Today is World NGO Day, an international day dedicated to celebrating the vital work of non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Created by Latvian-British entrepreneur Marcis Skadmanis, and first introduced on 27 February 2014, the day highlights the positive contribution of over 10 million NGOs and the 50 million individuals employed in the sector. It has been recognised globally and is now celebrated in over 100 countries on six continents.

World NGO Day promotes collaboration, partnerships and networking among NGOs, and between NGOs, governments and the private sector, enabling them to amplify their voices and increase their collective impact.

While the day commemorates the work and impact of NGOs, it is also an opportunity to reflect on the internal and external challenges they face, including funding constraints, shrinking civic space, inadequate capacity and infrastructure, fragmentation and duplication, and advocate for solutions to overcome them.

In Africa, the situation is often more dire than elsewhere. NGOs have been central to Africa’s development efforts, bridging the gaps where governments and others have faltered. They are pivotal in poverty alleviation, health, education, humanitarian aid, and advocating for human rights and improved governance. At the same time, entrenched issues such as systematic under-funding, capacity constraints and restricted operating environments continue to impact NGOs’ viability and the communities they intend to benefit.

(Refer to Challenges and Opportunities Facing African NGOs in 2025 for an overview of the perspectives from various African NGO umbrella and support organisations.)

World NGO Day 2025 holds profound significance for African NGOs, particularly in the wake of the Trump Administration’s decision to cut foreign aid, which disrupted critical development and humanitarian initiatives on the continent. This moment serves as a rallying call for African NGOs to rethink financial sustainability, reduce dependence on external funding, and advocate for stronger local and regional support mechanisms. The funding cuts highlight the need for NGOs to diversify their funding sources through local philanthropy, social enterprises, corporate partnerships and South-South collaboration.

As African NGOs face mounting challenges, World NGO Day provides a platform to amplify their voices, engage governments on policy reforms, mobilise public support and advocate for increased local investment in social impact initiatives. It also presents an opportunity to reframe the narrative of African NGOs – not as aid-dependent entities, but as resilient and responsive partners in shaping a more sustainable and locally-led development agenda.

National and regional NGO umbrella and support organisations in Africa are critical roleplayers in coordinating, mobilising and representing NGOs across geographical and thematic areas. They facilitate networking and collaboration, offer capacity development support, serve as a collective voice for their members, promote good governance, play a vital role in highlighting the impact and success of African NGOs, and provide platforms to address the challenges NGOs face.

The following profiles highlight the work of 23 national and regional NGO umbrella and support organisations representing, coordinating and supporting African NGOs in various parts of the continent. They are from 19 African countries: Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

(Please note: The respective organisations provided the information for the profiles.)

#  Botswana Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (BOCONGO) (Botswana)

“World NGO Day is a global celebration dedicated to acknowledging the invaluable contributions of NGOs in shaping a better world. It is a moment to pay tribute to the often-unrecognised heroes who work tirelessly to uplift communities and advocate for social causes. Many people are not aware of the work that NGOs do daily, but the efforts of NGOs in addressing pressing social issues such as poverty, education, health care and environmental sustainability cannot go unnoticed. Therefore, it is vital to raise awareness about the roles and functions of NGOs in society, encouraging public engagement and support for these organisations. NGOs play a crucial role in bridging gaps left by government initiatives and addressing issues that affect marginalised populations, hence the importance of raising awareness of their crucial role in society. Thus, celebrating World NGO Day.” Kagiso Molatlhwa, Executive Director, BOCONGO

BOCONGO was established in 1995 to coordinate the work of NGOs in Botswana. Over the past 30 years, it has created a platform for NGOs to engage in development and policy formulation processes and increase the capacity of its members to be effective advocates for policy development.

BOCONGO envisions NGOs working together for a more just, equal, and integrated Botswana. Its mission is to ensure its members work effectively with other actors for inclusive development. BOCONGO continually aims to achieve these by promoting experience sharing with other NGOs through networking, capacity-building, information dissemination and policy advocacy.

BOCONGO has more than 350 registered members across Botswana, subdivided into thematic focus areas to better coordinate their work. These include Inclusive social policy, sustainable environment and natural resource management, democratic governance, economic justice, arts and creative industries, and gender and human rights. In addition, BOCONGO has representatives in different districts in Botswana who report directly to the secretariat.

BOCONGO has significantly invested in creating platforms and opportunities for multi-level partnerships with diverse stakeholders in the Botswana development space. It participates in high-level coordinating committees such as the Rural Development Council and other government boards and technical working groups to ensure that the needs of communities are represented in policy formulation and implementation. This enables coordinated partnerships with government institutions to contribute to Botswana’s economic development.

BOCONGO participates in executive committees of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and African Union to implement international instruments representing civil society and hold the government accountable for domesticating international conventions. It is also a member of the Southern Africa Council of NGOs (SAf-CNGO) and Forus International.

#  Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles (CEPS) (Seychelles)

“World NGO Day is a grand occasion to express our gratitude to all the movements and associations striving to build our nation and contribute to making the world a better place. It is the day to salute the effort and engagement of the many individuals that go unnoticed and yet are making a difference in the existence of others.” Alvin Laurence, Chief Executive Officer, CEPS

CEPS was founded on 8 November 2014 following the dissolution of the Liaison Unit for Non-Government Organisations (LUNGOS), which had been the primary coordinating mechanism for NGOs since 1989. The move towards greater democratic governance in the country in the early 1990s and the continuous increase in the number and types of NGOs resulted in the need for a stronger NGO coordinating platform.

CEPS’ mission is to be united and engaged as key partners in nation-building through active dialogue, participation and action. It envisions a credible and strong platform that engages strategically and systematically in nation-building. It currently has 80 members.

CEPS is led by a Board of Directors composed of the elected chairpersons of seven thematic commissions, a treasurer, a secretary, a vice-chair and a chairperson of the Board. All Board members are elected for three years. A secretariat of five employees led by a Chief Executive Officer is responsible for CEPS’ day-to-day management and operations.

