[Accra, Ghana, 3 October 2026] Young people across West Africa are calling for participation in regional decision-making that goes beyond invitation and visibility, giving them meaningful influence over decisions that …

[Accra, Ghana, 16 September 2026] — Africa must have greater control over the decisions, resources and knowledge that shape its development, participants at a three-day convening in Accra have said, …

[West Africa, 1 October 2026 ] – Nearly three out of every four civil society workers, journalists, advocates and technology professionals surveyed in Ghana, Nigeria and Liberia said they had …

CSOs Turn Challenges into Solutions at Shifting the Power Bootcamp in Ghana  [Akosombo, Ghana 10 September 2026] –  Strengthening civil society requires more than strengthening individual skills. It requires organisations …

[West Africa, Ghana 17 September 2026] At a time when West Africa is experiencing political transitions, democratic pressures, insecurity, shrinking civic space and declining public confidence in institutions, the West …

Your Excellencies, our key note speaker your Excellency Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, Hon. Ribeiro – Addy, UK member of Parliament for Clapham Brixton Hill; Representative of Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs; representative …

For Immediate Release 29 August 2026 Download the full press release here.

[Tamale, Ghana, 29 July 2026] – Twenty civil society leaders from 20 organisations across Northern Ghana gathered in Tamale from 20 to 22 July 2026 for the fourth Ghanaian Cohort of the Civic …

[Accra, Ghana — 20 July 2026] —  The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) has officially welcomed the second cohort of its 2026 Next Generation Internship Programme (NGIP), following the …

[Accra, Ghana, 20 July 2026] – The Executive Director of the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), Dr Nana Asantewa Afadzinu, has challenged the first cohort of the institute’s 2026 Next …

[Accra, Ghana | 28 June 2026] — His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, has called for stronger collaboration between government and civil society, emphasising that inclusive development and democratic consolidation require trust, partnership and …

Abuja, Nigeria | 13 July 2026 – As Nigeria’s civil society sector navigates an increasingly complex regulatory environment, the WACSI Node Nigeria, in partnership with the European Union funded CSO  Strengthening Bridge (EU CSO-Bridge) Project, implemented by the International …

“Regional integration succeeds when citizens become partners in shaping the future, not simply beneficiaries of regional decisions.” On 3 July 2026, an important milestone was reached in Abuja when the …

[Africa, 20 June 2026] – The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) has successfully concluded a cross-country due diligence mission across Benin, Guinea, Morocco, and Togo as part of preparations for the …

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) formalising a five-year strategic partnership to strengthen civil society engagement across West Africa.  The MoU was …

We are looking for a Finance Assistant to play a critical role in ensuring sound financial management, accountability, and compliance across WACSI-NODE, Nigeria’s programmes and operations. The successful candidate will …

 [ Abuja, Nigeria – 10 May 2026] – The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), under the auspices of its Civic Space Resource for CSOs in West Africa (CSR-Hub West Africa) project, convened …

[Accra – Ghana, 11 May 2026] – The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) has reaffirmed its strategic priorities for 2026 at its first regional Board meeting in Accra, Ghana on 8 May.  The meeting, held at the …

 [Nigeria-15 May 2026] – A civic actor has urged development practitioners and civil society organisations (CSOs) to prioritise digital literacy, describing it as essential for safeguarding sensitive data and strengthening organisational resilience in an increasingly digital environment.  Johnson Abisola Ebunoluwa, Programme Officer at …

[London – United Kingdom, 20 May 2026] – The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) has officially signed the Global Partnerships Compact at the Global Partnerships Conference held in London …

[Abuja, Nigeria – 10 May 2026] – Civil society organisations (CSOs) across Nigeria are trapped in a self-reinforcing “starvation cycle” of underfunding, weak systems, and limited impact measurement, according to a new national study launched in …

A nationwide survey of 693 civil society organisations in Nigeria has found that eight out of every ten organisations operate without a written fundraising plan (86 per cent, approximately 596 …

[Tamale, Ghana – 10 April 2026] – A senior official from Comic Relief is excited that local organisations in northern Ghana are demonstrating strong results from a shift towards community-led development, following …

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), in partnership with the Wilde Ganzen Foundation and the Change the Game Academy, is pleased to launch the 2026 Match Funding scheme for …

[Accra-Ghana, 26 March 2026] In a digital landscape evolving at breakneck speed, the same technologies driving efficiency are also amplifying risk. Artificial intelligence is transforming how work gets done, but it is equally …

[ West Africa, 21 March 2026] – The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) hosted a special session of the West Africa Policy Dialogue Series (WACPoDiS) in commemoration of the …

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) invites young professionals from Nigeria, Guinea, Niger, and Togo to apply for its fully funded Next Generation Internship Programme (NGIP) running from July to …

[Accra, Ghana, 19 March 2026] – Civil society organisations across Ghana are rethinking how to sustain their work as traditional donor funding declined, with sector leaders pointing to crowdfunding and stronger community trust as …

[Accra, Ghana, 9 March 2026] —”Ghanaian youth are not just the future of development, they are already shaping it,” Dr. Nana Asantewa Afadzinu, Executive Director of the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), …

[Accra, Ghana, 8 March 2026] – The University of Ghana emerged triumphant at the 2026 Ghana Inter-University Shifting the Power Debate, in a thrilling two-day intellectual showdown held on 2 and 3 March 2026 …

[Accra, Ghana, 8 March 2026] —Accra came alive on 2 and 3 March 2026 as sixteen (16) of Ghana’s brightest university students went head-to-head in the 2026 Ghana Inter-University Shifting the Power Debate.   It …

[Accra, Ghana — February 19, 2026]—The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) has commenced the second phase of its regional Digital Rights Advocacy, Activism and Security Capacity Strengthening Programme, opening the new phase with …

[Lagos, Nigeria – 26 February 2026] Last week, from 24–26 February 2026, the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), represented by John P. Frinjuah, Programme Officer for Policy Influencing and Advocacy, at the invitation of the ECOWAS …

[Abuja, Nigeria – 23 February 2026] —Civil society organisations (CSOs) across Nigeria convened a strategic dialogue to examine the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 and its implications for the sector.  The hybrid event, which was funded by the …

At the Grand Finale of the Ghana Inter-University Shifting the Power Debate held at the British Council on 3rd March 2026, Dr Nana Asantewa Afadzinu, Executive Director of the West …

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) invites young researchers from Ghana, Guinea Conakry, Liberia, Nigeria and Senegal to apply for its 2026 Research Fellowship, running from May to October …

[6 February 2026, Accra – Ghana] –The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) has strengthened its internal capacity with a two-day in-house coaching and mentoring training held from 4–5 February 2026 at its Accra headquarters. …

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) invites researchers, practitioners, and students to contribute to the West Africa Civil Society Series (WACSeries)—a platform for critical analysis, debate, and policy-relevant ideas …

[Accra, Ghana – 21 November 2025] – Regulatory agencies from Ghana and Nigeria met in Accra on 21 October 2025 for a high-level exchange to improve oversight, compliance and collaboration in the non-profit …

[Accra, Ghana — 25 January 2026] — The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) has welcomed the first cohort of its 2026 Next Generation Internship Programme (NGIP), continuing its long-standing commitment to developing skilled, values-driven …

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) is a regional non-governmental organisation dedicated to enhancing the capacities of civil society organisations in West Africa towards a peaceful and prosperous West …

We are looking for a Programme and Administrative Officer who will play an important role in conceptualisation, implementation and monitoring of WACSI Node programmes, including executing project activities, managing project …

Click here to download the full speech by Nana Oye Bampoe-Addo at the 2025 West Africa Civil Society Week held in Ghana from 19-20 December 2025.

