As part of my World NGO Day 2025 article, and profiling various African national and regional NGO coalitions and support organisations, I requested the profiled organisations to share their perspectives on the expected challenges and opportunities African NGOs face in 2025.

The various perspectives are listed in two sections.

The first section covers regional perspectives from Central, East, Southern, and West Africa. The second section covers national perspectives from Botswana, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

(Please note: The respective organisations provided the information listed in this article.)

Regional Perspectives

#  Central Africa

Perspectives from the Réseau des Plate-formes des ONG de l’Afrique Centrale (REPONGAC)

<>  Challenges

• Funding – The region offers NGOs limited funding opportunities, while NGOs lack the financial capacity to support their members.
• Operating Environment – Central Africa is characterised by conflict and security challenges which impact NGOs’ operations.
• Communication – NGOs lack visibility due to limited external communication.
• Governance – Most NGOs experience significant governance challenges related to transparency, legitimacy and accountability.
• Government Relations – NGOs’ relations with government entities are challenging as they are perceived as opposition political parties.

<>  Opportunities

• Disaster Response – Recurring crises, conflicts and epidemics allow NGOs to demonstrate their value and impact in conflict resolution, disaster relief and humanitarian support.
• Advocacy – Central Africa’s political and socio-economic challenges are opportunities for NGOs to engage decision-makers and advocate for policy changes.

#  East Africa

Perspectives from the East African Civil Society Organisations Forum (EACSOF)

<>  Challenges

• Funding – Funding volatility persists, with shifting donor priorities and competition for grants requiring NGOs to adapt strategies while maintaining programme integrity.
• Civic Space – Restrictive regulatory environments in some partner states limit operational freedom, with bureaucratic hurdles and surveillance undermining advocacy efforts. Shrinking civic space in certain countries risks marginalising grassroots input and threaten the people-centred ethos of regional integration.
• Capacity Development – Capacity gaps hinder effective engagement in regional integration processes, as NGOs struggle with technical expertise to navigate EAC policy frameworks or leverage digital tools for impact.
• Collaboration – Fragmented collaboration among NGOs weakens collective advocacy despite EACSOF’s efforts to unify voices.

<>  Opportunities

• Funding – Expanded funding avenues, including EU-backed initiatives like LIFTED and corporate partnerships, enable NGOs to diversify resources and scale innovative projects.
• Regional Integration – Deepened regional integration under the EAC creates platforms for NGOs to influence policy, such as the Consultative Dialogue Framework, amplifying citizen-driven agendas.
• Digital innovation – Technology such as crowdfunding, blockchain, etc. opens new channels for resource mobilisation and transparent reporting, aligning with global trends.
• SDGs – SDG-aligned programming attracts international donors prioritising climate resilience, gender equality and health, areas where East African NGOs have demonstrated leadership.
• Alliances – Strategic alliances with academia, the private sector and regional bodies like EACSOF empower NGOs to co-design solutions and advocate for inclusive policies.

# Southern Africa

Perspectives from the Southern African Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (SAf-CNGO)

<>  Challenges

• Civic Space – Governments increasingly impose restrictions on NGOs, limiting freedom of association and advocacy.
• Funding – International donor priorities are shifting, and domestic funding sources remain limited, making financial sustainability a key challenge.
• Governance and Accountability – NGOs are expected to meet higher transparency and accountability standards requiring stronger internal systems.
• Technology – The need for NGOs to adopt digital tools is growing, yet many face capacity gaps in cybersecurity and digital literacy.
• Political and Socio-Economic Environment – Political instability, economic downturns and governance challenges impact NGOs’ ability to operate effectively.

<>  Opportunities

• Influence – NGOs have increasing opportunities to shape policies through structured engagements with SADC and the AU.
• Funding Models – Diversification through social enterprises, local philanthropy, and digital crowdfunding can enhance financial sustainability.
• Technology – Leveraging digital tools for advocacy, citizen engagement, and capacity-building offers new avenues for impact.
• Partnerships – Regional and international partnerships provide NGOs access to resources, expertise, and strategic alliances.
• Youth and Women’s Empowerment – The growing focus on inclusive development creates opportunities for NGOs to drive gender- and youth-focused initiatives.

