WACSI Launches 20th Anniversary Celebrations with a Stirring Call to Reflect, Reignite and Reimagine Civil Society in West Africa

April 8, 2025 In Newsroom By WACSI

WACSI Launches 20th Anniversary Celebrations with a Stirring Call to Reflect, Reignite and Reimagine Civil Society in West Africa

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[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 2 April 2025 at its Head Office in Accra, Ghana.

The event served as the first of many commemorative moments throughout the year, bringing together founding staff, board members, regional partners, civil society leaders, funding agencies, and representatives from both government and the private sector.

A group photo capturing the beautiful WACSI family — uniting founding members and current staff

Themed “Reflecting Progress, Inspiring the Future”, the launch captured the essence of WACSI’s mission over the past two decades and set the tone for its next chapter. It was not just a celebration of impact but a clarion call to reimagine civil society in a rapidly shifting global and regional landscape.

A Legacy of Purpose

From its modest beginnings in 2005, WACSI was established by the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) to fill a critical capacity gap. Over time, it has evolved into the region’s leading indigenous institution dedicated to strengthening civil society.

Reflecting on WACSI’s inception, Professor Esi Sutherland-Addy, a founding board member, recalled OSIWA’s deeper vision.

“I think that sometimes we only talk about the needs, but for us in OSIWA it was also the question of the enormous potential of the organisation and the skilled personnel operating in our civil society space,” she said.

From those early years, WACSI has supported over 5,000 organisations and civic actors through capacity building, policy engagement, advocacy, local philanthropy support, and knowledge sharing. It has championed the values of inclusion, resilience, and African-led solutions.

A choreography performance by the University of Ghana Drama Group during the launch event

Speaking at the launch, Ambassador Francis Alex Tsegah, WACSI Board Member and former Ghanaian diplomat, grounded the celebration in its founding intent:

“WACSI was created out of foresight. The architects of this initiative recognised that for civil society in West Africa to thrive, it needed strong institutions, local ownership, and sustainable leadership,” he stated.

“Twenty years later, we’re not just celebrating an organisation. We’re honouring a movement—a movement for inclusion, equity, transparency, and people power. And we’re calling on all actors to recommit to this cause.”

A Gathering of Voices Across Generations and Borders

The hybrid event was vibrant, drawing in-person and virtual participation from across the globe. Former WACSI staff now leading in diverse development sectors, civil society pioneers, and international allies joined current employees, board members, and regional partners for a day of celebration and reflection.

In her keynote address, Dr Nana Afadzinu, Executive Director of WACSI, spoke passionately about the values that continue to guide the Institute.

“WACSI’s work has never been just about programmes or projects. It has always been about people—building their confidence, enhancing their systems, and creating an enabling space for them to do what they do best: transform communities.”

She also emphasised the urgent need for adaptability and innovation in the face of growing threats to civic space.

“As we look ahead, we must not only reflect but also reimagine. The terrain is changing—more authoritarianism, more digital threats, and increasing pressure on activists.

WACSI will continue to stand in the gap, innovating and convening, because a vibrant civil society is non-negotiable for development and democracy.”

Honouring the Pillars Behind the Vision

A special segment of the programme was dedicated to recognising WACSI’s founding staff—those who laid the foundational systems, forged early partnerships, and developed pioneering strategies.

The room was filled with emotion as current and former staff recalled pivotal moments—from conducting the first regional capacity needs assessment in 2006 to spearheading civic tech initiatives and facilitating policy engagements across the ECOWAS subregion.

Adding a layer of historical context, Professor Sutherland-Addy. “Our ideation process centered around creating a platform for knowledge exchange, collaborative learning, meaningful use of space, where civil society could become more resilient and representative,” she noted.

Voices that Shaped and Sustained WACSI

The intergenerational character of the event was underscored by the insights shared from both veterans and emerging voices. These perspectives illustrated WACSI’s ability to remain grounded in its founding principles while adapting to a changing world.

From a fresh viewpoint, Chamrid Kpadonou, a former intern at the Institute, shared a heartfelt reflection.

“Through my time in WACSI, there have been so many challenges, but each time WACSI has been able to adapt itself to innovate and go through those challenges to be able to achieve more in what we are truly doing,” he said.

This seamless continuity—from founding visionaries to current interns—demonstrated the depth of WACSI’s legacy and the breadth of its future promise.

Looking Ahead: A Year of Celebration and Purpose

The 20th Anniversary celebration is not confined to one day. A year-long series of activities has been planned across the region to reflect on lessons learned, reignite civic commitment, and reimagine solutions for emerging challenges.

The launch event concluded with a mix of music, networking, and a captivating photo exhibition chronicling two decades of civic impact.

A snapshot from the media briefing held as part of the launch activities

As WACSI begins its third decade, one message stands clear.WACSI is not just celebrating years—it is celebrating purpose, people, and power.

In an era of democratic backsliding, civic repression, and rising inequality, WACSI remains a critical lighthouse—guiding, connecting, and amplifying civil society’s voice in West Africa and beyond.

“We invite governments, partners, young leaders, media, and movements to walk with us,” said Dr. Afadzinu.

“It’s time to reflect, reignite, and reimagine what’s possible—when civil society leads.”

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