Click here to download the full keynote address by H.E. Ambassador Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah, PhD Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), …

Click here to download the full opening remarks by Dr. Nana Afadzinu, Executive Director, West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) at the 2025 West Africa Civil Society Week held from …

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) is inviting applications for a high-level Executive Assistant to support the Executive Director in driving organisational performance and advancing strategic priorities. This strategic …

[Accra, Ghana – 1 December 2025] -More than two hundred civil society leaders, activists, policymakers and development partners from across West Africa and beyond convened in Accra on 19 and …

  [Accra, Ghana – 29 November 2025] – Ghana’s push to strengthen domestic financing and reduce dependence on foreign aid took the spotlight at the Ghana Philanthropy Conference 2025, which closed …

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) is delighted to announce the appointment of Ambassador Francis Tsegah as the new Chairperson of its Governing Board. This milestone marks a significant …

[Accra, Ghana – 17 November 2025] — The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) hosted a high-level media conference in Accra on 17 November to mark its 20th Anniversary, drawing …

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) expresses its profound dismay and unequivocally condemns the military coup d’état perpetrated in Guinea-Bissau on November 26, 2025. Download the full press release …

[Accra, Ghana – 26 November 2025] — About 100 pupils of the Knowledge and Faith Islamic School in Ogbojo, a suburb of Accra and home to the regional head office of the …

[Accra, Ghana – 25 November 2025] — Over 200 civil society leaders, activists, policymakers, and development partners from across West Africa and beyond gathered in Accra, Ghana, on 19 and …

[Accra, Ghana – 15 November 2025] — As part of activities marking the 20th anniversary celebrations of the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), the Institute organised a community clean up and a free health …

[Accra, Ghana, 21 November 2025] – The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) has celebrated its 20th anniversary with a cultural dinner and awards ceremony recognising individuals, organisations, and partners whose contributions have shaped the …

[Accra, Ghana – 14 October 2025] – The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) is nurturing the next generation of skilled writers through its Next Generation Internship Programme. As a …

[Abuja, Nigeria – 10 November 2025] — In a strategic effort to strengthen civic participation and promote transparency in Nigeria’s legislative processes, the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) Node …

On 4 November 2025, the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) joined civil society actors, media representatives, activists, and content creators from Ghana and Ukraine for a dialogue on “How …

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) expresses its deep outrage and concern over the escalating crisis in Cameroon following the announcement of presidential election results by the Constitutional Council. …

[20 October 2025] -The fight for civic space is no longer limited to streets, courts, or parliaments; it has shifted online. Civil society organisations in West Africa now face rising …

We are deeply saddened by the passing of former First Lady Mrs. Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, a visionary leader and pioneering advocate for women’s rights and empowerment in Ghana and across …

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) expresses its deep concern over the alarming deterioration of the human rights situation in Côte d’Ivoire, less than two weeks before the presidential …

A recent field mission by the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) has spotlighted both the promise and the pressing needs of feminist movements in Benin and Togo, as the …

[West Africa, 7 October 2025] – A new chapter in global aid reform unfolded on 1 October 2025 as the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) and Adeso launched the …

STAR-Ghana Foundation and WACSI are seeking an experienced Debate Consultant to organise and deliver the Ghana National Shifting the Power Debate, part of a global movement co-funded by Comic Relief …

WACSI is seeking an intern to support the Node’s work. The internship offers an opportunity to enhance civic consciousness and develop professional capacity. The intern will be embedded in WACSI’s …

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) invites young graduates and early-career professionals from Ivory Coast, Guinea Bissau, and Sierra Leone to apply for its Next Generation Internship Programme (NGIP). …

[Accra, Ghana – 9 September 2025] – West Africa’s biodiversity champions are gaining new strength. The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) has kicked off the first in a series …

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) Node–Nigeria is inviting you to join its pool of Associates—a network of skilled development professionals who will support capacity-strengthening initiatives to meet the …

 [Northern Region, Ghana  – 25 August 2025] – Women entrepreneurs are expanding their livelihoods, farmers are entering new markets, and young people are mobilising for cleaner communities.   These exciting …

[30 August 2025 – Ghana] – From July to August 2025, the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) carried out follow-up coaching visits with partner organisations in the Eastern and Greater …

[From 29 August 2025]- West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) conducted a Mobilising Support Coaching Visit in the Bono and Ashanti regions under the Change the Game Academy programme.   …

WACSI is supporting the Wilde Ganzen Foundation in an important localisation initiative aimed at shifting grantmaking responsibilities from international donors to a Ghanaian-led institution. As part of this effort, Wilde …

[Abuja, Nigeria – 18 July 2025] – Twenty-nine (29) representatives from Nigerian civil society organisations (CSOs), constituting the third cohort of the Civic Space Resource Hub for CSOs in West …

[West Africa, 7 July 2025] – The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) has welcomed the second cohort of interns for 2025 into its  flagship Next Generation Internship Programme (NGIP), …

[Tamale, Ghana – 24 July 2025] – Twenty civil society organisations (CSOs) in Ghana, forming the third cohort of the Civic Space Resource Hub for CSOs in West Africa, are …

[Accra, Ghana – 14 August 2025] – In a bold step towards advancing transparency, citizen participation, and organisational resilience, civil society organisations (CSOs) from across Ghana gathered in Accra for …

Seventy-Four CSO Leaders in Ghana Chart Path to Sustainability   [Kumasi, Ghana — August 6, 2025] — Ghanaian civil society organisations (CSOs) participating in the Civil Society Strengthening Programme (CSSP) …

We are deeply saddened by the loss of eight dedicated public servants, including senior government officials and Ghana Armed Forces personnel, in the tragic helicopter crash in the Ashanti Region …

[Accra, Ghana, 22 June 2025] — A growing movement to place African professionals at the centre of development took a major step forward as the West Africa Civil Society Institute …

[Tamale, Ghana—5 June 2025] From 3–5 June 2025, the Civic Space Resource Hub (CSR-Hub) convened twenty dynamic civil society organisations (CSOs) from across Ghana in Tamale for a three-day leadership …

[Abuja, Nigeria – 8 June 2025] – West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) in partnership with the Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNNGO) has convened a National Validation Workshop on the …

[Accra, Ghana – 12 May 2025] – In a significant step towards reclaiming ownership of development processes, civil society organisations (CSOs) from Ghana came together in Accra for a hands-on …

[Dakar, Senegal—10 May 2025] — Fifteen changemakers representing civil society organisations from across Senegal gathered in Dakar for an intensive three-day training focused on resource mobilisation and financial resilience.  Held …

WACSI invites civil society organisations in Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, and Guinea (Conakry) to apply for an intensive capacity building programme on Digital Rights Advocacy, Activism, and Security. This …

[Accra/Dakar—15 May 2025]— The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) and West Africa Democracy Radio (WADR) have renewed their strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reaffirming their shared …

  Conakry, Guinea—From April 14 to April 25, 2025, the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), as part of the Feminism, Action, and Mobilisation for an Inclusive Economy (FAME) Project, …

[Tamale, Ghana – April 23, 2025] – As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacities of local civil society organisations (CSOs) and promote community-led development, the West Africa Civil …

Are you a passionate young West African from The Gambia, Liberia, or Burkina Faso eager to gain hands-on experience in civil society work? The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) …

