Ford Foundation Reinforces Civic Empowerment at WACSW 2025 in Accra

Introduction: A New Era for Civic Action in West Africa

The Ford Foundation has renewed its steadfast commitment to empowering civil society and fortifying democratic institutions across West Africa during the 2025 West Africa Civil Society Week (WACSW) held in Accra. This pivotal event, co-hosted by the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) and Spaces for Change, brought together over 300 civic leaders, activists, and development professionals to address pressing challenges facing the region’s democratic landscape.

As geopolitical tensions rise and civic spaces contract globally, the Ford Foundation’s participation at WACSW 2025 underscores its dedication to fostering resilient, inclusive, and participatory governance structures. Through strategic programs like the “Weaving Resilience” initiative, the Foundation continues to invest in long-term capacity-building for civil society organizations (CSOs), ensuring they remain vital drivers of positive change.

Analysis: Strategic Priorities and Programmatic Focus

Ford Foundation’s Vision for Democratic Resilience

During her keynote address, Onyinye Onyemobi, Program Associate at the Ford Foundation’s West Africa Office, emphasized that “there is no democracy without an empowered and resilient civil society.” Her remarks highlighted the Foundation’s multi-year Weaving Resilience programme, designed to enhance the adaptability, efficacy, and sustainability of civil society ecosystems in the Global South.

The programme focuses on three core pillars:

• Capacity Building: Equipping CSOs with strategic leadership, advocacy, and organizational skills.
• Network Strengthening: Creating regional alliances to amplify collective impact.
• Resource Mobilization: Securing sustainable funding streams for grassroots initiatives.

Addressing West Africa’s Unique Challenges

WACSW 2025 delegates grappled with critical issues such as shrinking civic space, political uncertainty, and emerging distrust among communities. Dr. Nana Afadzinu, Executive Director of WACSI, noted that despite severe funding cuts and repressive policies, “citizens across West Africa continue to demonstrate remarkable courage and activism.”

Key discussions centered on:

• The role of civic-tech innovations in bypassing traditional barriers to participation.
• The necessity of grassroots mobilization to sustain democratic momentum.
• Strategies for countering disinformation and building media literacy.

Youth Engagement and Civic-Tech Solutions

A major shift at WACSW 2025 was the pivot from diagnostic analysis to actionable revival strategies. Youth leaders and tech innovators presented pioneering models, including:

• Digital advocacy platforms enabling real-time citizen engagement.
• Data-driven monitoring tools tracking government accountability.
• Community-based literacy programmes enhancing civic education in local languages.

These solutions aim to create “new civic architectures” capable of resisting political shocks and misinformation surges.

Summary: Key Outcomes from WACSW 2025

WACSW 2025 concluded with a unified call to action, emphasizing three strategic imperatives for West Africa’s civil society:

1. Strengthening cohesion among diverse civic actors through cross-sector partnerships.
2. Accelerating investment in civic-tech infrastructure and digital security.
3. Fostering inclusive governance that integrates marginalized voices into decision-making processes.

The Ford Foundation reaffirmed its pledge to support these goals, committing resources to “nurture the resilience that will shape the future of civic life and democratic prospects in West Africa.”

Key Points: Essential Takeaways

• The Ford Foundation’s Weaving Resilience programme remains central to its West Africa strategy.
• Civil society is acknowledged as the “heartbeat of democracy” by regional leaders.
• WACSW 2025 marked a transition from diagnosis to revival in civic engagement strategies.
• Youth-led civic-tech innovations are emerging as critical tools for democratic resilience.
• Sustainable funding and legal protections for CSOs are urgent priorities.

Practical Advice: Building Resilient Civil Societies

For CSO Leaders and Activists

1. Adopt hybrid models combining traditional advocacy with digital outreach.
2. Invest in leadership development to ensure continuity amid political transitions.
3. Form regional alliances to share resources and amplify advocacy impact.

For Policymakers

1. Enact enabling legislation that protects civic space and ensures transparent funding mechanisms.
2. Engage CSOs in policy design to enhance legitimacy and implementation.
3. Support civic-tech infrastructure through public-private partnerships.

For Donors and Funders

1. Prioritize long-term, flexible grants that allow adaptive responses to emerging challenges.
2. Foster capacity-building programmes tailored to local contexts.
3. Advocate for international frameworks that defend global civic space.

Points of Caution: Navigating Complex Landscapes

While progress is evident, stakeholders must remain vigilant about several risks:

• Authoritarian backlash against increased civic mobilization.
• Digital surveillance targeting activists and CSO digital infrastructure.
• Resource fragmentation diluting collective impact.
• Cultural resistance to inclusive governance models.

Stakeholders are advised to implement risk mitigation strategies, including legal preparedness, secure communication protocols, and contingency funding plans.

Comparison: WACSW 2025 vs. Previous Editions

Since its inception, WACSW has evolved significantly:

The 2025 edition marked a definitive shift toward implementation-oriented outcomes, reflecting growing urgency and stakeholder maturity.

Legal Implications: Protecting Civic Freedoms

Legal frameworks play a crucial role in enabling or constraining civic action. Key considerations include:

• Associational Rights: Legal guarantees for CSO registration and operation.
• Funding Regulations: Compliance with anti-money laundering statutes while securing resources.
• Digital Rights: Protection against unlawful surveillance and data breaches.
• Labor Laws: Ensuring safe participation for activists, particularly in high-risk environments.

Advocates must stay informed about national legal changes and leverage international instruments like the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights to advocate for protective reforms.

Conclusion: A Collective Path Forward

The Ford Foundation’s reaffirmation of support at WACSW 2025 signals a critical juncture for West Africa’s democratic trajectory. By empowering civil society through strategic investments, capacity-building, and innovative partnerships, the region can build resilience against authoritarian pressures and foster genuinely inclusive governance.

Success will depend on sustained collaboration among CSOs, governments, donors, and citizens. As Deputy Chief of Staff Nana Oye Bampoe Addo stated, “Civil society is the heartbeat of democracy. Our region needs ethical, community-driven engagement and stronger civic-tech strategies.”

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ford Foundation’s role in West Africa?

The Ford Foundation supports civic ecosystems through grants, capacity-building, and advocacy, focusing on democratic resilience and inclusive development.

How does WACSW contribute to democratic resilience?

WACSW convenes stakeholders to share knowledge, forge alliances, and develop actionable strategies for strengthening civic participation and governance.

What are the major challenges facing civil society in West Africa?

<pKey challenges include funding shortages, legal restrictions, political repression, and digital surveillance.

What innovative solutions were highlighted at WACSW 2025?

Civic-tech tools, youth-led digital platforms, and grassroots mobilization networks were prominent innovations discussed.