#  West Africa

Perspectives from the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI)

WACSI has observed the crucial role of NGOs in West Africa. Based on a research project conducted by WACSI, NGOs in West Africa contribute significantly to socio-economic and political development through poverty reduction, job creation, and knowledge and skills transfer. They drive social accountability by monitoring development agencies, promoting good governance, and advocating for human rights and inclusive political participation, particularly for women. NGOs are vital in improving education, health, gender equality, youth welfare and conflict prevention, and providing essential social services such as clean water to deprived areas. Notwithstanding the numerous benefits, NGOs in West Africa face significant challenges impacting their effectiveness and sustainability.

<>  Challenges

• Capacity-building – Capacity needs remain pressing, with NGOs struggling to mobilise resources, improve financial management, and enhance technological and research capabilities. These limitations weaken their ability to deliver impactful programmes and adapt to changing demands.
• Civic Space – The shrinking civic space due to the rise of junta regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Chad, etc. poses a significant threat. These governments are increasingly restricting freedom of expression, and peaceful assembly and association, further undermining NGOs’ ability to advocate for democratic governance and human rights within these countries. 
• Extremism – The rise of religious extremist groups whose activities continue to create insecurity in the region makes it difficult for NGOs to come to the aid of people and organisations in urgent need of support.

<>  Opportunities

Despite the mentioned challenges, NGOs in West Africa can capitalise on emerging opportunities to enhance their impact and sustainability.

• AI – The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) presents a powerful tool to streamline operations, improve data analysis, and strengthen advocacy efforts through innovative solutions. 
• Decolonisation of Aid – The growing focus on decolonising aid and addressing inequalities within the civil society sector offers NGOs a chance to push for equitable partnerships and more localised decision-making. Initiatives like RINGO and the Decolonising Advisory Community (DAC) platform provide frameworks for empowering NGOs and their activities and ensuring meaningful local engagement within the region.
• Local Philanthropy – This presents a significant opportunity rooted in Africans’ inherent culture of giving. By providing compelling reasons to support causes, NGOs can unlock sustainable funding sources and promote greater ownership of initiatives via local mobilisation of resources.

#  West Africa

Perspectives from the West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF)

<>  Challenges

• Civic Space – Increasing government regulations and restrictions on NGOs hinder freedom of expression and advocacy efforts.
• Funding – Limited financial resources and donor dependency make it difficult for NGOs to sustain long-term impact.
• Political Environment – Coups, insurgencies and conflicts threaten NGOs’ operations and humanitarian efforts.
• Technology – Limited access to digital tools and cybersecurity threats challenge NGOs’ effectiveness.
• Institutional Frameworks – Ineffective governance structures and corruption reduce NGOs’ ability to drive policy reforms.

<>  Opportunities

• Regional Collaboration – Networks like WACSOF enable cross-border partnerships for policy advocacy and development initiatives.
• Technology and Innovation – Digital tools enhance outreach, advocacy and service delivery.
• Youth and Women’s Empowerment – Increasing engagement by youth and women in civic leadership strengthens social change movements.
• Partnerships – Collaboration with businesses provide alternative funding and sustainability models.
• Influence – Growing recognition of NGOs in governance structures presents opportunities for advocacy and institutional reforms.

National Perspectives

# Botswana

Perspectives from the Botswana Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (BOCONGO) 

<>  Challenges

• Funding – One of the biggest challenges facing Botswana NGOs is resource constraints. Many NGOs struggle to accumulate sufficient and continuous funding to sustain their work. To some extent, this is a testament to limited resource mobilisation skills within the sector and locally. Sometimes, donors may shift their priorities and focus and withdraw funding, thus causing financial instability.
• Strategic Planning – NGOs lack strategic plans to help facilitate achieving their mandates. In turn, the absence of strategic plans reduces NGOs’ ability to source sustainable financial resources.
• Governance – Poor governance is a common theme amongst Botswana NGOs. They lack understanding of the need for a board of directors, or existing boards of directors are dormant.
• Capacity Development – NGOs lack the technical and organisational capacity to execute their mandates, with few investing in training to build their capacity. Weak capacity affects NGOs’ fundraising ability, governance, leadership and technical areas.

