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ACEP Hosts Guinea Delegation for Three-Day Peer Learning Exchange on Civil Society Advocacy

Introduction

In an era where democratic spaces are facing global challenges, the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in promoting transparency and accountability has never been more vital. Recognizing this, the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) recently organized a strategic three-day peer learning exchange. This event brought together policy experts and civil society leaders from Ghana and Guinea to share knowledge and strengthen regional advocacy networks.

This high-level engagement, hosted by ACEP in collaboration with Action Mines Guinea, focused on navigating the shrinking civic space in West Africa. By facilitating a dialogue on best practices, strategic communication, and organizational resilience, the two organizations have laid the groundwork for a more robust civil society ecosystem in the region. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the event, the challenges facing CSOs, and the practical strategies discussed to ensure the longevity and impact of advocacy work.

Key Points

Background

To understand the significance of this exchange, it is necessary to look at the institutional backgrounds of the two organizations involved. The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) is a Ghana-based think tank that has established itself as a leading voice in the promotion of transparency and good governance within the energy and extractive sectors. Over the years, ACEP has moved beyond traditional research to actively engage in citizen advocacy and policy monitoring, ensuring that natural resource governance benefits local populations.

On the other side of the continent, Action Mines Guinea operates in a context rich in mineral resources but fraught with governance challenges. This organization focuses on the extractive sector in Guinea, advocating for fair revenue management and environmental protection. Both organizations share a common mandate: to hold governments and corporations accountable. However, the operational environments in Ghana and Guinea present distinct regulatory and political hurdles, making the sharing of localized experiences essential for mutual growth.

The Imperative of Regional Collaboration

The decision to convene this meeting was driven by a realization that isolated advocacy efforts often yield diminishing returns. As political landscapes shift across West Africa, CSOs are increasingly facing coordinated challenges, including restrictive laws and limited access to policy-makers. By creating a platform for peer learning, ACEP and Action Mines Guinea are adopting a “strength in numbers” approach, acknowledging that regional solidarity is a key defense against the erosion of democratic norms.

Analysis

The core of the three-day exchange was an analysis of the “shrinking civic space”—a term used to describe the closing of opportunities for people to exercise their rights to freedom of association, peaceful assembly, and expression. This phenomenon is not unique to Guinea or Ghana but is a worrying trend across the continent. The discussions at the ACEP exchange highlighted how CSOs can pivot their strategies to remain effective even when traditional avenues for advocacy are blocked.

Navigating Shrinking Civic Spaces

One of the critical insights shared during the sessions was the need for agility. In environments where direct confrontation with the state leads to backlash, organizations are learning to use “soft power” and strategic communication. This involves leveraging data-driven research to make undeniable cases to policy-makers while simultaneously mobilizing the public through media and grassroots networks. The exchange emphasized that advocacy is not just about protest; it is about sustained engagement, education, and the careful building of coalitions.

Furthermore, the discussions touched upon the concept of organizational resilience. This goes beyond financial sustainability; it includes having robust internal governance structures that can withstand external pressure. When an organization is transparent in its operations and maintains high ethical standards, it builds credibility with the public and donors, making it harder for hostile regimes to delegitimize their work.

The Role of Extractive Sector Governance

Given the focus of both ACEP and Action Mines Guinea, a significant portion of the dialogue centered on the extractive sector. Guinea is a mining powerhouse, particularly in bauxite, while Ghana has a mature gold mining industry. Both nations struggle with the “resource curse”—the paradox where countries with an abundance of natural resources experience less economic growth and worse development outcomes. The peer learning session allowed for a comparative analysis of how different regulatory frameworks are performing and how civil society can better utilize tools like the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) to demand accountability.

Practical Advice

For other civil society organizations, activists, and policy researchers looking to replicate the success of this peer learning exchange, the organizers shared several actionable strategies. These strategies are designed to enhance the effectiveness of advocacy work in difficult political climates.

Strategies for Maintaining Impactful Advocacy

1. Leverage Internal Structures and Ethics: A strong internal code of conduct is a shield against external attacks. Organizations must ensure that their financial and operational transparency is beyond reproach. This builds the “social license” needed to operate.

2. Diversify Partnerships: Relying solely on international donors or a single government ally is risky. The exchange highlighted the importance of building diverse coalitions that include local community groups, private sector actors, and other CSOs. This creates a web of support that is harder to sever.

3. Use Data as a Weapon: In advocacy, opinion is good, but facts are better. ACEP and Action Mines Guinea emphasized the need to ground advocacy in rigorous research. Policy briefs, data visualization, and verifiable reports are powerful tools for persuading undecided stakeholders.

4. Prioritize Staff Safety and Well-being: Advocacy in shrinking spaces is mentally taxing and can be physically dangerous. Organizations must invest in security training and psychological support for their teams. This ensures longevity and prevents burnout among key personnel.

FAQ

Conclusion

The three-day peer learning exchange between ACEP and Action Mines Guinea represents a microcosm of the broader struggle for democratic resilience in West Africa. By moving beyond borders to share tactics and strengthen bonds, these organizations are refusing to let shrinking civic spaces silence the call for accountability. The event underscored that while the challenges are significant—from regulatory pressures to political instability—the collective will of civil society is stronger.

As ACEP continues to position itself as a regional hub for policy dialogue, initiatives like this serve as a vital lifeline for the sector. The lessons learned during these three days—centering on ethics, strategy, and solidarity—will undoubtedly ripple outward, empowering other organizations to navigate the turbulent waters of modern advocacy with renewed confidence and capability.