Today is Nelson Mandela International Day, celebrated annually on 18 July. This day honours the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, whose fight for justice, dignity and equality continues to echo across generations.

Mandela Day is more than just a symbolic occasion; it urges us to turn inspiration into action and confront the inequalities and systemic poverty that persist in Africa and elsewhere. This year’s theme, “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity”, serves as a powerful reminder that, while progress has been made, we are still far from achieving Mandela’s vision of a more just and inclusive society.

Across Africa, NGOs are at the forefront in addressing the continent’s many challenges, often with limited resources but unlimited resolve. They are the doers — building schools, healing communities, challenging injustice, defending rights and fostering innovation in the most marginalised corners of our continent.

Mandela Day is an ideal opportunity to celebrate the work of African NGOs. These organisations are catalysts of hope, resilience and transformation, playing a crucial role in the efforts to end poverty and inequality in Africa.

Over the past year, I have had the privilege of profiling the work of more than 150 African NGOs that embody Mandela’s spirit of service and selflessness, each advancing social justice in bold, often invisible ways. Their stories inspire, provoke and demand attention.

Below are links to seven articles I have published showcasing these remarkable organisations. I invite you to explore, share and celebrate their work.

World Refugee Day – Overview and Profiles of 30 African NGOs

World NGO Day – Overview and Profiles of 23 National and Regional NGO Umbrella and Support Organisations in Africa

International Anti-Corruption Day – Overview and Profiles of 24 African NGOs

Africa Human Rights Day – Overview and Profiles of 23 African NGOs

World Humanitarian Day – Overview and Profiles of 15 African NGOs

Day of the African Child – Overview and Profiles of 22 African NGOs

International Day of Sport for Development and Peace – Overview and Profiles of 18 African NGOs

Please refer to https://x.com/africanngos for more information about African NGOs.

#AfricanNGOs #MandelaDay #ItIsInYourHands #MandelaDay2025