CEPS is a member of AU ECOSOCC, SAf-CNGO and Forus International and partners with SADC, the Indian Ocean Commission, The Commonwealth, Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), Eastern Africa Standby Force, United Nations (Seychelles Mauritius Office), World Bank and the African Development Bank.

#  Coordinating Assembly of Non-Governmental Organisations (CANGO) (Eswatini)

“World NGO Day celebrates the invaluable contributions of NGOs worldwide and raises their profile. It recognises the efforts of NGOs in providing humanitarian aid, promoting social justice, and fostering sustainable development. This day honours the dedication of millions of individuals working tirelessly to make a difference in their communities and beyond. By raising awareness and encouraging collaboration, World NGO Day inspires people to support and engage with NGOs, amplifying their impact and driving positive social change. The day also provides a platform for sharing information about NGOs across various entities to encourage collaboration, networking and partnerships.” Thembinkosi Dlamini, Executive Director, CANGO

CANGO was established in 1983 primarily as a network for NGOs working in primary health care in Eswatini (then Swaziland). In 1987, it assumed the overall role as the coordinating body for NGOs in Eswatini. CANGO currently has over 100 active members. CANGO’s core mandate is to coordinate the NGO sector, build the capacity of its members to fulfil their organisational-specific mandates and influence national and international policies through advocacy.

To facilitate the coordination of member NGOs and advocacy, CANGO’s leadership established eight sub-networks commonly referred to as consortia. They include the Eswatini HIV and AIDS Consortium (ESHACO), Gender Consortium, Food Security and Rural Development Consortium, Children’s Consortium, Human Rights and Governance Consortium, Swaziland Elections Support Network (SESN) (subsidiary of Human Rights and Governance Consortium), Youth Consortium, Non-Communicable Disease Consortium and the Media Consortium.

CANGO’s member services include coordination, capacity-building, advocacy, grant management and resource mobilisation strategies. These services are aimed at strengthening NGOs’ capacities whilst also ensuring accountability and effective joint advocacy to improve the quality of life of the Swazi population.

As an umbrella body that is membership-based, CANGO leverages strategic relationships to achieve advocacy goals and improve the lives of Emaswati. It maintains relationships with various regional bodies such as SAf-CNGO, Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), various Eswatini government ministries, civil society and international development partners such as the World Bank, African Development Bank, UNDP and others which are beneficial for the advancing human development and monitoring of human rights in the region and within the country.

#  Council for Non-Governmental Organisations in Malawi (CONGOMA)

“World NGO Day is a significant occasion to remind and inform the world of the important work NGOs are doing to complement their governments in development. It signifies that we all need to join hands to improve the lives of the vulnerable in our communities. It is not just the work of the government. CONGOMA is doing just that.” Ronald Mtonga, Executive Director, CONGOMA

CONGOMA is the umbrella and coordinating body for NGOs in Malawi as designated by the NGO (Amendment) Act of 2022 and its Principal Act of 2000. It was established in 1985 as the Council for Social Welfare Services in Malawi but changed its name to CONGOMA in 1992. It has 650 active members, including 500 local and 150 international NGOs.

CONGOMA is inspired by the vision of sustained, strong and vibrant NGOs working in a conducive and collaborative environment in which a culture of accountability and good governance is entrenched and the rights of every citizen are respected and promoted. Its mission is to enhance and maximize its members’ potential and actual impact on development in Malawi.

CONGOMA aims to enhance and improve the operational environment in which NGOs function, promote and facilitate coordination, collaboration and cooperation among NGOs and between NGOs, the Government, donor community and the private sector in Malawi, further the standing of NGOs as competent, professional and suitable agents of development, support member NGOs to become institutionally strong, assist NGOs to work within the parameters of the law, and represent the collective interests of NGOs in Malawi.

CONGOMA’s main programmes focus on coordination and networking, capacity-building and advocacy. Through its advocacy activities, CONGOMA aims to expand civic space for NGOs, sustain an NGO-friendly legal environment, ensure a competitive fiscal and financial policy environment, and promote NGOs as suitable agents of national development.

CONGOMA is a member of SAf-CNGO, CIVICUS and its Affinity Group of National Associations (AGNA), the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), and the Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP).

#  East African Civil Society Organisations Forum (EACSOF)

“World NGO Day underscores the indispensable role of civil society in driving equitable progress. East Africa celebrates NGOs as catalysts of community-led development, bridging governance, healthcare, and environmental stewardship gaps. EACSOF emphasises this day to honour grassroots advocates who amplify citizens’ voices within the EAC integration process, ensuring policies reflect their needs. It also serves as a call to action, urging governments and donors to bolster enabling environments and recognise NGOs as partners in achieving sustainable, people-centred futures.” Lilian Alex, Chief Executive Officer, EACSOF

EACSOF is a regional platform that unites NGOs in East Africa. Its mission is to provide an inclusive platform for civil society to promote good policies and democratic governance for East Africans. Its work aims to foster more effective civil society engagement in the East African Community (EAC) integration process. EACSOF plays this role using several approaches, including information-sharing, networking, and institutional capacity-building of NGOs and citizen engagement on issues relating to the EAC integration process.

Established in 2007 and registered in Tanzania, EACSOF has country chapters in Burundi (Association pour la Consolidation de la Paix au Burundi), Democratic Republic of Congo (Notre Société Civile du Congo), Kenya (Collaborative Centre for Gender and Development), Rwanda (Rwanda Civil Society Platform), Somalia (Somalia Non-State Actors), South Sudan (Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation), Tanzania (National Council of NGOs) and Uganda (Uganda National NGO Forum).

EACSOF comprises over 300 active NGOs, including umbrella organisations representing over 1 500 NGOs. Its national chapters work closely with national governments, focusing on policy influence and grassroots engagement.

The thematic focus of EACSOF’s work covers democracy and good governance, peace and security, natural resource extractives in the EAC region, mainstreaming science and technology, trade and investment, technology and digital policies in East Africa, climate change and agriculture, and social and economic justice.

