The Niilo Mäki institute offers valuable co-operation in developmental work as a non-government organization (NGO), as well as a consultant in bilateral projects. Since the mid 1990s the NMI has been administering several development cooperation programmes in Africa financed by the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Countries involved are especially from the east and west. The institute also functions as a sub-consultant in other developmental work. Primary areas of function are:

• Non-government organizational work: Developing rehabilitation services for children with learning disabilities