<>  Opportunities

• Government Relations – Despite stifling challenges, there is hope for NGOs in Botswana. After 58 years, there is a new government following the October 2024 elections that has committed to being a human rights-based government. It presents an opportunity for engagement, advocacy and enhanced collaboration.
• Social Entrepreneurship – Botswana NGOs can empower local communities through social entrepreneurship, a powerful tool to foster self-sufficiency. By equipping individuals with the skills and resources needed to start their ventures, NGOs can help create jobs, stimulate Botswana’s economy and promote social cohesion, enabling community members to take charge of their development.
• Funding Models – The sustainability of NGOs’ missions hinges on their ability to develop viable business models that generate revenue while remaining true to their core values. Traditional funding sources such as grants and donations are essential, but are unpredictable and insufficient for long-term sustainability. As a result, NGOs should explore alternative revenue streams that align with their missions and leverage their unique strengths. This could involve offering training programmes and consulting services or developing products that address specific social issues.
• Technology – This is an opportunity for NGOs as it facilitates connectivity, reach and collaboration.  

# Eswatini

Perspectives from the Coordinating Assembly of Non-Governmental Organisations (CANGO)

<>  Challenges

• Civic Space – NGOs in Eswatini face a challenging civic and political environment, limiting their ability to engage in advocacy efforts.
• Funding – Donor fatigue, coupled with diminishing global resources, results in decreased funding to NGOs or stringent funding models that hinder NGOs’ ability to address community needs effectively.
• Fragmentation – The NGO sector is fragmented, with few organisations able to maintain visibility and impact.
• Social Services – Critical shortages in food, healthcare and psycho-social services pose significant challenges to citizens.

<>  Opportunities

• Grant Opportunities – There are still pockets for grant funding through international development partners which provide financial and technical support for impactful projects.
• Collaboration – NGOs can benefit from international partnerships and pressure from the global community to support their causes.
• Capacity Development – Programmes focused on capacity development and governance can enhance the skills and effectiveness of local NGOs.
• Climate Change Adaptation – Opportunities exist for NGOs to engage in climate-smart agriculture and climate-resilient livelihoods projects.
• Community Mobilisation – Increased community participation in environmental sustainability and social justice initiatives can drive positive change.
• Government Relations – There are opportunities for NGOs to strengthen their collaboration, partnership, and engagement with the Government of Eswatini by utilising forums such as CANGO, SADC, SAf-CNGO, and Technical Working Groups.

#  Ethiopia

Perspectives from the Ethiopian Civil Society Organisations Forum (ECSF)

<>  Challenges

• Funding – The USAID funding freeze has led to budget shortfalls, affecting critical services, especially in health and education.
• Operating Environment – Funding instability creates an unpredictable environment, hampering long-term planning and straining resources.
• Civic Space – Ongoing political volatility can hinder advocacy efforts, particularly for organisations perceived as aligned with foreign interests.

<>  Opportunities

• Technology – Embracing technology can streamline operations and improve service delivery.
• Collaboration – Forming alliances with other NGOs and stakeholders can strengthen advocacy and resource-sharing efforts.
• Funding Models – Exploring alternative funding avenues, such as social enterprise models, can reduce reliance on traditional donors.

#  Ghana

Perspectives from the National Consortium for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO Ghana)

<>  Challenges

• Capacity Development – Many NGOs in Ghana grapple with significant challenges related to capacity development, which hampers their effectiveness and sustainability. They lack access to tailored training programmes and consultancy services that address their specific operational needs. They also face regulatory and compliance issues and struggle to attract and retain skilled personnel as many professionals seek higher-paying corporate jobs.
• Funding – Securing sufficient funding is a significant challenge facing most NGOs. Combined with capacity constraints, this situation threatens their survival and diminishes their ability to deliver essential services to vulnerable communities. If these challenges are not addressed, the NGO sector risks stagnation, leading to a loss of community trust and a failure to meet pressing social needs.

<>  Opportunities

• Local Philanthropy – The rise of local philanthropy presents an opportunity for NGOs to secure funding from corporates and individuals.
• Technology – Digital transformation enables NGOs to expand their reach through social media, crowdfunding and data-driven decision-making.
• Youth Engagement – Given Ghana’s youthful population, youth engagement and volunteerism are significant resources for innovation, leadership development and programme sustainability.
• Collaboration – Increased government and policy collaboration allows NGOs to contribute to national development through advocacy and strategic partnerships.
• Funding Models – Embracing social enterprise and sustainable funding models can help NGOs generate income and reduce dependency on external donors. By leveraging these opportunities, NGOs can strengthen their operations, scale their impact, and drive long-term social change.