We are looking for a reliable and experienced Driver to support our operations by ensuring safe and efficient transportation of staff, partners, and materials. The Driver will also be responsible …

WACSI is seeking experienced facilitators to strengthen digital rights advocacy in Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, and Guinea (Conakry). This initiative aims to build capacity, enhance digital rights strategies, and …

WACSI invites submissions of original research articles, papers and write-ups from experts, civil society actors, researchers, and writers for publication under its West Africa Civil Society Series (WACSeries) initiative. WACSeries …

[Accra, Ghana — April 2, 2025] –In a moment marked by gratitude, pride, and renewed purpose, the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) officially launched its 20th Anniversary celebrations on …

For Immediate Release  31 March 2025  WACSI MARKS 20 YEARS OF IMPACT WITH A LANDMARK ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION  [West Africa, 31 March 2025] – The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) …

[Monrovia, Liberia 24 March 2025] – As Liberia grapples with deforestation, habitat loss, and the growing threat to its rich biodiversity, civil society organisations (CSOs) are on the front lines, …

[Tamale, Ghana – 17 March 2025] —The Civic Space Resource Hub for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in West Africa (CSR-Hub) has kicked off its third cohort training in Ghana, marking the …

Summary of services  WACSI seek the services of a research consultant to conduct a mapping study on digital rights, advocacy, and activism in West Africa, building upon the findings of …

[Accra, Ghana – 13 March 2025] – The Giving for Change (GfC) project, a groundbreaking initiative led by STAR Ghana Foundation and the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) in …

[Mbour, Senegal – 11 March 2025] – Representatives from Forum for African Women Educationalists’ (FAWE) Francophone National Chapters convened in Mbour from March 4 to 6 for an intensive capacity …

“We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” – Native American Proverb  [Accra, Ghana – 9 March 2025- Fourteen representatives from seven Ghanaian …

[West Africa, 11 March 2025] – “Women are not merely beneficiaries of economic policies; they are actors, builders, and custodians of our local economies. It is time they are recognised …

Civil society organisations across West Africa, under the auspices of the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), express deep concern over the escalating political crisis in Guinea-Bissau. The indefinite postponement …

[Accra, Ghana – January 2025] – A fresh wave of young changemakers has arrived at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), eager to gain the skills and experience needed …

[Accra, Ghana 20 February 2025]  At a time when global civil society faces unprecedented funding uncertainties, the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) and Bond UK have launched a transformative …

Kumasi, Ghana – February 12, 2025 – The inaugural Linking & Learning Meeting for Wilde Ganzen partners in Ghana concluded successfully after two days of insightful discussions, collaboration, and hands-on …

[Accra, Ghana – 30 January 2025] – WACSI and STAR-Ghana recently held their annual planning retreat to review the progress of the Civil Society Strengthening Programme – ShiftThePower and to …

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), in partnership with the Wilde Ganzen Foundation and the Change the Game Academy, is pleased to launch the 2025 Match Funding Initiative to …

The West Africa Civil Society Initiative is offering a three-year programme (2025–2027) to strengthen Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Guinea, and Senegal, with a focus on biodiversity …

The WACSI Research Fellowship is a six-month hybrid program designed for young researchers passionate about civil society in West Africa. Fellows will enhance their research skills, collaborate with experts, and …

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) and Bond UK have unveiled a roadmap aimed at fostering equitable partnerships between the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and civil …

Are you a community-based or non-governmental organisation (CSO/NGO) working on conservation advocacy in Ghana or Liberia? The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) invites applications for the Response and Resilience …

[Abuja, 5 November 2024] – The economic crisis gripping Nigeria is exerting pressure on its civil society organisations (CSOs), intensifying existing hurdles and challenging their ability to function. With inflation …

[ 29 November 2024 ] In September 2024, 18 change-makers from nine Ghanaian civil society organisations participated in a transformative Mobilising Support (Advocacy for Change) training in Accra. Organised by …

[5 December 2024 – Accra, Ghana] – A transformative five-day training session aimed at enhancing the financial resilience and governance capacity of Ghanaian civil society organisations (CSOs) concluded on November …

For Immediate Release [Accra, Ghana, 2 December 2024] – With just a few days remaining until Ghana’s pivotal 2024 general elections, the country stands at a defining juncture in its …

“We are only as strong as our weakest link.” This warning has become a clarion call for civil society organisations (CSOs) in West Africa, who find themselves balancing on a …

Dakar, Senegal, 4-5 November 2024 – In today’s hyper-connected world, technology is not merely a tool but the very pulse of organisational life—yet for non-profits across West Africa, this digital …

(Abuja, Nigeria, November 8, 2024) – Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria are redefining their approach to digital security, addressing a critical vulnerability highlighted in the West Africa Civil Society …

(Accra, Ghana, November 8, 2024) – Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Ghana are bolstering their defences against cyber threats following their participation in a groundbreaking digital security programme funded by …

[Abuja, Nigeria – 3 December 2024] -The WACSI Node in Nigeria, in collaboration with the Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNNGO), convened a high-level panel discussion at the Civil Society Organisations …

[8 November 2024] –  The Ghana Philanthropy Conference 2024, held in Accra, has called for a redefined approach to volunteerism, urging Ghanaians to view it as a civic responsibility rather …

The old paradigms of aid and development, once pillars of hope, now struggle to support the evolving landscape. Climate change, political unrest, and economic inequities have created challenges that overwhelm …

[Accra, Ghana – 14 October 2024] – The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) recently convened a special West Africa Policy Dialogue Series (WACPoDiS) in Accra, bringing together key stakeholders …

[ Accra, 16 October 2024] – Ghanaian civil society organisations (CSOs) are facing a critical turning point as dwindling donor funding forces them to rethink not just their financial strategies, …

  For Immediate Release   21 October 2024  Ghanaian CSOs Acquire Critical Skills to Strengthen Institutional Operations and Boost Financial Sustainability Amidst Dwindling Donor Funding  Accra, Ghana – 13 October 2024 …

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) is inviting young graduates and early-career professionals from Nigeria, Senegal, and Cape Verde to apply for its Next Generation Internship Programme (NGIP). This …

On 6 June 2024, WACSI organised a Knowledge Cafe where one of her 2023 research fellows, Rachad Bani Samari, provided details of his report titled Investigating the Effects of Armed …

In line with the development of our organisation, we are seeking the services of a Business Development Consultant who will support the establishment of our organisation’s Business Development Unit in …

For Immediate Release 4 October 2024 ROAD TO GHANA’S POLLS: WACSI HOSTS CRITICAL DIALOGUE ON ELECTORAL INCLUSION, TRANSPARENCY, AND INTEGRITY [Accra, 4 October 2024] – As Ghana approaches its crucial …

[Abuja, 29 August 2024] – Civil society organisations (CSOs) in West Africa are increasingly facing digital threats that endanger their work in advocating for human rights, democracy, and social justice.  …

[Accra, 10 September 2024] – The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) has officially commenced its groundbreaking Next Generation Technology Internship Programme (NGTIP), welcoming its first cohort of young professionals …

[Kumasi, Ghana — 31 August 2024] – On 28 and 29 August 2024, the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) and STAR-Ghana Foundation hosted an intensive Learning Café in Kumasi …

[Ghana, 9 August 2024] — The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) and STAR-Ghana Foundation, in a partnership under the Giving for Change (GfC) Programme, have completed a series of …

