The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) is calling on civil society organisations across the region to rethink their funding models as traditional donor support continues to contract. Executive Director Nana Afadzinu urged CSOs to diversify revenue streams, strengthen local fundraising strategies, and build resilient financial systems that can withstand the shifting donor climate.
Her remarks come as civil society actors from across West Africa gather in Accra for the 2025 West Africa Civil Society Week—a two-day forum focused on sustainability, collaboration, and the future of civic engagement in the region. The event provides a platform for organisations to reflect on their challenges and explore innovative funding mechanisms that ensure long-term impact.
Reporting from Accra, Naa Dedei Tettey notes that participants see the conversation as timely, given the increasing uncertainty surrounding external development assistance. Many believe a shift toward self-reliance will empower CSOs to operate more independently and remain mission-driven.
