"Transforming Embassies into Engines of Economic Growth."
The Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) is a global think tank and advisory body focused on empowering the Global South and emerging nations to define and drive their own economic futures. Originally founded as the Africa Coalition for Economic Development Agency (ACEDA), JEDI has evolved into a broader force - serving as a critical partner to governments seeking to retool their embassies into engines of economic transformation.
JEDI develops Strategic Positioning Papers (SPPs) that provide embassies, national governments, and regional bodies with practical, context-specific blueprints to address revenue challenges and unlock new country income opportunities.
Our goal is simple but bold: to modernize the role of diplomatic missions so they serve as proactive drivers of economic development, technology transfer, and policy innovation - not just representatives of state protocol.
"Guiding Ambitious Governments & Visionary Leaders Across the Global South."
Our Mission
To empower governments across the Global South to define and drive their own economic futures through practical strategy, policy innovation, and sovereign development models.
Our Vision
A Global South that is no longer dependent, but sovereign.
A new generation of nations that are industrially self-reliant, digitally independent, and strategically positioned to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Practicality Over Theory
We prioritize implementable, context-aware strategies - not academic idealism.
Pan-South Solidarity
Whether in Africa, Asia, or Latin America, we believe in the shared liberation of the Global South.
Our Values
Sovereignty First
Our loyalty is to national interest, local empowerment, and freedom from undue external influence.
Equity Through Innovation
We champion technology, education, and industrial policy that create real economic opportunity for all.
Uncompromising Integrity
We are not lobbyists. We are not partisan. We are partners for governments ready to lead with courage.
Our Impact Focus
Fostering self-sufficiency by strengthening local industries, trade policy, and fiscal independence.
Pan-African manufacturing hubs
Intra-regional trade under AfCFTA
Reduced foreign dependency
Turning the Global South’s diaspora into its greatest asset.
Structured capital & skills repatriation
Cultural and commercial exchange pipelines
Diaspora investment incentives
Equipping governments to lead and negotiate from a position of strength.
Unified bargaining in global forums
Strategic policy design for sovereignty
Strengthened AU, ECOWAS, SADC, and more
Supporting the creation of sovereign digital ecosystems to fuel modern economies.
African-owned cloud & data infrastructure
Indigenous digital platforms & fintech
Cybersecurity and governance frameworks
Realigning education to power innovation, employment, and nation-building.
Industry-ready curricula reform
STEM & vocational training expansion
AI, digital tools & smart classrooms
Designing sustainable, future-proof systems that connect and power economies.
Renewable energy for growth
Regionally integrated transport networks
National control of telecom & internet assets
Our Origin Story
J.E.D.I is not just a think tank - it’s a response to a lifetime of witnessing the disconnect between international aid, domestic policy, and the real needs of developing nations. With decades of hands-on experience working with USAID, UNICEF, CIDA, SIDA, JICA, and the UN, our founder saw the urgent need for a new kind of advisory body. One that’s built for the Global South, by those who understand its challenges from the inside out.
Le'vi L.N.K. Lingwabo - Founder
Our Location
JEDI is among the few advisory bodies operating with a fully cloud-based headquarters. This choice reflects our commitment to flexibility, global inclusivity, and equal attention to all partners—regardless of geography. By remaining unattached to a single location, we embody the very principles we champion: accessibility, equity, and forward-thinking collaboration.
Hours
9 AM - 5 PM Eastern Time
info@jointeconomicdevelopmentinitiative.com
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