[Dakar, Senegal, 14 June 2024]— In response to the dwindling financial resources that threaten the sustainability of civil society organisations (CSOs) across Senegal, the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) …

Despite years of efforts to strengthen governance, promote human rights, and support open civic space, the civil society sector continues to face significant challenges. These include a restrictive operational environment, …

[Accra, 27 June 2024]-In the face of shrinking civic space, funding challenges, and eroding public trust, Ghana’s civil society organisations (CSOs) convened for the second Ghana Civil Society Forum held …

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), in collaboration with TechSoup Europe and the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab), is looking to engage qualified individuals to contribute to …

Accra, Ghana [July 2024] – The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) has admitted three aspiring young graduates to the Next Generation Internship Programme (NGIP). Launched in 2008, NGIP is …

[Accra, 20 July 2024] –The critical role of civil society in advancing Africa’s trade prospects took center stage at a landmark event hosted by the West Africa Civil Society Institute …

WACSI and INTRAC are transforming civil society support in West Africa by creating a network of consultants to share knowledge, best practices, and enhance collaboration. This initiative aims to empower …

WACSI and Wilde Ganzen Foundation invite CBOs and NGOs in Ghana to join the Mobilising Support course, designed to enhance advocacy skills and foster effective engagement with stakeholders. The program …

Accra, Ghana – July 15, 2024 – The Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) is proud to celebrate its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of fostering collaboration between the African …

The West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS), in collaboration with Tournons la Page (TLP), West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), and other pro-democracy actors across the region, extend our warmest …

 [Accra, 21 June 2024] –In a bid to strengthen the financial resilience of local civil society organisations working to respond to the shrinking civic space, the West African Civil Society …

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) with support from Ford Foundation is inviting young graduates or civil society actors from Ghana and Nigeria, with interest in leveraging technology for …

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) is a regional non-governmental organization dedicated to enhancing the capacity of civil society organizations in West Africa towards a peaceful and prosperous West …

 [Accra, 28 May 2024] – In a proactive move to bolster digital security, Ghanaian civil society organisations (CSOs) have crafted robust strategies to safeguard their operations. During a three-day training …

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) is a regional non-governmental organisation dedicated to enhancing the capacities of civil society organisations in West Africa toward greater sustainability and operational and …

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) was created to reinforce the institutional, operational and knowledge capacities of civil society in the region as well as enhance knowledge on civil …

[ Ghana, 17 May 2024] – In a concerted effort to advance Africa’s development agenda, the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), STAR-Ghana Foundation, Comic Relief, and British Airways visited …

WACSI fully supports the open letter addressed to Mr. Johan Forssell, Minister for Swedish International Development Cooperation, and Mr. Jakob Granit, Director-General of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). …

[Abidjan, 3 April 2024] – Francophone West African partners of Open Society-Africa (OSF Africa) have praised the organisation for investing in their operational capacities to ensure sustainability during its transition.  …

[Lagos, 10 April 2024] – As civil society organisations (CSOs) across Nigeria face growing challenges in an increasingly complex operational landscape, strong leadership is becoming more critical than ever.   The …

[Abuja, 25 March 2024] – In a landscape where digital prowess can amplify advocacy efforts but also expose vulnerabilities, civil society organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria have taken proactive steps to …

[Dakar, 8 March 2024]  In 2023, a stark research report based on data from 284 civil society organisation (CSO) representatives drawn from over 2000 CSOs across 18 West African countries …

[Accra, 27 March 2024] – Sixteen (16) Ghanaian civic actors, primed for leadership roles, have embarked on a transformative journey to make a meaningful impact in West Africa’s civic space. …

For Immediate Release  19 March 2024  [Abuja, 19 March 2024] A recent report titled “The Contribution of Civil Society Organisations to the Economic, Social, and Political Development of West Africa” has …

[Accra, 18 March 2024]- “Resource mobilisation encompasses more than just finances. It can encompass anything that enhances organisational efficiency, whether it be human resources or assets,” says Charles Vandyck, Head, …

In Africa, figures sourced from an article by the International Labour Organisation reveal that around 13 million youth are currently unemployed. However, this statistic overlooks approximately 60 million other young …

Press Statement For Immediate Release 13 March 2024 Regional Civil Society Delegation Engages ECOWAS Commission on Promotion of Democracy, Peace, and Security in West Africa [Abuja, 11th March 2024] – …

[Accra, Ghana, 8 March 2024] – Recent findings from a report titled “Landscape Mapping of Civil Society Digital Security in West Africa” have underscored the pressing need for enhanced digital …

[Abuja, 4 March 2024]- “It was such an impactful and enlightening experience. From compliance to freedom of speech, we thoroughly explored critical issues relevant to our work. I am grateful …

WACSI seeks to engage a Project Manager (Consultant) for the Reimagining INGO (RINGO) project. We’re seeking a dedicated individual to work at the forefront of systems change initiatives. As part …

In Ghana, the pursuit of computer literacy is likened to mining for precious gold. Recognising the transformative power of digital skills, the nation is steadfast in its commitment to equipping …

Agriculture stands as a cornerstone of Ghana’s economy, particularly in the Northern region, playing a pivotal role as a vital source of sustenance. According to a report by the Food …

[Accra, 23 January 2024]- The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) is committed to promoting safe, accessible, and open digital civic space in West Africa.   The Institute is proactively …

[Lagos, 10 January 2024]- Over 150 civic actors from across Western, Central and Eastern Africa have decried the “unprecedented’’ growing waves of coups in West Africa and have put forward …

[Accra – January 2024] The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) last year, admitted seven ambitious young graduates into its flagship Next Generation Leadership Programme (NGLP). The seven, comprising of …

[Abidjan, 12 December 2023} – The African Development Bank and the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marking a significant step in their commitment …

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  [Abidjan, 12 December 2023} – In a landmark event today, the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) officially solidified its longstanding collaboration with the African Development Bank …

[Abuja, Nigeria – 11 December 2023] – Health stakeholders including health practitioners, government ministries, specialized agencies such as the West Africa Health Organisation (WAHO), National Centre for Disease Control (NCDN), …

WACSI wishes to engage a Tech Project Officer to contribute to the digital transformation of the Institute to help in achieving its strategic goals and targets. Under the guidance and …

[Accra – 28 November 2023]- A groundbreaking report by the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) has identified Nigeria as the foremost contributor to economic, social, and political advancements in …

Esteemed chairpersons: Amina Salihu, Senior Programme Officer, McArthur Foundation; and Professor Charles Ukeje, Independent Consultant/ Governance expert; Your Excellency Ambassador Awinador-Kanyirige, Senior Advisor for Governance and Peacebuilding, African Union; Distinguished …

In the context of increasing threats to democracy and the shrinking of the civic space, it is crucial for civil society organisations (CSOs) to sustain their role as key actors …

[Sierra Leone – 13 September 2023] From the 4th to the 8th of September 2023, a transformative event unfolded in the heart of Freetown, Sierra Leone. The West Africa Civil …

Embracing Democracy, Peace, and Prosperity: A Collective Call for a Stronger West Africa Preamble We, the participants of the maiden West Africa Civil Society Week 2023 (WACSW23), representing over 100 …

Mr. Chairman, Your Excellency Ambassador Awinador-Kanyirige, Senior Advisor for Governance and Peacebuilding, African Union; Your Excellencies, the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Ghana, Mr. Charles Abani; and Resident …

