Kaduna State has taken a decisive step toward sustainable development with the signing of the Kaduna Mutual Accountability Framework (KaMAF) in partnership with the Gates Foundation. The agreement, signed on the sidelines of the 2025 United Nations General Assembly in New York, reflects a shared commitment to ensure that progress in health and development does not stall at “almost,” but delivers measurable, lasting outcomes for every citizen, particularly children.
The KaMAF provides a blueprint for a transparent and accountable partnership, aligning donor support with Kaduna State’s Development Plan (2024–2028) and the Sustainable Development Goals. It emphasizes predictable funding, government commitment, citizen-oriented monitoring, and strategic coordination to strengthen institutions, promote economic resilience, and foster regional connectivity.
At the heart of the framework is the principle that development support must be predictable, transparent, and aligned with state-led priorities. Strategic dialogues established under KaMAF will regularly review progress, address challenges, and refine interventions, ensuring the partnership remains responsive and results-driven.
The agreement identifies key sectors for collaboration, including healthcare system strengthening, sustainable agriculture, robust data management for evidence-based policy, transparent budgeting, and economic empowerment. These priority areas reflect Kaduna’s broader goal of building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable development ecosystem.
Uche Amaonwu, Director of the Gates Foundation Nigeria Country Office, described the framework as a model for results-oriented collaboration that prioritizes accountability. He highlighted Kaduna’s commitment to health, noting that while the state has allocated 15 percent of its budget to healthcare, actual disbursements have often been lower. The Foundation will provide technical support to improve cash flow forecasting, budget profiling, and institutional capacity, helping Kaduna implement sustainable solutions rather than temporary interventions.
“This is a partnership of accountability,” Amaonwu explained. “Kaduna is seeking technical expertise across sectors, aiming to institutionalize systems that outlast political cycles. Our role is catalytic, helping the state initiate programs and integrate them into their budgets for long-term sustainability.”
The KaMAF also aligns with the Gates Foundation’s global mission to accelerate health and development progress through locally owned, scalable solutions. It focuses on building systems that endure political transitions, consolidating funding data from all donors into a transparent framework, and ensuring that institutional memory is preserved.
By fostering alignment, transparency, and measurable outcomes, Kaduna State and the Gates Foundation are establishing a partnership that transforms intent into tangible impact. KaMAF is not just a plan—it is a replicable model of subnational collaboration that promises lasting benefits for Kaduna and a blueprint for sustainable progress across Nigeria.
