Anti-corruption work in Nigeria has shown that cohorts and collaborations of groups can be more effective than one organization working in isolation. In a case study commissioned by MacArthur, user research by grantee Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation and Reboot Design informed a design for a collaboration platform: Partners United. Partners United helps organizations connect, find information, and more easily share their own work with others.
By using a cohort model where information is shared, collaborations, even cross sector, have a better chance of succeeding. The case study points to examples of these collaborations, like groups in media and in civil society working together to hold elected officials accountable. Key lessons showed that for collaborations should start with clear goals, a strong strategic framework, and incentives for all involved.
In a comic strip with the case study, police attack protesters with teargas and water tanks, and a journalist shares an interview with a protester on the Partners United platform. The story gains traction with civil society organizations who join forces to set up a community meeting to advocate for a police reform bill that goes to the National Assembly. The case shows how facilitating information sharing and connection built a collaboration to hold officials accountable and create change.