In a bold response to the unprecedented challenges threatening civic space and democracy in West Africa, over 100 civil society leaders, activists, and development partners are set to convene in …

Trees contribute to the overall well-being of humans. They improve mental health by providing a calming and aesthetically pleasing environment. Research has shown that spending time in nature, surrounded by …

With the dwindling nature of financial resources from international donors to civil society actors in Nigeria, there is a growing realisation that civil society organisations (CSOs) in the country need …

CIVIC SPACE UNDER THREAT! Statement on the Current Political and Security Developments in Senegal Tuesday, 06 June 2023 We, the underlisted civil society organisations in West Africa, note with deep …

As the world continues to embrace the full possibilities of digital technologies, cybersecurity has become a non-negotiable prerequisite for investment in any organisation. However, effective cybersecurity remains a challenge across …

[Accra– 26 April 2023] – The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) on 19 April 2023, launched a groundbreaking research report which uncovered the state of digital security among civil …

It has been uncovered that 31% of civil society organisations (CSOs) in West Africa experienced a digital security attack in the last 12 months. 25% of attacks happened multiple times. …

[Accra – 29 March 2023] Thirty-six (36) civic actors in Cameroon, Liberia and Cote d’Ivoire will now be able to effectively protect their personal and organisations’ digital assets and contribute towards …

[Yaoundé- 29 March 2023] From 20 – 22 March 2023, four civil society organisations (CSOs) came together in Yaounde under the initiative of a training for CSOs on Digital Security …

Source: CIVICUS Monitor Ghana has been downgraded from ‘narrowed’ to ‘obstructed’ in a new report by the CIVICUS Monitor, a global research collaboration that rates and tracks fundamental freedoms in …

Unemployment and underemployment are dire challenges facing many developing countries. In West Africa, the youth are worst hit by this menace. Moreso, many youths endowed with valuable potential to contribute …

[Accra – 23 February 2023] – Civil society organisations (CSOs) in West Africa will see improvement in digital security and safety as 15 digital activists have received training to help …

[ Zanzibar – 10 February 2023] – Over 40 civil society actors from 15 civil society organisations from Africa, South America, Asia and Europe have converged in the beautiful island …

[Accra- 2 January 2023] – The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) is excited about the prospects of the Re-Imagining the Role of International Non- Governmental organisations (RINGO), a project …

[Accra- 31 January 2023]- Four civil society organisations (CSOs) in The Gambia have seen incredible results following their participation in a local fundraising training facilitated by the West Africa Civil …

The increasing use of technology in the sub-region has placed Civic Space under threat, both online and offline. CSOs play a critical role in safeguarding citizens and vulnerable communities and …

WACSI, in collaboration with TechSoup Europe, is looking to engage qualified individuals to work on creation of content on digital security and safety to be published on the Hive Mind, …

[Accra- 16 December 2022] – The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) is well positioned to build a resilient civil society in West Africa. The Institute has launched a new …

[Abuja, 19  November 2022] The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) is poised to tighten collaboration with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to build civil society resilience …

[Abuja, 15 November 2022] Civil society actors in Nigeria will no longer be travelling to Ghana to access the services of the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) as the …

[Accra – 30 October 2022] – Over seven hundred (700) civic actors from around the world would be participating in the RINGO Learning Festival. The festival is a learning and …

[Accra- 19 October]- Twenty-five (25)  civil society organisations (CSOs) will now be able to effectively contribute towards the fight for a resilient civic space in West Africa having received training …

[Accra – 10 October 2022] – The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) is hosting   a two-day regional workshop on civic space protection from 12-13 October 2022 in Accra, Ghana …

[Accra – 7 October 2022] – It is a new dawn for some nine civil society organisations in Ghana. The organisations will benefit from a three-year long capacity strengthening programme …

[Accra – 23 September 2022] – The Executive Director of the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), Nana Asantewa Afadzinu, has called on the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of …

[ Accra – 19 September 2022] – In August 2022, the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) trained 42 civic actors from twenty-one (21) civil society organisations (CSOs) in Ghana …

[Accra – 1 September 2022] The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) has welcomed new talents to its pool of civic actors and experts, as part of efforts to propel the …

[Accra- 19 August 2022] Eighteen months into the implementation of the Giving for Change (GfC) programme, the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) and STAR-Ghana Foundation have achieved outstanding milestones …

None of the 15 ECOWAS countries can boast of gender equality in its social, political, and economic spheres despite many years of continuous struggle by women and advocates. Rather, the …

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) is delighted to announce the interns for the second cohort of the 2022 Next Generation Internship Programme (NGIP).    The three interns, who come …

[Dakar – 22 July 2022] Leaders of organised civil society and drivers of social movements across West Africa held a three-day workshop in Dakar, Senegal, to design a transformative strategy …

Four graduates from three African countries have received training under the Next Generation Internship (NGI) Programme, a flagship mentoring initiative of the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI).   The …

More than 50 partner representatives of the Giving for Change (GfC) programme attended the opening session of the five-day partner learning and reflection meeting which has begun in Accra, Ghana. …

About the Changemakers Innovation Challenge The Changemakers Innovation Challenge is conceived by ACT Foundation as a response to the impressive work of community nonprofits, businesses and social enterprises in Africa …

Launched on 17 June 2021 in Ghana,, the Giving for Change (GfC) programme seeks to transform the way development is done by promoting local giving as a strategy for achieving …

[23 June 2022] Over 70 African citizens held a dialogue to address the shrinking civic space and violations of human rights and freedoms in Commonwealth Africa during the Commonwealth People’s …

Though civil society organisations (CSOs) have significantly contributed to addressing a wide array of rights-based topics in West Africa, they still have an essential role to play in complementing governments’ …

Last week, the Global Fund for Community Foundations (GFCF) and Root Change announced the inaugural cohort of the 2022 #ShiftThePower Fellows. Jimm Chick Fomunjong, Head of Knowledge Management and Communications at the West Africa …

[Accra – 30 May 2022] The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) joins several civil society organisations in West Africa to commend progress made by Nigeria in the protection of …

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) in partnership with STAR-Ghana Foundation has trained 24 staff from 12 organisations of the Communities of Practice (CoPs) members under Giving for Change …

“As Africans, our giving is not transactional, it’s transformational,” Nana Asantewa Afadzinu, Executive Director of the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) said on Thursday May 11, 2022. This, she …

[Accra – Ghana] 18  May 2022 – A resource hub dedicated to promoting an open civic space and regulatory compliance as well as strengthening civil society organisations (CSOs’) organisational governance …

16 May 2022 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Omolara Balogun, Head, Policy Influencing and Advocacy Unit (WACSI) Email: obalogun@kwamea17.sg-host.com Contact: Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, Executive Director, Spaces for Change (S4C) Email: spacesforchange.s4c@gmail.com LAUNCH …

The Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS vision is to remain an independent, reliable, efficient and accessible legal and judicial institution of the Community, playing a strategic role in establishing and …

As part of its Organizational Effectiveness (OE) strategy refresh, the Hewlett Foundation’s Effective Philanthropy Group set out to answer these questions and better understand the current field of nonprofit capacity …

[Accra, Ghana] 31 March 2022 — As part of efforts to groom the next generation of leaders in the West African region, the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) has …

[Niamey, Niger] 18 March 2022 — The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) concluded a successful 3-day capacity building training for young civil society actors on effective advocacy for open …

The Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) have entered into a new partnership to establish a transnational democracy solidarity network, to be …

