family oversight of government performance and natural resources, improving healthcare access for girls, women and men, by providing enterprise skills, support, and financing, then health outcomes and service delivery will improve. This, in turn, will enhance resilience, sustainable resource use, and local economic activity, leading to a decline in poverty.
The organization employs a family-centered approach, using the family as a catalyst for development, and works through a network of over 300 mosques and community structures to mobilize the Muslim and inter-faith communities in addressing development challenges through the District Interfaith Committee on Social Economic Justice (DIfCSEJ), particularly in sexual reproductive health (SRH), maternal child health, HIV, Gender-Based Violence, governance, social accountability and climate resilience https://bit.ly/4cuyLX8 . FDI has presence in 32 districts across 5 provinces in Zambia namely Southern, Eastern, Lusaka, North Western, and Central province.
In 2016, three siblings fueled by a shared purpose and unwavering faith. operating from a one-room office in downtown Lusaka began Family Development Initiatives fondly called FDI. That small team planted the seeds of what has now become a transformational movement.
Today, FDI has grown into a dynamic, community-oriented organization operating across 6 provinces and more than 30 districts, uplifting lives through programs in integrated health, gender equality, youth empowerment, social accountability, climate resilience, and rural enterprise development. At Family Development Initiatives (FDI), we believe that lasting transformation begins with the family — the bedrock of society. FDI was born out of a vision to empower families through holistic, faith-driven development rooted in dignity, equity, and sustainability.
Our journey is guided by a simple yet powerful belief: that every person, regardless of circumstance, deserves the opportunity to live a life of purpose and possibility. What started as a grassroots effort is now a trusted institution committed to building resilient, self-reliant communities.
Over the years, we have remained dedicated to our vision which has also expanded to strengthening local civil society organizations (CSOs) through tailored technical support, strategic capacity building, and grassroots advocacy. Drawing from decades of experience, our leadership has supported organizations to evolve from informal beginnings to structured entities delivering measurable impact.
Whether it’s engaging faith communities in HIV and sexual reproductive health, mentoring youth in leadership, or equipping citizens to hold duty bearers accountable, our work is people-centered and locally driven. We don’t impose solutions — we co-create them with communities, ensuring sustainability, relevance, and ownership.
Through strategic partnerships with agencies like PEPFAR, the Global Fund, UN and bilateral agencies, and regional faith-based networks, we have mobilized, trained, and inspired thousands. From remote villages to national platforms, our presence reflects our belief that true change is both local and transformational.
As we continue forward, we remain grounded in our core values: faith, integrity, inclusion, and service. Our story is still unfolding — written not just by us, but by every family, every youth, and every community we serve.
Together, we are building a Zambia where families thrive and prosper in dignity through skills, and self-sufficiency — a Zambia where voices are heard, and development is truly for all.