Our Purpose
We are working to foster an Africa that is anchored in justice, integrity, and the rule of law.
Our Process
We collaborate with Africa's leaders and lawmakers by exchanging knowledge and expertise to develop best-in-class laws.
Our Philosophy
We believe that just laws are the bedrock of a prosperous, peaceful, and equitable Africa.
CIJ Services and Programmes
The Chandler Institute of Justice (CIJ) supports leaders, lawmakers, and legislative bodies across Africa through the development of model laws, bespoke law reform projects, and legal frameworks and tools that promote good governance, economic development, and social mobility.
Law Reform
Legal Training
Products
Model Laws
CIJ develops model laws to guide the law development and law reform processes in various jurisdictions. In developing model laws, CIJ works in partnership with leading subject matter experts, law firms, academia, think tanks, development agencies and governmental bodies to address specific areas of law or to provide guidance on complex legal issues.
Our proposed model laws can be used by governments at various levels (national, regional, or local) as a basis for developing their own legislation. They provide a starting point for lawmakers, offering language and structure that can be adapted to fit the particular legal, social, and cultural context of a jurisdiction.
Advisory on Law Reform
CIJ provides bespoke law reform advisory services related to our three thematic areas (governance, economic development, and social mobility). We provide extensive technical assistance and support to African governments in the process of reviewing, updating, and improving their legal frameworks. Our services cover a broad range of technical assistance areas including legal research and analysis, law reform proposals, legislative drafting, and stakeholder engagement.
By providing our expertise, guidance, and technical support, our aim is to contribute to building stronger legal frameworks that address the evolving needs and challenges of African countries and advance sustainable development.
Specialised Legal Training
CIJ provides tailor-made and ‘demand driven’ training programmes of short duration on various areas of law reform. Our training programs are customised to address the specific needs and challenges of the legal system in each African country. This includes training programs on legislative drafting, legal analysis, policy formulation, and implementation strategies relevant to the local context.
By enhancing the skills and knowledge of legal professionals and government officials involved in law reform processes, our specialised law reform training contributes to building institutional capacity and promoting sustainable legal reform efforts in African countries.
Legal Knowledge Products
CIJ leverages research and legal analysis capabilities to generate and disseminate legal knowledge products which are designed to promote and enhance understanding of legal concepts, principles, and frameworks, as well as to facilitate compliance and implementation of laws and regulations. Our legal knowledge products consist of legal guides, policy briefs, training materials, legal databases and repositories.
Building Strong Nations
"During my career in development finance with the World Bank and African Development Bank, I have personally witnessed the profound effect that effective legal systems can have on national development. The Chandler Institute of Justice is committed to partnering with Africa’s leaders, policymakers and legal experts to formulate best-in-class laws and legal frameworks. Our goal is to build strong foundations of laws and justice upon which nations can flourish."
Ron Chari
Executive Director, Chandler Institute of Justice
Our Theory of Change
Nations Flourish on the Foundation of Just and Equitable Laws
At CIJ, our theory of change centres on the tremendous potential for laws and legal systems to improve governance, steer economies towards sustainable growth, and shape societies.
History teaches us that effective legal systems and just laws are critical for national development. Empirical research also shows the strong correlation between robust laws and policies, and other indicators of prosperity such as education, health, and social mobility.
We envision a future where the rule of law forms the cornerstone of economic progress and prosperity, where citizens can trust in government institutions, and where the continent's vast potential can be fully realised.
Better World Network
The Chandler Institute of Justice is a member of the Better World Network, united by a shared heritage and common goal: a better world through better national governance.
Government capabilities and strong institutions are the backbone of strong nations. The Chandler Institute of Governance (CIG), established in Singapore in 2019, supports governments by developing leaders, strengthening institutions, and building public service capabilities. CIG accomplishes this through technical projects, training programmes, the proprietary Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI) that measures government effectiveness, and knowledge products.
High levels of societal trust are a crucial enabler of national development. Chandler Foundation (CF), established in Seattle, U.S, in 2013, partners with government leaders to build strong, prosperous, high‑trust nations by fostering cultures of integrity. Its programmes include developing and implementing National Action Plans that promote integrity, and organising the Chandler Anti‑Corruption Leaders’ Practice Group dedicated to strengthening global anti‑corruption efforts.