EACSOF maintains relationships, affiliations and partnerships with many strategic roleplayers, including the Centre for Citizen Participation at the African Union (CCP-AU), African Centre for Civil Society (ACCS), West Africa Civil Society Forum (WACSOF), SAf-CNGO, African CSO Platform on Principled Partnerships (ACPPP), African Union ECOSOCC, Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU), EALS, EASSI, African Child Policy Forum, EASAFF, Tax Justice Network and SEATINI, among others.

#  Ethiopian Civil Society Organisations Forum (ECSF) (Ethiopia)

“World NGO Day is significant for celebrating the essential contributions of NGOs in promoting social change and development. This day highlights NGOs’ vital role in advocating for human rights and addressing societal issues. It serves as a platform for raising awareness about the challenges faced by civil society, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and emphasising their impact on democracy and governance. By commemorating this day, we honour the dedication of individuals and organisations committed to empowering communities, enhancing transparency, and driving sustainable development globally.” Getinet Kaba, Executive Director, ECSF

ECSF is a nonpartisan and independent national platform dedicated to supporting NGOs in Ethiopia. Its vision is to see effective, responsive and accountable governance in Ethiopia with active civil society participation by 2050. Founded in May 2013, ECSF’s mission is to create an enabling environment for effective NGO engagement in national development and foster a supportive legal framework, such as the CSO Proclamation No. 1113/2019.

ECSF’s objectives include promoting the effective participation of NGOs in national processes, enhancing their operational capabilities through training, and advocating for policies that support a vibrant civil society. Membership in ECSF is open to all consortia and networks registered with the Civil Society Authority, allowing them to participate as legitimate members. ECSF currently has 54 members, consisting of various consortia and networks.

ECSF conducts various activities, including capacity-building workshops, establishing collaborative networks, and engaging in research and advocacy to address legal and operational challenges. It primarily targets NGOs, grassroots movements and community-based organisations, while also collaborating with government agencies, international NGOs, and donors to strengthen the NGO sector and promote good governance, democratisation and human rights in Ethiopia.

# Inyathelo (South Africa)

“World NGO Day, hosted annually by Inyathelo at its Civil Society Hub in Cape Town, brings NGOs together to network and celebrate their success. It is a day to honour the people who contribute to society, inspire people to become more actively involved in the NGO sector, boost education among NGOs, and encourage greater interaction between NGOs and the public and private sectors.” Feryal Domingo, Acting Executive Director, Inyathelo

Inyathelo was established as a non-profit trust in October 2002. Its vision is to foster a vibrant democracy in South Africa, characterised by a robust and sustainable civil society and higher education sector underpinned by a strong local philanthropic movement rooted in the African cultural heritage of sharing. Its primary target audience is NGOs, higher education institutions and philanthropic entities.

Central to Inyathelo’s approach is the concept of Advancement, a methodology with ten elements designed to build relationships, secure resources, and ensure long-term sustainability. These include strategy and planning, governance structures and practices, human capacity, leadership, financial management, fundraising tools, visibility, voice, external relationships, and monitoring and evaluation.

Inyathelo’s objectives, incorporated into a 2024-2027 strategy, include contributing to the strengthening of an enabling environment, using the Advancement framework, through advocacy, research, access to resources and knowledge sharing; deepening Inyathelo’s impact by extending its reach, strengthening the quality and value of its core services, and leveraging strategic partnerships; and building and strengthening the organisation and continue to strive towards sustainability.  Its main activities include advancement training, research into philanthropic support for higher education, civil society capacity building, encouraging good governance, and educating the NGO sector on evolving legal, tax and regulatory requirements.

Inyathelo offers workshops, seminars and one-on-one clinic sessions to build capacity and ensure good governance and long-term sustainability. A key component of this offering is the Civil Society Resource Hub, which provides support, training, advice, resources and facilities. Inyathelo hosts an annual event, as a member of the NPO Service Providers’ Network, titled #ThinkGood, to bring together and inform South African NGOs of key developments in the sector.

Inyathelo works closely with NGOs, government entities such as the Department of Social Development and SARS, higher education institutions and other bodies. For example, the NPO Working Group led by Inyathelo brings together NGOs to address key issues affecting the sector. A primary objective is encouraging dialogue and creating a collective voice in response to developments like the Non-Profit Amendment Bill and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) regulations. The group also works on capacity-building initiatives, knowledge sharing, and engagement with the government and other stakeholders to ensure that the interests of NGOs are represented in policy discussions.

Inyathelo team members participate in various platforms, including the FATF Sectorial Risk Assessment Oversight Committee, the NPO Working Group, the National Task Team for the Development of the NPO Policy Framework, the Global NGO Coalition on FATF, the NPO Service Providers’ Network, the National #Unmute Civil Society Steering Group, and the Western Province #Unmute Civil Society Coalition. These engagements allow the organisation to stay at the forefront of emerging trends and contribute to shaping the future of the NGO sector.

#  Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF) (Kenya)

“World NGO Day is a global celebration recognising the vital work of NGOs in shaping a more inclusive, sustainable and just society. In Kenya, it serves as a call to action for stakeholders to foster a more enabling environment for NGOs to thrive and continue making a lasting difference in addressing social injustices and empowering communities.” Grace Wakesho Maingi, Executive Director, KCDF

KCDF is a public charitable foundation founded in 1997 to promote social justice and the sustainable development of communities in Kenya. It believes complete and lasting change is possible when communities initiate and drive their development agenda with little external support.

KCDF enhances community growth and sustainability through capacity development, community philanthropy and local giving. It invests significant resources to build, strengthen and sustain its communities’ core capacities by developing thoughtful, long-term collaborations with other actors, including governments, NGOs, the private sector and individuals, to advance social justice. Four key philosophies guide KCDF’s work, including shifting power to communities, flourishing communities, resilient communities and working together.

KCDF’s work entails community engagement and organising, community philanthropy, organisational strengthening, partnerships and networking, advocacy and policy influencing, and endowments and asset development.