# Kenya

Perspectives from the Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF)

<>  Challenges

• Funding – While NGOs play a crucial role in Kenya’s development landscape, they encounter several barriers that threaten their sustainability. Many NGOs struggle due to shrinking donor funds and shifting funding priorities, making it increasingly difficult to sustain their initiatives. In addition, attaining the long-term sustainability of projects remains a significant concern, as many programmes risk collapsing once initial funding cycles end, primarily because of a lack of community ownership in the projects.
• Dependency – NGOs’ dependency mindset, driven by over-reliance on external donors, limits local ownership and hinders the long-term impact of community-driven initiatives.  Leveraging indigenous community knowledge offers opportunities for NGOs to develop more effective and culturally relevant programmes and ensure that interventions align with local needs and traditions.
• Operating Environment – NGOs face significant challenges with tax exemptions and regulatory policies that create an unfavourable working environment, further complicating their operations.

<>  Opportunities

• Regulatory Environment – Kenya’s Public Benefit Organisations (PBO) Act, a new legislative framework that was enacted in 2013 but only came into effect on 14 May 2024, replacing the Non-Governmental Organisations Coordination Act of 1990, introduces a more streamlined and transparent process for the registration and regulation of NGOs operating in Kenya. This transition, which is facing a few challenges, aims to ensure that all PBOs operate under a unified regulatory framework, with a tribunal to handle disputes and appeals related to PBO activities, ensuring a fair and structured process for conflict resolution. It also promotes self-regulation among PBOs, encouraging them to develop internal mechanisms for accountability and transparency. It presents a significant opportunity for NGOs by enabling them to establish endowment funds and engage in social enterprises, creating new and sustainable revenue streams.
• Youth – Kenya’s youthful and well-informed population provides a citizenry that is capable of holding duty bearers accountable.
• Crowdfunding – Kenya has well-developed mobile money transfer mechanisms, providing NGOs with suitable crowdfunding platforms and enabling Kenyans to give and volunteer, as evidenced in Kenya’s prominent global rating on the World Giving Index 2024.

#  Malawi

Perspectives from the Council of Non-Governmental Organisations in Malawi (CONGOMA)

<>  Challenges

• Funding – The lack of funding due to the shrinking donor basket (too many local and international NGOs scrambling for the same donors) is resulting in the closure of some NGOs.
• Collaboration – Limited collaboration among local NGOs to form consortiums.
• Technology – Many NGOs have not embraced technology because they view it as too expensive or complicated.

<>  Opportunities

• Localisation – Introducing the localisation agenda will enable local NGOs to partner with international NGOs and access more skills, capacity and resources.
• NGO Fund – The government-initiated NGO Fund offers funding for institutional strengthening, improving coordination and enhancing monitoring.
• Funding Models – Due to the shrinking donor basket, there is an opportunity for NGOs to venture into social enterprises.

#  Nigeria

Perspectives from the Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNNGO)

<>  Challenges

• Funding – This issue cannot be overemphasised. Many Nigerian NGOs rely on local and international donor funding, which is becoming increasingly competitive and uncertain, especially with the global economic downturn, shifting donor priorities, and reduced foreign aid which have made securing long-term funding difficult.
• Civic Space – In recent times, the Nigerian government has tightened regulations on NGOs, including increased scrutiny of foreign funding and compliance with regulations guiding the work of NGOs. In addition, NGOs’ operations are affected by bureaucratic challenges, multiple registrations, especially at sub-national levels, and an uncertain policy environment due to the changing political landscape. NGOs at the grassroots level are also confronted with insecurity, including insurgency in the Northeast, banditry in the Northwest and kidnapping incidents nationwide, which all threaten the safety of their employees.

<>  Opportunities

• Local Philanthropy – The Nigerian local philanthropic landscape is evolving. A recent study conducted by NNNGO, supported by the African Philanthropy Forum, revealed that there are more local philanthropies in Nigeria than previously understood and highlighted who are supporting social causes through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and impact investments. There is also an increased understanding of the impact of localisation, strengthening local collaborations and paying attention to local partnerships.
• Technology – NGOs are beginning to build their capacity to use digital tools for fundraising, advocacy, and programme monitoring. Various local crowdfunding platforms, including Giving.ng and Donate-ng, have been introduced recently.
• Sector Growth – The Nigerian NGO sector is growing. The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has over 8 000 registered NGOs, and NNNGO has over 3 500 members. The sector’s ability to unite to fight underdevelopment and poverty in Nigeria remains an unmatched strength.

