In a bid to advance social accountability and institutional efficiency, the Tracka Development Foundation, popularly known as ZamTracka, held a press conference to unveil its latest initiative, the RAPID (Research in Policy and Development) Project.
During a press conference today, Fauzuddeen Mahmud, founder and team lead of ZamTracka, announced the launch of the project and highlighted the foundation’s achievements over the past four years.
“Over the last four years of strategic action in Zamfara state, one of the remotest and poorest states in Nigeria, we have been able to change the narrative by creating a paradigm shift from the norm,” said Mahmud. “Our innovative approach of using technology to create simplified access to fiscal data has opened up governance and entrenched civic engagements which were hitherto nonexistent.”
ZamTracka’s efforts have reached more than one million people, empowering them to engage in civic advocacy, demand transparency, and promote social accountability.
Through its project tracking component, ZamTracka has monitored and reported on 125 public projects worth N7.56 billion (approximately $11.3 million USD) across the state. This initiative has resulted in a 71% increase in overall project completion rates within four years.
Mahmud proudly shared the recognition ZamTracka has received, including the United Nations World Summit Awards on SDGs held in Mexico in 2023 and being a finalist at the 2023 Commonwealth Innovation Awards in Kenya.
The new RAPID Project aims to analyze and evaluate subnational fiscal policies, providing research-based insights to enhance institutional support, strengthen fiscal spaces, and drive economic growth.
“Our vision for subnational fiscal efficiency and accountability goes beyond providing simplified access to fiscal data and tracking public projects; it is about institutional strengthening to ensure inclusive service delivery for all,” Mahmud stated.
The RAPID Project marks another strategic leap for ZamTracka as it continues to innovate and strengthen democratic institutions. Mahmud called on stakeholders and partners to join hands in creating a sustainable growth system that meets the aspirations of the common man.
ZamTracka’s commitment to leveraging technology and fiscal data for social accountability aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and sets a new standard for civic advocacy and institutional efficiency in the region.