KCDF is a member of the Kenya Philanthropy Forum, East African Philanthropy Network, Africa Philanthropy Network, Worldwide Initiatives for Grantmaker Support (WINGS), Regional Education Learning Initiative (RELI), Charities Aid Foundation, Elevate Children Funders Group, Africa Venture Philanthropy Alliance (AVPA), the Change the Game Academy Alliance and the Kenya Civic Space Funders Working Group.

#  Lesotho Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (LCN) (Lesotho)

“World NGO Day serves as a reminder that civic space will never be given on a silver platter by duty bearers. NGOs must continuously guard against forces that want to shrink it and demand accountability for improved service delivery for the communities they serve.” Sekonyela Mapetja, Executive Director, LCN

LCN is the umbrella organisation for NGOs in Lesotho. Established in May 1990, it envisions an effective and vibrant civil society within a democratic, peaceful and sustainable Lesotho. LCN’s mission is to stimulate, promote and build capacity within Lesotho NGOs to ensure they are stable, democratic, transparent, skilled, empowered, sustainable and responsive to their beneficiaries’ needs and those of the voiceless and marginalised. LCN currently has 220 members.

LCN’s strategic programme areas include strengthening civil society, environment protection and stewardship, economic justice and social development, conflict resolution and mediation, education policy and budget tracking, governance and accountability, empowering the vulnerable and marginalised, responding to HIV and AIDS, and harnessing information and technology. It implements these through networking, leadership training and development, information dissemination, capacity-building, coordination, advocacy and representation when dealing with the government and the international community.

LCN’s Board of Directors is elected every two years by member representatives during the Annual General Meeting. Each member of the Board is eligible to serve only two consecutive four-year terms.

LCN is a member of SAf-CNGO, and its Executive Director serves as the current Treasurer.

#  National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) (Zimbabwe)

“World NGO Day is a vital occasion to recognise the contributions of NGOs in fostering inclusive and sustainable development. As NANGO, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening grassroots initiatives by creating platforms for engagement, collaboration and policy dialogue. NANGO will host NGO symposiums across its five regions to mark this important day, bringing together state and non-state actors to discuss strategies for enhancing impact and resilience. These gatherings will amplify the voices of local organisations, promote innovation, and reinforce the sector’s role in shaping Zimbabwe’s development agenda. World NGO Day serves as a reminder that a strong, united civil society is essential for inclusive growth, good governance and a sustainable future for all.” Ernest Nyimai, Executive Director, NANGO

NANGO is the official voluntary coordinating body for registered NGOs operating in Zimbabwe. Established in 1962 as the Southern Rhodesia Council of Social Services (SRCSS), it originally served as a welfare organisation for social services. Over time, NANGO evolved to reflect the growing civil society landscape, transitioning into Voluntary Organisations in Community Enterprise (VOICE) post-independence before adopting its current name in 1992 to accommodate geographical expansion and a broader membership base. 

As of December 2024, NANGO represents a network of 776 active NGOs, comprising private voluntary organisations (PVOs), trusts and community-based organisations (CBOs). It is a non-partisan, non-profit, and non-denominational body registered under the PVO Act Chapter [17:05], dedicated to strengthening the voice of NGOs for the betterment of Zimbabwean communities. 

NANGO’s mission is to strengthen, represent and coordinate the work of NGOs by fostering networking, dialogue and engagement, enabling its members to achieve their visions and missions. Its vision is to build a pro-active NGO community responsive to Zimbabwe’s sustainable development needs, promoting human rights, democracy, good governance, and poverty alleviation. 

NANGO operates through five regional offices coordinating NGO activities across Zimbabwe’s ten provinces. To enhance collaboration, NANGO clusters its members into ten thematic sectors, namely media, arts and culture, children, disability, economy, health, human rights, humanitarian, land and environment, women, and youth. This structure facilitates knowledge exchange, networking and best practice development among diverse civil society actors. 

NANGO plays a crucial role in policy advocacy, capacity strengthening and facilitating civil society engagement in national development processes. Its institutional objectives focus on strengthening civil society participation in development discourse, enhancing collective agenda-setting, and ensuring a conducive operating environment for the sector’s independence and accountability. 

NANGO maintains strong regional and international partnerships, holding memberships with Forus International, CIVICUS and SAf-CNGO. It works closely with local and international NGOs, development partners, policy-makers, media, the private sector and other key non-state actors to drive inclusive and sustainable development in Zimbabwe. Through its unwavering commitment to unifying civil society, NANGO remains a cornerstone of advocacy and coordination for civil society across Zimbabwe.

#  National Consortium for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO Ghana) (Ghana)

“World NGO Day is a global celebration recognising the vital role of NGOs in driving social change, advocating for human rights, and addressing critical global challenges. It highlights NGOs’ dedication to fostering community development, promoting sustainability, and providing humanitarian support. The day serves as a reminder to appreciate and support the efforts of NGOs in creating a better world.” Shirley Abedi-Boafo, Chief Executive, NCVO

NCVO Ghana is dedicated to supporting NGOs, foundations and social enterprises. Founded in 2014, its diverse team comprises professionals with over 60 years of combined experience facilitating training, change processes and development partnerships. NCVO Ghana focuses on enhancing management systems and leadership skills to empower NGOs to achieve sustainable impact. Its primary focus areas include designing customised training programmes, providing consultancy services such as grant writing and impact evaluation, and fostering a vibrant community of over 200 NGOs across Africa.

NCVO Ghana’s vision is to be a lead hub for social innovation and learning in Ghana and beyond. Its mission is to develop the proficiency of NGO leaders in Ghana and beyond for social change. Through its initiatives, NCVO Ghana aims to build accountability, transparency and sustainability within the NGO sector, ultimately driving social change in local communities. It seeks to establish a thriving ecosystem of effective, sustainable NGOs that drive sustainable development and create local opportunities.