#  Rwanda

Perspectives from the Rwanda Civil Society Platform (RCSP)

<>  Challenges

• Funding – NGOs in Rwanda rely significantly on donor funding, which has become increasingly unpredictable due to changing donor priorities. Notably, there is a possibility that existing donors (e.g. USAID) may reduce or terminate their partnerships as a result of global trends. The global geopolitical climate may also impact donors’ willingness and capacity to provide support. As a result, NGOs in Rwanda face challenges in securing consistent funding and planning for the future. Furthermore, there are limited local funding sources, including government funding, private sector support and individual donations. This situation stems from the absence of an established collaboration model that aligns businesses’ interests with NGOs’ activities.
• Regulatory Environment – NGOs are working to comply with a new NGO law enacted in July 2024. They have 18 months to complete the compliance process. However, there are concerns that some NGOs may not fully understand the requirements and processes involved. Despite this, RCSP is committed to collaborating closely with NGOs to help address these challenges.

<>  Opportunities

• Localisation – The focus on localisation in Rwanda allows NGOs to secure direct funding and support the principles of the Charter for Change. In Rwanda, several signatories and endorsers of this charter are dedicated to enhancing performance on agreed-upon targets that promote localisation principles. Local actors and endorsers are committed to strengthening their organisational capacities to prepare for localisation.
• Networks – Being part of regional and global networks helps NGOs share knowledge, access funding, and collaborate across borders. It also provides an opportunity to learn from international best practices, adopt successful models used by NGOs in other countries, and apply them in the Rwandan context.
• Funding Models – Despite limited collaboration towards locally-based fundraising, some private institutions have corporate social responsibility initiatives, and others will likely embrace the same journey. The new  NGO law (article 10) allows NGOs to have income-generating initiatives that support their mandates, which might contribute to increased local funding.

#  Seychelles

Perspectives from the Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles (CEPS)

<>  Challenges

• Funding – Seychelles is a small market with limited human and monetary resources. NGOs compete with the government and the private sector for resources on an unfair playing field.
• Operating Environment – Certain legal components and regulations impede grassroots movements and small NGOs.
• Capacity – There is a shortage of competent and readily available volunteers to fill leadership roles.

<>  Opportunities

• Service Delivery – NGOs are firmly poised to address several issues (e.g. health) beyond the scope of government services.
• Volunteerism – NGOs offer workers the opportunity to join them voluntarily or part-time for exposure, experience and extra revenue.
• Partnerships – NGOs have an opportunity to implement crucial projects in collaboration with other key institutions.

#  Somalia

Perspectives from the Somali NGO Consortium

<>  Challenges

• Funding – The recent US Government executive order on international aid has created a significant funding crisis for NGOs in Somalia. Over two million people who depend on US-funded life-saving assistance have already been impacted. Even before the US decision, donor fatigue had set in due to competing global priorities, such as the conflicts in Ukraine and Palestine.
• Security – Following decades of civil war, insurgency and clan-based violence, security risks remain a significant challenge for NGOs in Somalia. Armed groups, such as Al-Shabaab, continue to pose serious threats to humanitarian operations in some parts of the country, making access to those in need increasingly difficult.

<>  Opportunities

• Disaster Relief – With one of the largest internally displaced populations in the world, Somalia faces an urgent need for shelter, food, water, healthcare and education. NGOs remain critical to supporting displaced communities and helping restore the lives of affected individuals.
• Skills Development – NGOs can contribute to long-term resilience by equipping people with practical skills such as carpentry, tailoring and technology, enabling them to secure employment or start businesses. They can also collaborate with the private sector to support small businesses and startups, addressing youth unemployment and reducing the risk of radicalisation.
• Conflict Resolution – NGOs should be instrumental in conflict resolution efforts in Somalia by facilitating dialogue, reconciliation and social cohesion among communities.
• Advocacy – NGOs can also serve as advocates for vulnerable groups, including women, children and minorities, by offering legal support to victims of abuse and ensuring that human rights remain central to Somalia’s recovery efforts.