[Niamey, Niger] 17 March 2022 — The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) concluded a successful 3-day capacity building training for young civil society actors on effective advocacy for open …

[Niamey, Niger] 14 – 16 March 2022 — The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) successfully completed a 3-day capacity building workshop for young civil society actors on effective advocacy …

15 November 2021 marked a new dawn for the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) and gave impetus to its mission of strengthening civil society in West Africa. It will …

Initiative Pour le Developpement Communautaire et de la Conservation de la Foret (IDEF) has positioned itself on the path of good institutional governance; one that makes the staff, management and …

A visit of four personnel from WACSI to SOS-Forêts on Tuesday 16 November 2021 was characterised by high sense of gratitude shown to WACSI by the over 10 members of …

Dear partners of civil society organizations,  You are cordially invited to the 1st regional forum for civil society organizations in the Western Africa region to be held virtually, on Wednesday December …

[Accra, Ghana] 24 November 2021 — The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) held a half-day dialogue on civil society contributions to national development and efforts towards rebuilding better the …

The spontaneous nature of social movements combines groups of people with complementary skills driven towards a shared goal. These social movements have become a prime factor contributing to social change …

[Accra, Ghana] 25 – 27 October 2021 — The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) completed a 3-day successful capacity building training for women and feminist organisations in climate change, …

The Ghana Startup Network in partnership with International Trade Centre’s Ye! Community, and Pan African SMEs Network has launched the 5th edition of the annual Young Entrepreneurs Summit, Expo and …

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) with the support of the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) facilitated a 3 – day institutional strengthening training for staff of the …

Join the #ShiftThePower conference titled Local Philanthropy, Localisation and Power: Communities driving their own development to discuss how African civil society organisations, grantmakers, philanthropic foundations and other actors in the …

Terms of Reference for the Africa Innovation Festival Moderators Introduction to Innovation for Change (I4C) Innovation for Change (I4C) is a global network of people and organizations who work together …

Terms of Reference for the Africa Innovation Festival Translation Services Introduction to Innovation for Change (I4C) Innovation for Change (I4C) is a global network of people and organizations who work …

Terms of Reference for the Africa Innovation Festival Keynote Speakers Introduction to Innovation for Change (I4C) Innovation for Change (I4C) is a global network of people and organizations who work …

Terms of Reference for the Africa Innovation Festival Demo Jams Introduction to Innovation for Change (I4C) Innovation for Change (I4C) is a global network of people and organizations who work …

The Africa Philanthropy Network (APN) is the only continent-wide network of organizations and individuals in Africa and its diaspora that promotes the culture of philanthropic giving.  Since 2009 APN conceived …

CODACS’s action plan involved organising a campaign to reduce teenage pregnancy in identified communities within the Talensi and Bongo District in the Upper East Region. This constituted in identifying teenage …

TEERE means change, or more generally impact. The choice of this word is to show the compelling and burning need for the transformation of lives in Northern Ghana in particular …

Star Ghana Foundation and its strategic partner, the West Africa Civil Society Institute -WACSI, launched the Giving for Change Project in Ghana with a clarion call on citizens to maximise …

The year 2020 marked a turning point for many civil society organisations (CSOs) in West Africa. The COVID-19 pandemic affected the performance of these organisations in diverse ways, making it …

Centre for Active Learning and Integrated Development (CALID) is a Non-Governmental, Non-profit and Non-Partisan organisation formed on April 04, 2001 in Tamale by a group of Community Development Workers formerly …

The OECD Development Centre, the Sahel and West Africa Club Secretariat, the African Development Bank Group, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, in collaboration with the Austrian Development …

“Your voice is far reaching than your vision, so never let it be silent”. These are the words that were drumming in her ears in the middle of 2020. As …

The Alliance for African Partnership is now accepting proposals for the Transforming Institutions Strategic Funding! The Alliance for African Partnership (AAP) seeks proposals from AAP consortium members and their partners …

Feedback is a very important aspect of the learning and growth strategy of the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). At WACSI, we have taken deliberate steps to elevate the …

Warren Buffet once said: “Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” Friday 11 June 2021 marked another historic day in Ghana; Green …

Africa Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD), in collaboration with OXFAM and ActionAid, is organising a two-day Pan African Media Conference on Debt and Development. From 9th – …

Migration and the movement of persons within Africa and outside the continent forms a large part of Africa’s history. Migration in Africa dates back to centuries. Cross-border migrations happen daily across the …

WACSI continues to serve as fertile ground for the cross-fertilisation of knowledge among civil society leaders in West Africa and across the globe. On 4 May 2021, Leadership Fellows comprising …

Ghana with seven other countries and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs have started a new partnership called strengthening the civil society framework. Under the framework, the Dutch government will support community …

Have you ever wondered why some civil society organisations (CSOs) effortlessly produce excellent results with respect to impact creation, while others struggle in the quest?    Let us begin by picturing a young lady who just did her test …

In March 2020, the world was plunged into a state of shock and dismay by the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The pandemic affected every aspect of human life, ranging …

She prides herself in being the best While others struggle in the quest Excellence is her minimum standard She ensures she is always on guard Her vision is a peaceful …

Imagine spending a whole year putting together resources needed to strengthen your organisation. Having sleepless nights and barely being able to maintain a proper diet for yourself just to ensure that you followed all legal and social requirements …

Community development and leadership now rests in the hands of the youths.  According to a report on “The Burgeoning Africa Youth population” by Felix Kariba, 60% of Africa’s population is …

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), since its establishment in 2007 has provided consistent support to civil society organisations (CSOs) in West Africa and beyond in the areas of …

ECOWAS Commission has called for more youth and Women participation in its vision 2050, in a two-day workshop, held in Abuja, 25th – 26th March 2050. The workshop created a platform …

The ECOWAS Commission has asked Community stakeholders to play an active role in the development and the implementation of the ECOWAS Vision 2050 document and its frameworks for the West …

Seven civil society organisations (CSOs) in Liberia received twelve brand new Lenovo laptops on Thursday March 25, 2021 from the Executive Director of NAYMOTE – Partners for Democratic Development, Eddie …

WACSI’s efforts to strengthen the civil society sector in West Africa has not gone unnoticed. With the Institute’s resilience in 2020, WACSI delivered activities that benefitted 1,158 participants from 761 …

January 2021 set a new page in the careers of Shu Mabel Lum, Angela Akorfa Apedoh, Agossou Jacques Setondji and Ballo Ngomna as they joined the Capacity Development, Policy Influencing …

Technology remains an indispensable tool that is required to boost the efficiency of civil society organisations (CSOs). With the outbreak of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the role of technology in …

Submission Deadline: Monday 5 April 2021 The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) is inviting individuals, organisations, associations and groups from across Africa to submit stories or cases of the …

The West Africa Civil Society Institute has initiated a process of promoting peer learning among like-minded civil society actors and other stakeholders in the development space. This initiative dubbed the …

The curtains of 2021 opened with a new career adventure for Shu Mabel Lum, a young and ambitious Cameroonian who is passionate about grooming young girls to understand the key …

The French Embassy in Ghana is seeking high-quality project proposals that seek to preserve, promote, advocate and educate on culture and heritage in the following three areas: ⮚ PROTECTING HERITAGE …

Many are called but few are chosen. This popular adage encapsulates the recognition bestowed upon Carl Manlan, Chief Operating Officer of the Ecobank Foundation, for his relentless efforts to ‘move …