NCVO Ghana’s main activities include the annual Africa Nonprofit Summit, which aims to unite NGO leaders, funders and operators to explore opportunities, share best practices and establish impactful collaborations for social change in Ghana and across Africa. Key partners include Partnership Bureau, Pay Angel, Margins Group and Kowri. In addition, the Free PAD Alliance Project focuses on menstrual health and hygiene research and advocacy to promote equitable access to period supplies, WASH facilities and job skills in schools and low-income communities. NCVO Ghana also implements a volunteer management project to provide NGOs with trained volunteers for project implementations, and it conducts capacity-building workshops for NGOs in Ghana in partnership with Delliot. It also introduced the Nonprofit Leaders Fellowship in January 2023, a one-year fully sponsored programme in NGO management and social entrepreneurship in Ghana.

NCVO Ghana partners with leading global and local organisations and individuals who believe that the NGO sector in Ghana can drive employability and build resilient communities with the right mindset, funding, support and guidance.

#  Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNNGO) (Nigeria)

“World NGO Day spotlights the critical work of NGOs. In a world of many crises, NGOs continue to serve as first responders, with their workforce doing so much at huge cost to their personal equity. A day like this reminds us of the unflinching support the sector gives to the government in bringing development to the doorsteps of citizens. This highest form of public service deserves to be recognised and celebrated daily.” Oyebisi Oluseyi, Executive Director, NNNGO

NNNGO is the first generic membership body for NGOs in Nigeria. Established in 1992, it plays a crucial role in strengthening civil society by enhancing NGOs’ capacity, advocacy and collaboration to drive sustainable development. Over the years, NNNGO has expanded its influence, reaching diverse organisations and stakeholders while demonstrating exceptional convening power in the NGO sector. It represents over 3 500 NGOs spread across the 36 States of the Federation, ranging from small groups working at the local level to more extensive networks at the national level.

NNNGO’s vision is to identify, coordinate, build capacity and mobilise NGOs to promote interconnectivity and bring equity, justice, peace, and development to grassroots communities throughout Nigeria while working to ensure the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Its mission is to coordinate NGOs and offer equal opportunity, people participation, community leadership, independence of voluntary action, reflection of linguistic and cultural diversity, choice, and a genuine partnership with other sectors on a ‘best practice’ basis as a catalyst for sustainable development and poverty alleviation.

NNNGO’s primary programmes and activities focus on NGO legitimacy, transparency and accountability, enabling the operational environment of Nigerian NGOs by engaging in advocacy with government and other relevant stakeholders, SDGs campaigns, and NGO development effectiveness.

As a recognised voice of civil society in Nigeria, NNNGO collaborates with the government, private sector and international organisations to implement programmes aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It works with entities such as CIVICUS, Forus International, Global Action Against Poverty (GCAP), West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), Deloitte, and others to mobilise resources and expertise for social development projects.

#  Réseau des plates-formes nationales d’ONG d’Afrique centrale (REPONGAC)

“World NGO Day demonstrates that NGOs have an important role in highlighting the problems of communities often ignored by those in power. Fréderic de Coninck, with his experience as a sociologist, untangles the threads of our society and makes the issues easier to understand. He highlights the limits of political action, the functioning of the economy, cultural differences, ecology and the hostility which undermines societies from within. NGOs are encouraged to relay these issues to citizens and make their work known worldwide.” Robert Mabala, Regional Coordinator, REPONGAC

REPONGAC is a network of ten national NGO platforms in Central Africa, representing more than 1 200 NGOs. Established in 2008, it envisions a strong, structured and inclusive civil society capable of making an effective contribution to the development of Central Africa. Its mission is to constructively influence regional development policies and build the institutional capacity of members.

Its specific objectives include establishing a space for regional consultations and ongoing dialogue among members and with various development partners; participating in the development, formulation and implementation, as well as monitoring, of development policies and programmes at the national, regional and international levels; strengthening the institutional and organisational capacity of member national platforms and other NGOs; and defending and preserving the interests of its members and lobbying institutions and the general public.

REPONGAC’s work focuses on capacity-building for its members in the areas of governance, conflict resolution and early warning; advocacy and lobbying; defending the interests of its members with regional authorities and technical and financial partners; the civic environment; and improving the civic space by focusing on the internal governance of member NGOs in terms of legitimacy, transparency and credibility.

REPONGAC is a member of or collaborates with the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Peace and Conflict Prevention in Central Africa (COPAC), CIVICUS and its Affinity Group of National Associations (AGNA) and Forus International.  

# Rwanda Civil Society Platform (RCSP) (Rwanda)

“World NGO Day is a global event highlighting NGOs’ essential role in social and economic development, peace-building and humanitarian efforts. In Rwanda, this day underscores the contributions of NGOs in promoting citizen engagement, influencing policy and fostering sustainable development. It provides an opportunity to celebrate achievements, reflect on challenges, and strengthen collaboration between NGOs, the government and development partners, all to create a more inclusive and participatory society. Actors in the NGO sector are thankful for this day as it acknowledges their work. Sometimes, the softer aspects of development can be overlooked, but the celebration of this day clearly indicates that their efforts are valued and their impact is recognized worldwide.” Uwantege Liliane, Executive Director, RCSP

RCSP is the apex body for NGOs in Rwanda. Established in July 2004, its current membership comprises 14 umbrella organisations with several constituencies in the network. The members constitute the General Assembly, RCSP’s supreme organ.

RCSP’s mission is to act as a framework for coordination and knowledge exchange, promoting synergy among its members and strengthening their capacity to be impactful at the national, regional and international levels. Its vision is to be an effective platform for safeguarding the public interest and sustainable development in Rwanda.

RCSP’s three strategic priority areas are capacity strengthening; coordination, representation and partnerships; and advocacy and policy influence. In collaboration with its members and their constituencies, RCSP fosters partnerships and amplifies the voice of Rwandan civil society to enhance and facilitate inclusive citizen participation in sustainable development. It also partners with international NGOs, development partners and government institutions to ensure that the needs and aspirations of citizens are represented in the national policy processes.

RCSP strengthens the capacity of NGOs to dialogue with policy-makers and facilitates increased public participation in development and democratic processes through evidence-based advocacy. Moreover, RCSP’s efforts are dedicated to building and inspiring a vibrant civil society that amplifies the voices of the voiceless. Additionally, RCSP is currently championing the aid localisation agenda in Rwanda for more impactful and sustainable development initiatives driven by local actors.

