The future of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in West Africa amidst key shifts in multilateralism and regionalism will be defined by their adaptability, innovation, and strategic engagement.
Dr. Philip Attuquayefio, a Research Fellow at the Legon Center for International Affairs and Diplomacy (LECIAD), University of Ghana, stated that while restrictive political environments, shifting donor priorities, and emerging challenges pose significant risks, CSOs that embrace digital transformation, diversify their funding models, strengthen regional alliances, and expand their thematic focus will continue to play a critical role in shaping governance, development, and human rights in the region.
“The ability to anticipate changes, build resilience, and assert influence in new and evolving spaces will determine the long-term sustainability and impact of CSO action in West Africa,” Dr. Attuquayefio remarked in his keynote address at the opening of the 18th General Assembly of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) in Accra.
“The stakes are high, but the opportunities are equally significant. CSOs in West Africa must rise to this moment, not as passive participants but as architects of a future that prioritizes peace, security, and the well-being of all.”
The two-day meeting, themed “Shaping the Future of Multilateralism and Regionalism in West Africa,” focuses on the evolving dynamics of multilateralism and regionalism in the region.
It seeks to explore the challenges and opportunities for CSOs in promoting peace, security, and sustainable development across West Africa.
Dr. Attuquayefio highlighted that CSOs in the region will be shaped by the complex and evolving dynamics of multilateralism and regionalism.
He noted that as the global and regional order undergoes significant transformations—marked by shifting donor priorities, rising authoritarianism, deepening economic integration, and changing power alignments—CSOs must adapt to remain relevant and effective.
He emphasized that the trajectory of CSO action in this new landscape would largely depend on their ability to embrace innovation, expand partnerships, and assert their influence in governance and policy spaces.
One of the defining features of the future of CSOs in West Africa, he noted, is the increasing closure of civic space, as governments impose stricter regulations, surveillance, and limitations on freedom of association.
In response, he reiterated that CSOs must develop more strategic, resilient, and decentralized approaches to civic engagement.
He explained that traditional advocacy methods may give way to more grassroots-driven, informal, and community-based activism, ensuring that civil society influence remains strong even under restrictive regimes.
“Furthermore, the role of youth and women in civil society will become increasingly important, as new generations of activists and leaders leverage digital platforms, creative advocacy tools, and social movements to advance human rights, democratic governance, and social justice,” he said.
“CSOs will need to integrate these new voices into their strategies to remain dynamic and responsive to societal changes.”
Dr. Attuquayefio further stressed that beyond regional engagement, CSOs must also forge stronger alliances with international networks, particularly as traditional Western donors recalibrate their priorities.
He pointed out that South-South cooperation and partnerships with emerging economies—such as China, India, and Turkey—might present new opportunities for funding and collaboration.
However, he cautioned that CSOs must navigate these relationships carefully, ensuring that partnerships align with their core missions of human rights, democracy, and sustainable development.
He also underscored that the increasing role of technology in governance and civic engagement will shape the future of CSO action in West Africa.
He noted that digital advocacy will remain a powerful tool for mobilization, awareness-raising, and exposing governance failures.
Moreover, he highlighted that social media, artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, and big data analytics will enhance CSOs’ ability to monitor elections, track human rights violations, and provide real-time evidence for policy advocacy.
Dr. Attuquayefio emphasized that the future of CSOs in West Africa will also be determined by their ability to secure sustainable financing. He pointed out that as traditional donor funding declines or shifts toward security and infrastructure projects, CSOs must diversify their financial sources.
This, he suggested, may involve exploring impact investment opportunities, engaging in social enterprises, strengthening corporate social responsibility (CSR) partnerships, and mobilizing domestic philanthropy.
He added that diaspora engagement will also become a critical funding avenue, as African expatriates and international networks seek to contribute to development and governance initiatives in their home countries.
By tapping into these alternative financing models, CSOs can reduce their dependence on unpredictable donor funding and enhance their long-term resilience.
In her welcome remarks, Levinia Addae-Mensah, the Executive Director of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), noted that the successful conduct of elections in Ghana and Senegal in 2024 had significantly strengthened the roots of democracy in West Africa.