As part of the project entitled: Strengthening CSOs’ Capacities for Effective Stakeholder Engagement in Biodiversity Conservation funded by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF); on Monday 9 November 2020, the …

“In West Africa, state institutions and public service delivery are still very fragile, inefficient and not meeting the expectations of community citizens. In many countries, public institutions are progressively being …

In 2017, with the support of  Ford Foundation West Africa and the Rockdale Foundation, the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) organised the second edition of the Civil Society Leadership …

It is has become more evident that there are serious leadership challenges within civil society. “Managing people is a challenge within civil society …There is a big gap in leadership …

On Wednesday 19 August 2020, over 90 stakeholders from the private sector, civil society and government convened to reflect on the gains they have made to curb COVID-19 in Ghana. …

This has compelled most CSOs to model their activities to be delivered via online means. This makes it paramount for CSOs to adopt information and communication technologies (ICTs) and use …

In a fast-paced technological and digital age, the ability of civil society organisations (CSOs) to create impact and enhance their reach is affected by their skilfulness in leveraging technology for …

Hope for Children and Aged Rehabilitation Centre located in Sunyani in the Brong Ahafo Region Ghana in West Africa was commissioned to combine measurement and actions in the medical and …

“I am happy to announce that as Inspector General of Police of The Gambia Police Force, we are dropping all charges against Mr. Madi Jobarteh as from today. No other …

“Through a hands-on approach to executing tasks in the next few months, I hope to get a grasp of how civil society works in the region of West Africa. This will help me understand how to …

It is in July 2020. The middle of an extraordinary year in the 14 years of WACSI’s existence. Extraordinary because the Institute, like every other civil society organisations (CSOs) in …

The Upper Guinean Forest of West Africa considered as one of the “global biodiversity hotspots” due to its exceptional concentrations of endemic flora and fauna species. This natural treasure has lost more …

As West African states have been implementing anti-COVID-19 directives to curb the global pandemic, civil society organisations (CSOs) have increasingly raised criticism on national and regional decision-making and governance related …

Although COVID-19 has raised significant health, economic, social and human rights challenges, the global pandemic can also be viewed as an opportunity for innovation and higher impact. Several civil society …

COVID-19 has exacerbated the existing challenges that West African civil society organisations (CSOs) normally face. Indeed, the global pandemic has aggravated the prevailing digital divide as lock-down measures began to …

Many CSOs in West Africa do not have Internet-based and technology tools through which they can communicate their activities as front liners in the fight against COVID-19. Furthermore, in the …

West African civil society organisations (CSOs) are increasingly putting efforts into leveraging on ICTs to mobilise support, coordinate response mechanisms and raise awareness on the COVID-19 pandemic. However, an overwhelming majority are …

On Thursday, 25 June 2020, STAR Ghana and Penplusbytes’ organised a webinar to officially launch and deploy a COVID-19 ‘info-for-all’ website, information for all platform to address gaps in information dissemination …

Great news! Ghanaian and Nigerian nonprofits are now able to join the Google for Nonprofits program. Get access to a number of Google’s paid products, tools, and nonprofit services at …

While West Africa has increasingly become an important hub for the global trade of illegal drugs, drug policy in the region has shown considerable weaknesses as West African states continue …

The civil society sector has been crippled by the COVID-19 pandemic, thereby reducing civil society organisation’s (CSO) capacity to effectively implement their activities and reach targeted vulnerable communities. As lock-down …

Mrs. Ayodeji Fajemirokun, a technology consultant chaired her first board meeting at WACSI in her capacity as the board chairperson. Mrs. Fajemirokun becomes the first female board chair to lead …

On Thursday 28 May 2020, WACSI organised its statutory first board meeting for the year. The meeting was organised online for the first time in the Institute’s 13 years of …

On 30 April 2020, the West Africa Civil Society Organisation (WACSI) in collaboration with the Ghana CSO Platform on the SDGs organised a webinar to discuss the expediency of the …

Over the last decade, West African civil society organisations have been leveraging on digital democratisation to voice their constituencies interests to contribute to social welfare and to participate actively in …

Street Children Project (SCP), is a legitimate Ghanaian based organisation operating in the Ashanti Region (Kumasi). Running under the vision “that all children live, grow, and are cared for within …

The Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has created a global health crisis that significantly affects citizen’s habits across the world. In the quest to stop its spread, governments across West Africa have …

Aid for Socio-Economic and Rural Development (ASERD), is a legitimate non-governmental organisation located at Nalerigu, North East Regional Capital of Ghana. The organisation envisions a community, where the rural poor, …

Civil society organisations (CSOs) across West Africa are showing innovation by using technology to advance their work. In fact, technology allows CSOs to communicate their agenda, mobilise larger audiences, connect …

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Ghana play a vital role in influencing policies in the country. They also play key roles in ensuring adequate service delivery to deprived communities. However, …

“A lot of lessons were learnt and the right answers were given to all questions. It was more of an open discussion. I just cannot wait for the next training. …

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) would like to bring to the attention of staff, partners and the general public, key measures it is putting in place to support …

An enabling environment is key for civil society sustainability. However, across the globe, there have been growing concerns of threats to civil society sustainability due to the dearth of or …

By the end of the programme, I hope to gain a quantum of competence from the internship, including knowledge of Public Policy and civil society organisations. Also, I hope to …

Rights CoLab is pleased to announce that it has joined forces with the Prague Centre for Civil Society, the Social Innovations Advisory and the West Africa Civil Society Institute to …

On Friday 13 December 2019, the board and management of WACSI held the second and last board meeting for the year. This meeting was the second in the second year …

As part of the West Africa Civil Society Institute, WACSI’s commitment to grooming the next generation of West African leaders, WACSI has been a key implementing partner of the YALI …

Since the 1990s, with the institution of the multiparty democracy, the number of electoral democracies in West Africa has been on the rise. Since January 2017, the region has for …

Seventy-eight per cent (78%) of girls in Niger get married before their 18th birthday. This makes Niger the country with the highest prevalence of child marriage in the world. It …

Tebeck Mariztsa, 18, will hold fond memories of the nonviolent mobilisation training she participated in from 4 – 7 November in Accra, Ghana. The young Cameroonian, and youngest to have …

Niger has the highest rate of child marriage in the world, with alarming statistics of 76% of women married before the age of 18 and 28% are married before age …

A 5-day training conducted for partners of the Fund for Global Human Right (FGHR) Partners in Sierra Leone by the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), took place at Imperial …

Action for Community Task (ACT), a community-based organisation in Pujehun, in the southern part of Sierra Leone was among four civil society organisations that took part in a five-day training …

Four women and child rights organisations in Sierra Leone have been enlightened on the urgent need to have boards that play more active oversight roles in the management of their …

Defence for Children International Sierra Leone (DCI-SL) and the National Children and Youth Advisory Board (NCYAB) of Liberia emerged winners of a proposal pitching competition organised for a selected group …

Advocacy is an essential tool used by civil society to achieve its mission to advance collective interests, solve shared problems and defend social causes. As institutions that facilitate communication between …

“As an organisation, we have not been doing very well with monitoring and evaluation because of limited opportunities for detailed learning. [Thanks to this programme] I have learnt key issues …

Benitha Dehfer was one of four participants from Defence for Children (DCI) Liberia who took part in a five-day training for five child rights organisations in Liberia. Like the other 15 participants, …

Five civil society organisations (CSOs) in Liberia have benefitted from a five-day training in Monrovia from 15 to 18 October 2019. The organisations who are partners of the Fund for Global …