RCSP is a member of the East African Civil Society Forum (EACSOF) and the East Africa Philanthropy Network (EAPN).

#  Somali NGO Consortium

“World NGO Day holds profound significance for NGOs operating in Somalia. It honours the dedication and resilience of Somali NGOs, recognising their critical role in delivering lifesaving aid, supporting development and advocating for human rights in one of the world’s most challenging and complex humanitarian contexts. The global occasion serves as an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of NGOs in Somalia, which, despite limited resources and security risks, have transformed the lives of millions by improving access to livelihoods, healthcare and education. It also helps draw global attention to Somalia’s ongoing crises – famine, displacement, conflict and climate change – while highlighting the unique challenges faced by NGOs in the region. This day underlines the critical role of NGOs and serves as a platform to engage international donors, governments and global stakeholders, advocating for increased funding, technical support and strategic partnerships. It also provides NGOs in Somalia with a crucial opportunity to engage with policy-makers, pressing for policy reforms, enhanced security measures and streamlined regulations to strengthen their humanitarian and developmental efforts.” Nimo Hassan, Director, Somali NGO Consortium

The Somali NGO Consortium is a voluntary coordination mechanism for NGOs in Somalia. Given the insecurity and complexity of the operating environment and the large numbers of NGOs working in Somalia/Somaliland, a coordinated voice is critical for successfully delivering humanitarian aid and development outcomes. Established in 1999, the Consortium has 130 international and national NGO members.

A core objective of the Consortium is to promote and maintain a networked, informed and well-functioning NGO sector. Its activities are guided by its mission and mandate to create a conducive working environment for members to deliver humanitarian and development assistance for all Somali people.

The Consortium actively advocates for and influences policy change, increasing local, regional and international awareness of Somali humanitarian and development issues. Members also benefit from the Consortium’s participation at national and international levels, where joint solutions and approaches are facilitated and key NGO positions communicated. The Consortium proactively shares information to enable an informed NGO community. It also provides a communication mechanism for NGOs in Somalia and various external stakeholders, including donors, UN agencies and governments interested in engaging the NGO sector.

The Consortium is a member of the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA), a network of 160 NGOs active in 160 countries, operating at global, regional, national and local levels.

#  South Sudan NGO Forum (South Sudan)

The South Sudan NGO Forum is a voluntary, independent networking body that supports its members in effectively responding to the humanitarian and development needs in South Sudan. It currently has 401 registered members (284 national and 117 international NGOs) providing humanitarian, peacebuilding and development assistance to the South Sudanese people, regardless of ethnic background, political affiliation or religious belief.

The Forum was established in Nairobi in the early 1990s as an NGO coordination mechanism under Operation Lifeline Sudan (OLS). After the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005, many organisations relocated to South Sudan. In mid-2008, a secretariat was established in Juba to facilitate the work of the Forum and Steering Committee.

The Forum consists of two main constituencies (national and international NGOs), served by a Joint Steering Committee of ten national and ten international NGO members and coordinated by the  Secretariat. Its mission is to effectively support its members in the principled delivery of aid assistance to save and improve lives in South Sudan. The Secretariat primarily focuses on information-sharing, coordination, advocacy and networking, capacity enhancement and representation.

The Forum provides a platform through which NGOs, the Government of South Sudan, UN agencies, donors and other external stakeholders can exchange information, share expertise, and establish guidelines for a more coordinated, efficient and effective use of aid resources in South Sudan. It is a member of the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA), a network of 160 NGOs active in 160 countries, operating at global, regional, national and local levels.

#  Southern African Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (SAf-CNGO) (Botswana)

“World NGO Day is a global recognition of NGOs’ invaluable role in advancing human rights, democracy, social justice and sustainable development. It serves as a reminder of the importance of civil society in holding governments accountable, advocating for marginalised communities, and driving positive change. For Southern Africa, this day highlights the resilience and commitment of NGOs in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities to create a just, equitable, and prosperous society.” Lebogang Mabotho, Executive Director, SAf-CNGO

The Southern African Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (SAf-CNGO), formerly known as the Southern African Development Community Council of Non-Governmental Organizations (SADC-CNGO), was established to serve as the leading platform for civil society engagement in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. It plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration between non-state actors and regional institutions to influence policies, governance and development processes in the regional integration agenda.

SAf-CNGO’s objectives include facilitating meaningful engagement between civil society and SADC institutions, promoting democracy, peace, security and governance through policy dialogues and advocacy, advancing regional integration and policy development, ensuring non-state actors contribute to shaping policies, enhancing social accountability and development, strengthening civil society participation in monitoring regional development frameworks, and supporting capacity-building for NGOs to improve governance, operational efficiency and sustainability.

Its primary activities include hosting high-level stakeholder symposiums to bridge the gap between state and non-state actors, organising annual civil society forums on democracy, peace and governance, convening the SADC NSA Forum, aligning with SADC Summits to enhance regional engagement, leading NSA RISDP Dialogues to monitor the implementation of regional development frameworks, and strengthening internal governance structures and financial management within SAf-CNGO.

SAf-CNGO serves national and regional NGOs, grassroots movements, policy-makers and development partners working towards a more integrated, democratic and prosperous Southern Africa.

SAf-CNGO collaborates with SADC, AU ECOSOCC and various regional and international development agencies. It is a key player in facilitating civil society engagement within regional and continental structures, ensuring that non-state actors influence decision-making at the highest levels.

#  Tanzania Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (TANGO) (Tanzania)

“World NGO Day is an opportunity to reflect on the heroes who voluntarily use their expertise to resolve critical challenges in their community. It acknowledges the contributions of NGOs in national development processes and the impact resulting from the existence of these entities.” Adamson Nsimba, Executive Director, TANGO

TANGO is the largest national umbrella organisation serving Tanzanian NGOs. Established in 1988 by 23 founder-member organisations, it ensures a strong and vibrant civil society in Tanzania in which NGOs collectively play an active and effective role in promoting people-centred development. TANGO also works with NGOs in Zanzibar, the East and Southern African regions and the Horn of Africa to support coalition building, advocacy initiatives and movement building. It seeks to advance development initiatives based on the values of justice, peace, gender equality and equity, good governance and respect for human rights.

