About Us
Unlocking Africa’s Potential Through Law Reform
Africa stands on the brink of becoming a new frontier of growth and opportunity, with a youthful population, abundant resources, and a dynamic, enterprising culture. One essential but often overlooked element can help to unlock this tremendous potential: law reform.
Legal frameworks and regulatory systems are the bedrock upon which national governments build institutions, facilitate investment, safeguard human rights, and combat corruption. By updating and refining laws to address modern challenges, developing countries across Africa and around the world can help to begin a virtuous cycle of good governance and economic prosperity.
CIJ is one of the few institutions of its kind focused on law reform, working to address this critical but often over-looked area of national development. Thank you for your interest in CIJ, and I hope you will join us on our journey to foster strong, prosperous nations anchored in robust laws and policies.
Our mission
To develop laws, legal frameworks, and tools that promote good governance, economic development and social mobility
Our Heritage
1982
Our Journey Begins
CIJ’s founder, Richard F. Chandler, writes his Master of Commerce thesis titled Corporate Directorship Practices in New Zealand Listed Public Companies.
2010
Corporate Governance and National Prosperity
A new publication by Richard F. Chandler illustrates how good corporate governance increases national prosperity by aligning the interests of investors, businesses and government.
2012
Great Companies, Great Nations (now known as The Goodness of Business)
Drawing on decades of experience building businesses and investing across global markets, Richard F. Chandler examines how good corporate governance is synonymous with national prosperity, and how governments can shape – for better or worse – corporate governance standards.
2013
Chandler Foundation
Richard F. Chandler, establishes Chandler Foundation.
2019
Chandler Institute of Governance
Built on a lifelong heritage and study of governance, Chandler Institute of Governance is founded to support public sector leaders and policymakers to build effective and accountable governments, institutions and policies.
2021
Launch of Governance Matters
The inaugural issue of CIG’s global magazine Governance Matters is launched in 140 countries, providing a platform for government leaders and practitioners to share insights, experiences and good practices, and to highlight inspiring stories of good governance.
Chandler Good Government Index
CIG launches the world’s most comprehensive index measuring government capabilities and outcomes, CGGI. It enables countries to benchmark their performance and highlights opportunities for learning and progress.
Chandler Academy of Governance
The Chandler Academy of Governance is established to consolidate and scale up CIG’s training efforts for government leaders globally.
2024
Chandler Institute of Justice
The Chandler Institute of Justice (CIJ) is established to support 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.
Signature of First MOU in Africa
CIJ signs an MOU with the Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, to support ongoing labour law reform efforts. The partnership focuses on providing technical expertise in legislative development and capacity building. Learn more
First law reform advisory project
CIJ works with Zambia's Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Office, under the Ministry of Finance, to develop PPP Regulations. Learn more
Launch of Drafting Laws that Matter, Legislative drafting programme
CIJ pilots the Drafting Laws that Matter Training Programme in Zambia, advancing its mission to strengthen legislative drafting capacity among government lawyers and promote the development of effective legal frameworks. Learn more
Strengthening the Institutional Capacity of Zambia's National Prosecution Authority
CIJ signs MOU with the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) in Zambia, aimed at bolstering transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in Zambia through law reform.
Advancing Legal Reforms in the Energy Sector
CIJ signs MOU with Zambia’s Energy Regulation Board (ERB) aimed enhancing institutional capacity, providing specialised training, and develop tools that will strengthen Zambia’s legal and regulatory frameworks for the energy sector.
2025
Launch of Drafting Laws that Matter, Legislative drafting programme in Malawi
CIJ launches the Drafting Laws that Matter Programme in Malawi, equipping government lawyers with the skills to draft clear, effective, and impactful legislation.
Supporting Law Reform in Rwanda
CIJ signs MoU with Rwanda’s RDB and Ministry of ICT to deliver specialised training and strengthen investment and ICT regulatory frameworks
Launch of Drafting Laws that Matter, Legislative drafting programme in South Africa
CIJ delivers the Drafting Laws that Matter Programme in South Africa, strengthening legislative drafting capacity of government lawyers to support develeopment of clear and effective legal frameworks.
Strethening State Owned Enterprise Regulation in Zambia
CIJ advises Zambia’s Ministry of Finance on developing the State-Owned Enterprises Bill to strengthen governance and improve the performance of state-owned entities.
Flourishing World Network
The Chandler Institute of Justice is a member of the Flourishing World Network,
united by a shared heritage and common goal: a flourishing 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.
Cultures of integrity unite people around the pursuit of ethical values, creating the conditions for a high-trust nation. Chandler Foundation, established in Seattle, U.S, in 2013, works to build strong, just, and prosperous nations by fostering cultures of integrity. It does so by partnering with governments to develop and implement National Action Plans and through the provision of a range of knowledge products.