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) with support from Star-Ghana Foundation held a 3-day sustainability fellowship training for 20 selected civil society organisations (CSOs) in Accra from Wednesday 9 to Friday …

Sustainability of the civil society sector remains a key challenge in Ghana. Although civil society plays a key role in contributing to the development of the country, dwindling funding, inadequate …

The African Development Bank (AfDB or the Bank) held a consultation workshop on 26 September 2019 with civil society actors from across West Africa in Abuja. This workshop sought to enable participants …

This strategy paper has been developed as a one-stop toolbox of ideas, initiatives and strategies for making Ghanaian civil society viable and sustainable. The Strategy document is a product of …

Four non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Sierra Leone, five from Liberia and three from Guinea have benefitted from a capacity assessment support from the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). This …

“We, SPONG, are very grateful for this timely support provided by WACSI. We had an uncomplete draft of our communication strategy and this webinar provided us with the right set …

On 23 July 2019, WACSI took part in the 4th Edition of the Association for Research on Civil Society in Africa (AROCSA) Conference that took place from 22-24 July, in Strathmore University, …

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) in collaboration with the Fund for Global Human Rights (FGHR) organised a 3-day convening with twenty representatives from civil society organisations (CSOs) that promote social justice in …

WACSI in collaboration with the International Center for Non-Profit Law (ICNL) on 20th to 22nd August 2019, convened a workshop on the theme Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing in West Africa: Strengthening civil …

This publication showcases leadership stories from various communities within West Africa. The stories highlight the growth and influence of young West African leaders who continue to shape the development of …

Many CSOs learn sector-based best practices from others. This is often achieved through their membership in networks. Networks comprise a group of CSOs and or individuals who work together to …

The interest in attending training on monitoring and evaluation evolved from his need to have basic knowledge on monitoring and evaluation. Ogbonna did not regret participating in this training. Although …

Preceding the training, WACSI engaged the leadership of selected organisations to identify critical gaps, expectations and address issues pertaining to ownership of the programme. A total of eighteen (18) participants …

My experience with WACSI has been one that is phenomenal. It has affected me in a number of ways. It shaped my research focus. I had to redirect things after …

On 10th January 2019, the Techsoup West Africa team delivered the second phase of training support in Knowledge Management System and Technology Planning for the Ghana Developing Community Association (GDCA) …

Over the last month, there has been a cross-cutting of events of civil society activities across West Africa ranging from elections to governance, activism, women empowerment among others. As these …

Reports gathered over the last one month on civil society activities across West Africa revealed a massive and diverse socio-economic agenda towards the development of livelihoods. CSOs in Nigeria recorded …

From the 03-05 December 2018, the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) in partnership with the  William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and the  Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) organised the …

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) and the  Open Society Justice Initiative (OSJI)  invites applicants for the 2019 Africa Human Rights Litigation Course, to be held in Accra, Ghana from April 10 …

The existence and viability of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) are being threatened by the reduction in donor funding, Mr Charles Vandyck, Head, Capacity Development Unit, West Africa Civil Society Institute …

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), in partnership with Innovation for Change, has put together a three-day conference in which participants are expected to share ideas on alternative funding …

On 1 November 2018, the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) and the Affinity Group of National Associations (AGNA) convened a consultative forum on Domestic Resource Mobilisation for Civil Society. …

In today’s world, there are many organisations seeking to address various needs in society. This has led to competition for grants, especially in developing countries. There has been a culture …

From the 17th- 18th October 2018, WACSI hosted 13 members of the International Consortium on Closing Civic Space (iCon) at its secretariat. During her opening remarks, the Executive Director of …

“We’ve improved our ways of generating funds locally towards projects instead of depending solely on foreign aid and internally generated funds. This awareness only came about through our participation in …

Since its creation in 2000, the Urban Poor Child Organisation (UPCO) has experienced some resource mobilisation challenges. This impeded their ability to locally mobilise resources to sustain their mission and ensure …

Over the past one month, the level and engagements of civil society activities in West Africa have been observed to be on the rise as they are confronted with a …

The state of civil society’s sustainability in Ghana remains challenging. This was realised from research on the State of Civil Society’s Sustainability in Ghana published by the West Africa Civil …

Dr. Mohammed Arhin urges non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to invest in building their own capacity. He also encourages NGOs to be smart in generating funds both internally and externally. Additionally, he …

The state of civil society sustainability in Ghana remains challenging. This is a key outcome of the research on the State of Civil Society’s Sustainability in Ghana. “Sustainability is an …

Over the past four months, phrases such as “sweet, sweet codeine” and “end tramadol abuse now” have become very popular in Ghana and Nigeria. These terms emanated from a title …

Over decades, youths on the African continent have argued that the biggest leadership deficit is caused by the failure of young qualified professionals to be given the opportunity to occupy …

From politicians violating human rights to repressive laws and downright violence, the civic space in many West African countries is shrinking even amidst rising advocacy. The August edition of the …

Mareme Ndour believes in duty; her duty to manage and lead her colleagues and organisation more effectively as Deputy Director of Corps Africa-Senegal. In 2017 she discovered a means to …

Civil society in West Africa, Cameroon and Chad continued to pursue divergent mandates and face unique challenges, as reflected in the diversity of the population, and the political, economic and …

The Civil Society Leadership Institute (CSLI) is designed to groom the next generation of leaders in civil society. It equips participating fellows with the skills and tools they need to …

In line with our mandate to capacitate civil society actors in the sub-region, WACSI organised 5-day training on Evidence-Based Advocacy from 23-27 July 2018 in Accra, Ghana. The training which …

The Senate Committee Chairman on Youth and Sports has called for the decriminalisation of drug use and to consider it from a public health perspective. Senator Commany Wesseh explained that the drug …

Decades after the Beijing Women’s Conference in China, gender equality continues to face stiff resistance across sectors of African society. Notwithstanding, the inclusion of gender equality as a key policy …

Over the month of July, the West African civic space has been very dynamic. Many of its actors undertook key actions to improve the lives of citizens. Civil society organisations …

“I used to focus on just myself, completing my daily tasks without considering a holistic approach to enhance my organisation’s work,” Chinenye Etoniru, a 2017 Fellow of WACSI’s Civil Society …

Dr. Annick Sidibe, a 2017 Mandela Washington Fellow (MWF) from Burkina Faso has joined WACSI as the Immunisation Advocacy Initiative (IAI) Project Officer. As a MWF, Dr. Sidibe took the …

“It was an honour to be a Next Generation Intern with WACSI”, said Cesaltina Travares Sa, after completing a six-month internship at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) in …

The editorials are analytical write-ups on topical themes and emerging issues relevant to West Africa and the development sector. These editorials provide WACSI’s Board members with a platform to reflect, …

Since 2015, WACSI hosts two students from the Ghana Institute of Languages every month. During this period, these students work at the institute as part of their language immersion programme. …

“I was prone to outbursts, lacking tact and an unapologetic disposition”. These were the words that came to mind about Moussa when his colleagues thought about him. Moussa Hassan Ousseini, …

In the early hours of Monday 30 July 2018, 16 participants from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) paid a working visit to WACSI. The goal of their visit …

Meet Ms Nicole Hinshaw, an aspiring diplomat and Public Diplomacy Officer, a Junior at Arizona State University (ASU) studying Human Communication and Political Science who took up internship programmes in …

For many years, women continue to be poorly represented in governance and power structures across the West African region. Specifically, women are not adequately represented in two of the three …