TANGO’s objectives include coordinating member and partner NGOs to minimise duplication and promote quality standards for NGOs, representing the collective views of members, serving as a platform for information exchange to provide members easier access to relevant information, building the organisational capacity of members to deliver services more efficiently and effectively, and performing lobbying and advocacy activities to create a conducive environment for the NGO sector and promote critical policy issues.

TANGO’s main activities focus on capacity development (institutionally and external relations), advocating for an enabling environment and expansion of civic space, facilitating information sharing as a think-tank of the NGO sector, helping organisations to be data-driven, assisting NGOs to comply with existing laws, and fostering participation and contribution in the regional integration processes.

TANGO is a member of the UNDP CSO Advisory Platform, ECOSOC, SAf-CNGO, EACSOF and the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC), and partners with the International Center for Not-For-Profit Law, Global Affairs Canada, Transform Trade, Mzumbe University, Pact, Freedom House, European Union, Foundation for Civil Society, Southern African Youth Forum (SAYOF), NAYO Zimbabwe, Open Space Zimbabwe, HESPI and EAPN.

#  The Association of Non-Governmental Organisations in The Gambia (TANGO) (The Gambia)

“World NGO Day is a significant occasion to recognise and honour the invaluable contributions of NGOs worldwide. It highlights NGOs’ vital role in addressing global challenges, from poverty alleviation and education to environmental conservation and human rights advocacy for sustainable development. The day serves as a reminder of the dedication and resilience of millions of people working across borders to improve lives and create positive change. It also fosters greater awareness, collaboration, and support for NGOs’ critical work in transforming communities and promoting sustainable development.” Ndey Bakurin, Executive Director, TANGO

TANGO is an umbrella organisation that coordinates and supports the work of NGOs in The Gambia. Founded in 1983, its mission is to contribute to national poverty reduction efforts by expanding its membership and improving member services in a cost-effective and financially sustainable manner.  It aims to become a dynamic, pro-active, innovative and inclusive NGO consortium that plays a key and constructive role in building a strong, vibrant and independent civil society in a democratic, peaceful and equitable Gambia.

TANGO’s main objective is to strengthen national and international NGO operations. It advocates for and organises the work of NGOs to facilitate efficient resource mobilisation, minimise competition and prevent duplication of development efforts.

Over the past five years, TANGO has prioritised improving governance and organisational performance and developing sustainable fundraising and communication strategies. Its focus includes strengthening democratic governance, policy advocacy and fostering a culture of human rights while enhancing women’s and youth participation in development. 

TANGO’s main activities are centred on various thematic areas, including gender, poverty and policy issues; agriculture, climate change, land and environment; health and family life; youth, children and persons with disabilities; human rights and governance; education, life skills and sustainable development; and transitional justice.

TANGO is committed to the values of accountability, inclusivity and transparency. With 80 members, including local and international NGOs, it serves as a unifying body for civil society. TANGO operates through a General Assembly and a Board of Directors, ensuring participatory governance and coordinated action in advancing national development goals.

TANGO is a member of the Network of West African NGO National Platforms (REPAOC) and Forus International.

#  Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) (Uganda)

“World NGO Day is an opportunity for UNNGOF to highlight the vital role of NGOs in Uganda and recognise their contributions to social development, human rights and community empowerment. It underscores the importance of NGOs in driving sustainable change and amplifying marginalised voices, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society in Uganda.” Moses Isooba, Executive Director, UNNGOF

UNNGOF is an independent and inclusive national platform for NGOs in Uganda. Established in 1997, it envisions a coherent, respected and well-informed NGO sector in Uganda, actively contributing to citizens’ well-being and safeguarding their rights.

UNNGOF’s mission is to provide a sharing and reflection platform for NGOs to influence governance and development processes in Uganda and enhance their operating environment. Its objectives include an informed NGO sector that possesses the necessary information and capacity to engage in and contribute to development processes effectively, a networked NGO sector with strong internal and external linkages to other actors, and an engaged and accountable NGO sector that engenders respect from government and citizens for the difference it makes to society.

UNNGOF currently has 783 registered members, comprising district NGOs, district NGO networks, national NGO networks, faith-based organisations and international NGOs. It also draws its Board of Directors from these constituencies. UNNGOF has a robust NGO Sub-National Infrastructure (Regional Advocacy Networks) through which it works to deliver its civil society strengthening and policy, governance and civic engagement interventions.

Some of UNNGOF’s main programmes focus on philanthropy for development, strengthening citizens’ engagement in elections (SCENE), Change the Game Academy, strengthening grassroots social accountability, and popularising and increasing citizens’ participation in the SDGs VNR process, among others.

Over the past two decades, UNNGOF has emerged as a respectable platform that provides thought and institutional leadership on matters that transcend sector or thematic focus. It has the convening power for multitudes of NGOs to collectively engage on civil society health issues, national government programmes and international processes. As part of its commitment and support towards civil society collective engagements beyond Uganda, UNNGOF is a member of the Africa Philanthropy Network (APN), East Africa Philanthropy Network (EAPN), WINGS, CIVICUS and its Affinity Group of National Associations (AGNA), Forus International and EACSOF.

#  West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) (Ghana)

“World NGO Day serves as an opportunity to create awareness of the contributions of NGOs to societal advancement. It highlights the remarkable achievements of NGOs despite the challenges they face. The day provides an opportunity for NGOs to reflect on their journey, celebrate their milestones, and reaffirm their commitment to driving transformative change. It also serves as a moment for introspection, allowing NGOs to evaluate their progress, identify new opportunities, and envision a path for greater impact. It reminds NGOs of their resilience and their critical role in empowering communities and addressing pressing societal issues. Equally important, this day emphasises the significance of NGOs to governments and other stakeholders, showcasing how their collaborative efforts have contributed to national and global development. NGOs must leverage this day to foster understanding and dialogue with partners to build stronger partnerships and ensure that NGOs remain key drivers of sustainable and inclusive development.” Nana Afadzinu, Executive Director, WACSI

WACSI was founded by the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) in 2005. It became operational in July 2007 with a focus on strengthening civil society across West Africa. WACSI’s vision is to see a peaceful and prosperous West Africa where development is driven by its people. Its mission is to strengthen civil society in West Africa to be responsive, collaborative, representative, resilient and influential through knowledge sharing, learning, connecting and influencing. 

