The future of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in West Africa amidst key shifts in multilateralism and regionalism will be defined by their adaptability, innovation, and strategic engagement.
Dr.
Philip Attuquayefio, a Research Fellow at the Legon Center for International Affairs and Diplomacy (LECIAD), University of Ghana, stated that while restrictive political environments, shifting donor priorities, and emerging challenges pose significant risks, CSOs that embrace digital transformation, diversify their funding models, strengthen regional alliances, and expand their thematic focus will continue to play a critical role in shaping governance, development, and human rights in the region. "The ability to anticipate changes, build resilience, and assert influence in new and evolving spaces will determine the long-term sustainability and impact of CSO action in West Africa," Dr.
Attuquayefio remarked in his keynote address at the opening of the 18th General Assembly of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) in Accra. "The stakes are high, but the opportunities are equally significant.