#  South Africa

Perspectives from Inyathelo

<>  Challenges

• Funding – The sector faces shrinking funding, with many NGOs struggling to diversify income streams and reduce reliance on funding from international donors and government contracts. Advancement is key to guiding organisations on sustainability and mitigating their challenges.
• Capacity Development – There is a challenge in developing staff and volunteer skills, which are essential for effective service delivery.
• Policy and Regulatory Compliance – The increasing complexity of regulatory, tax, and legal requirements adds to NGOs’ administrative burden, diverting attention from core missions. These challenges require education and innovative solutions to ensure the sector’s resilience and sustainability.
• Accountability and Transparency – Maintaining trust with donors and the public is challenging without strong financial management and clear communication about the impact of their work.
• Monitoring and Evaluation – NGOs are under pressure to show tangible outcomes, but a lack of education on proper monitoring and evaluation makes it difficult to prove long-term effectiveness.
• Corruption and Mismanagement – Corruption and mismanagement remain significant challenges in the sector, and building public trust requires addressing these concerns.

<>  Opportunities

• Collaboration and Partnerships – Inyathelo’s partnering with government entities such as the Department of Social Development and South African Revenue Service (SARS) has the potential to educate and strengthen the sector. Partnerships with corporates can also be a game-changer as they offer funding, resources, and the expertise of their staff. Partnerships with communities give NGOs a sense of ownership, leading to greater trust and ensuring that programmes address genuine community needs.
• Technology and AI – Social media and online fundraising can help NGOs work smarter to inform stakeholders and boost income.  AI can improve NGOs’ fundraising efforts through better donor identification and personalised appeals, enhancing programme delivery with tailored support and resource allocation, and strengthening advocacy through data analysis and social media monitoring. AI can also streamline operations by automating tasks and improving data management. However, ethical considerations, addressing the digital divide, and building internal capacity are crucial for successful AI implementation.
• Social Entrepreneurship – A focus on social entrepreneurship can create jobs, provide skills training, and contribute to economic development while addressing social issues. It helps NGOs innovate, diversify funding, and improve sustainability. It also fosters a culture of creativity, expands impact, attracts new partnerships, and boosts visibility. Exploring social entrepreneurship models can generate sustainable income streams to support programmes and reduce reliance on donor funding.    

#  Tanzania

Perspectives from the Tanzania Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (TANGO)

<>  Challenges

• Funding – Tanzanian NGOs mainly depend on foreign funding; thus, they are severely affected if bilateral donors change their priorities.
• Capacity – Many newly established NGOs lack the capacity to develop the systems required for growth, impact and transparency and comply with complex legal and reporting requirements.

<>  Opportunities

• Funding Models – Adopt different funding and sustainability funding models based on the lessons learnt from global developments such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the US aid freeze, and the gradual decline of funding from different development partners.
• Government Relations – The government seems interested in strengthening its relationship with NGOs and supporting the NGO sector in overcoming different challenges.
• Impact – Use the collective strength of different thematic and organic networks to advance critical issues affecting Tanzania and influence the government’s policy positions.

#  The Gambia

Perspectives from The Association of NGO (TANGO)

<>  Challenges

• Funding – Despite growing needs, many NGOs struggle to secure sufficient and sustainable funding, which hampers their ability to implement long-term projects and initiatives.
• Operating Environment – Government engagement with NGOs is inconsistent. While NGOs are often consulted in programme development, they are frequently excluded from implementation and monitoring. The government remains cautious of NGOs’ advocating for accountability, leading to slow policy reforms and limited collaboration.
• Capacity Development – Many NGOs face challenges in strengthening local human resources, impacting their programmes’ quality and sustainability.
• Climate Change – The Gambia is vulnerable to climate change, and NGOs must address its growing environmental impacts, such as flooding and droughts while balancing other development needs.
• Coordination – The proliferation of NGOs in The Gambia, especially since the change of government, makes NGO coordination efforts more challenging.

<>  Opportunities

• Youth Engagement – The Gambia has a youthful population eager to contribute to national development. NGOs can harness this demographic by providing opportunities for youth involvement, skills and leadership development, and social entrepreneurship.
• Climate Action – As climate change awareness grows, NGOs can lead efforts in climate resilience programmes, supporting sustainable smart agriculture, renewable energy and environmental conservation.
• Partnerships – Collaboration with local organisations and grassroots communities can enhance the relevance and impact of NGO initiatives, ensuring sustainability and better outcomes.

#  Uganda

Perspectives from the Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF)

<>  Challenges

• Civic Space – Weaponised legislation constrains the NGO operating environment in Uganda.
• Funding – The NGO sector has survived on a starvation life cycle with limited funding support from the aid industrial complex. The recently announced foreign assistance pause by the new US Administration is akin to switching off oxygen for a patient already in the intensive care unit. NGO leaders who run organisations with shoestring budgets have limited capacity to think strategically as they struggle to survive.