WACS’s 2023-2027 strategic plan revolves around three key objectives – strengthening the organisational, technical and technological capacity of the civil society ecosystem; creating and nurturing an enabling environment for civil society; and strengthening the organisation’s institutional capacity. These three objectives provide a clear path that the organisation continues to pursue and the outcomes or improvements in the civil society sector it seeks to achieve together with its partners and key stakeholders. 

WACSI upholds leadership, diversity, excellence, collaboration, non-discrimination, ethics, people-centeredness, and innovativeness as core values that guide its work. These values drive its commitment to empowering civil society organisations and fostering inclusive, democratic, and sustainable societies. 

WACSI delivers custom-made interventions to address the challenges national and regional civil society organisations face. It offers capacity-building programmes, facilitates knowledge-sharing platforms, conducts research, advocates for civil society interests, and fosters strategic partnerships. Its activities are centred within the sixteen West African countries, including Cameroon and Chad. Also, WACSI supports the youth across West Africa with capacity strengthening and experience-sharing opportunities through internship initiatives such as the Next Generation Internship Programme (NGIP) and the Next Generation Technology Internship Programme (NGTI).  

WACSI collaborates with several partners, including Open Society Africa, STAR-Ghana Foundation, Ford Foundation, the Commonwealth Foundation, TechSoup, CIVICUS and many others. It is also a key member of global initiatives and platforms like the #ShiftThePower movement and the Re-Imagining the Role of International NGOs (RINGO) project. 

(The term NGO is used consistently throughout this article and in the WACSI profile. However, WACSI’s mandate is to work broadly with civil society organisations (CSOs), with NGOs being key constituents.)

#  West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF) (Nigeria)

“World NGO Day is a vital occasion to recognise and celebrate the contributions of NGOs to social progress and sustainable development. It serves as a reminder of NGOs’ critical role in advocating for human rights, driving policy change and supporting marginalised communities. On this day, WACSOF reaffirms its commitment to strengthening civil society engagement and promoting inclusive development across West Africa.” James Ugochukwu, General Secretary, WACSOF

WACSOF is the umbrella network of NGOs in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Established in 2003, WACSOF serves as a platform for engagement, advocacy and collaboration, playing a crucial role in amplifying the voices of civil society actors in regional governance, policy-making and development processes. WACSOF boasts a membership of over 1 000 registered NGOs across West Africa, 15 national platforms, 15 national coordinators, and structured engagement across 18 thematic areas, making it one of the region’s largest and most influential civil society networks.

WACSOF’s mission is to foster regional integration, peace, democracy and sustainable development by strengthening the role of civil society in West Africa. It envisions a West African region where civil society is empowered to contribute effectively to governance, human rights, and socio-economic development.

WACSOF’s objectives include enhancing civil society’s role in policy dialogue, advocating for inclusive governance, and facilitating capacity-building initiatives for grassroots organisations. Its primary activities involve research, advocacy, capacity-building, networking and policy monitoring across sectors such as democracy, human rights, health, gender and youth empowerment. WACSOF has been instrumental in fostering civil society participation in electoral processes, human rights advocacy, and conflict resolution initiatives.

As a strategic partner of ECOWAS, it works closely with regional and international organisations, government institutions, and grassroots movements. Through its network of national platforms across all ECOWAS member states, WACSOF facilitates dialogue between civil society and policy-makers, ensuring inclusive decision-making processes that reflect the needs and aspirations of West African citizens.

In addition to ECOWAS, WACSOF has partnerships and memberships in several African and international formations, collaborating with the African Union, United Nations and global development organisations to advance civil society participation in governance and sustainable development.

#  Zambia Council for Social Development (ZCSD) (Zambia)

“World NGO Day offers an important moment to recognise the invaluable contributions of NGOs in Zambia and across the globe. It highlights NGOs’ critical role in advancing human rights, democratic governance and sustainable development, often in the face of considerable adversity. In Zambia, where political exclusion, socio-economic inequalities and legal restrictions persist, NGOs continue to drive positive change. World NGO Day is a time to reflect on the importance of fostering inclusive development, protecting civic space and supporting those who are most vulnerable. It also serves as an opportunity to acknowledge the resilience of ZCSD and its partners, who remain steadfast in their commitment to creating a just and equitable society.” Leah Mitaba, Executive Director, ZCSD

ZCSD was founded as the Northern Rhodesia Social Welfare before Zambia’s independence. The organisation was revitalised in 1975 under the First Republic and re-established as the Zambia Council for Social Development to enhance the capacity of NGOs in Zambia.

ZCSD promotes democratic governance, human rights and sustainable development, aiming to empower marginalised communities to participate meaningfully in shaping their future. Through capacity-building initiatives, policy advocacy and fostering strategic partnerships, ZCSD works to ensure that vulnerable groups, especially women, youth, rural populations and people with disabilities (PWDs), have a voice in the country’s political, social and economic spheres.

ZCSD is a key player in Zambia’s civil society landscape, collaborating with national, regional and international networks such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU), while also engaging in global partnerships aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It focuses on bridging the gap between marginalised communities and decision-making processes, ensuring that Zambia’s development is inclusive and participatory.

Despite facing challenges, including limited resources and socio-economic instability with some political patronage, ZCSD remains committed to facilitating an inclusive, people-centred approach to development, with the belief that by strengthening the collective voice of civil society, Zambia can overcome socio-economic disparities and advance sustainable progress.

(These profiles showcase the critical contributions of NGO umbrella and support organisations in various African countries and regions. However, this is not an exhaustive list of all umbrella and support organisations, and many others do stellar work across the continent.)