#  Zambia

Perspectives from the Zambia Council for Social Development (ZCSD)

<>  Challenges

• Civic Space – Zambia’s political environment continues to be marred by exclusion, elitism and tokenism, particularly in election periods. Political patronage and a lack of genuine engagement from elected officials create challenges for NGOs seeking to advocate for democratic processes and inclusive governance. The shrinking civic space, exacerbated by restrictive laws such as the Cybersecurity Act and provisions within the NGO Bill, presents a growing obstacle. These laws impose financial and reporting burdens on NGOs, curbing their operational freedom and impeding advocacy efforts.
• Funding – With over 65% of Zambia’s population living in poverty, NGOs face the challenge of securing funding amidst growing economic constraints. The freeze on critical international aid sources like USAID further threatens the sustainability of development initiatives in governance, health, education and anti-corruption efforts. The recent freeze on USAID funding presents a grave risk, potentially derailing key development initiatives and undermining progress in critical sectors.
• Climate Change – Zambia’s vulnerability to climate change, including severe droughts, disproportionately affects vulnerable communities. NGOs are tasked with providing relief but face operational challenges in responding to these crises while promoting long-term climate resilience.
• Technology – With limited access to the Internet and an energy crisis resulting in power outages, Zambia’s digital infrastructure is not equipped to support the growing demand for digital communication and advocacy. This gap further limits NGO outreach, especially in rural areas.

<>  Opportunities

• Partnerships – Increasingly, the value of collaboration between the public and private sectors is recognised. NGOs can leverage PPPs to secure additional resources, scale community initiatives, and foster innovative solutions for development challenges.
• Youth and Gender Empowerment – Zambia’s youthful population offers a significant opportunity for NGOs to amplify youth-led initiatives, particularly around gender equality, climate change, and economic empowerment, helping to shape an inclusive and resilient future.
• Climate Action – As Zambia recovers from one of the worst droughts on record, NGOs are well-positioned to lead climate adaptation and sustainable agriculture programmes. Climate financing bodies increasingly seek to fund projects addressing these pressing challenges.
• Governance – Zambia’s engagement with the Open Government Partnership (OGP) presents an opportunity for NGOs to drive reforms in governance and transparency. ZCSD is actively advancing the OGP agenda, specifically promoting civic participation and protecting civic space.
• Technology – As Zambia continues to grow its digital infrastructure, NGOs have the chance to integrate technology into their service delivery and advocacy. This includes utilising digital platforms for citizen engagement, remote training and data collection.

#  Zimbabwe

Perspectives from the National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO)

<>  Challenges

• Civic Space – NGOs in Zimbabwe face increasing challenges in 2025, with shrinking civic space a significant concern. The Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO) Amendment Bill and restrictive laws like the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act create operational uncertainty. At the same time, non-standardised local authority requirements such as Memorandums of Understanding and Clearance Letters add bureaucratic hurdles.
• Funding – dwindling traditional funding, worsened by the Executive Order pausing US Foreign Aid, threatens the sustainability of many NGOs.
• Public Trust – Misinformation and disinformation campaigns have eroded public trust, misrepresenting civil society’s role in Zimbabwe’s development agenda and trajectory.
• Government Relations – NGOs face a strained relationship with government ministries and regulatory bodies, limiting policy engagement and collaboration.

<>  Opportunities

• Localisation – Despite ongoing challenges, 2025 presents key opportunities for NGOs to strengthen their impact. The locally-led development drive encourages NGOs to rethink their approaches, prioritising community-driven solutions for sustainability. This shift enhances local ownership and long-term effectiveness in development work.
• Engagement – NANGO’s “Talk to Your Regulator” Initiative, launched in October 2024, fosters better relationships between NGOs and regulatory bodies, improving engagement and compliance processes. Public trust in civil society might improve through initiatives like the Zimbabwe Social Exchange Impact Investment (ZIMSIX) platform and the NGO Expo, championed by NANGO to showcase transparency, impact and sector contributions.
• AI – NGOs have the opportunity to fully embrace AI and emerging technologies to enhance service delivery, strengthen institutional efficiency, and improve data-driven decision-making. By leveraging these opportunities, NGOs can enhance their resilience and deepen their contributions to Zimbabwe’s development.