ACKNOWLEDGING THE PIVOTAL ROLES OF INTERNATIONAL AND LOCAL DONORS IN ADVANCING HUMAN DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA THROUGH INDIGENOUS ‘CSOs/NGOs’

 30 December 2025 / current concerns 2-029

 

ACKNOWLEDGING THE PIVOTAL ROLES OF INTERNATIONAL AND LOCAL DONORS IN ADVANCING HUMAN DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA THROUGH INDIGENOUS ‘CSOs/NGOs’

 

by Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje, FAHOA

 

+2348034725905 (WhatsApp) / Email: druzoadirieje2015@gmail.com

follow ‘LIFE & HEALTH’ on Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/share/18na4VuTBG/> and WhatsApp <https://chat.whatsapp.com/LPhpl4k80HyFYsCvIxn0Wz>

to receive more posts. This article may be freely published with credit/authorship is retained, and the reference/link shared this author

 

 

INTRODUCTION

Africa’s development journey is defined by resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to improving human wellbeing despite structural challenges. Across the continent, indigenous Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) continue to play a frontline role in translating policies into action, delivering services to underserved populations, and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. However, the effectiveness and sustainability of these efforts have been made possible largely through the strategic support of international and local donors who believe in locally led solutions.

 

As a development practitioner and civil society leader, and in my capacity as CEO and Programmes Director of Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA), I have witnessed firsthand how purposeful donor partnerships have transformed lives, strengthened institutions, and contributed meaningfully to Africa’s progress across health, governance, nutrition, social protection, and sustainable development sectors.

 

WHY DONOR – ‘CSO/NGO’ PARTNERSHIPS MATTER IN AFRICA

 

Indigenous CSOs/NGOs occupy a unique position within Africa’s development ecosystem. They possess deep contextual knowledge, cultural competence, and long-standing trust within communities. Yet, these strengths require adequate financial resources, technical assistance, and institutional support to achieve scale and impact. Donor partnerships bridge this gap, enabling grassroots organizations to implement evidence-based interventions, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and contribute to national and continental development agendas.

 

Importantly, effective donor support does more than fund projects; it builds systems, nurtures leadership, promotes learning, and fosters sustainability. When donors prioritize localization and capacity strengthening, the result is not dependency but empowerment.

 

INTERNATIONAL DONORS SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS AFRICAN ‘CSOs/NGOs’

 

Across Africa, several international donors have demonstrated strong commitment to working with local civil society organizations, ensuring that development interventions are inclusive, responsive, and impactful.

 

Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM)

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) has played a transformative role in advancing human development in Africa by strategically investing in indigenous civil society organizations (CSOs/NGOs). Through inclusive financing, capacity strengthening, and community-led implementation, GFATM empowers local organizations to deliver life-saving HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria interventions to the most vulnerable populations. Its partnership model recognizes the comparative advantage of indigenous CSOs in reaching underserved communities, promoting equity, accountability, and sustainability. By anchoring global resources in local leadership and systems, the Global Fund has strengthened health outcomes, built resilient community health structures, and accelerated progress toward universal health coverage and sustainable development across Africa.

 

United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

USAID’s extensive investment in health, education, governance, and humanitarian response has significantly expanded the operational reach of local NGOs. By working through indigenous organizations, USAID has strengthened primary healthcare delivery, community disease surveillance, nutrition programming, and civil society advocacy — particularly in fragile and underserved settings.

 

European Union (EU)

The European Union remains a strong ally of African civil society through its sustained funding for human rights, climate action, peacebuilding, and social inclusion. EU support has enhanced CSO capacity for policy engagement, research, and service delivery, especially in conflict-affected and climate-vulnerable regions.

 

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

The Gates Foundation’s targeted investments in health systems strengthening, nutrition, maternal and child health, and agricultural innovation have yielded measurable impact across Africa. Its collaborative approach — working with governments, research institutions, and local NGOs — underscores the value of multi-stakeholder partnerships in solving complex development challenges.

 

AHOA’s EXPERIENCE: DONOR SUPPORT TRANSLATING INTO IMPACT

 

The journey and impact of Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) offer a practical illustration of how donor partnerships enable indigenous organizations to deliver meaningful results. Some of the donors are referenced below:

 

United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF)

UNDEF has been a critical supporter of democratic governance, civic participation, and institutional accountability across Africa. Through its direct engagement with local CSOs, including Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) ‘Sustainable Citizen Participation (SCP) Project in Nigeria’s Niger Delta Region, UNDEF has supported initiatives aimed at strengthening citizen engagement, improving transparency, and empowering civil society actors to contribute meaningfully to democratic and development processes. Such support reinforces the role of CSOs as accountability partners and defenders of inclusive governance.

 

Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM)

The Nigeria Malaria Matchbox Project implemented by AHOA is an equity-focused malaria initiative supported under the Global Fund and Nigeria’s National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), through the Impact Santé Afrique (ISA)

The project used the Malaria Matchbox equity assessment approach—a diagnostic equity tool co-developed by the Global Fund to assess and improve the effectiveness and fairness of malaria programmes. AHOA deployed this approach to research and assess malaria services in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Northeast Nigeria—focusing on women and children who are especially vulnerable due to conflict and displacement. The project examined critical malaria prevention, diagnosis, and treatment services for displaced populations, helping identify service gaps and informing targeted interventions that enhance equity and access. Additionally, the Global Fund supportet Afrihealth Optonet Association mainly by channelling grant funding through national and civil society platforms, enabling AHOA to serve as a sub-sub-recipient/implementing agency. This support allows AHOA to deliver home-based care, HIV prevention outreach, community engagement and health services in prioritized Nigerian states for populations affected by HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

 

American Diabetes Association (ADA)

The support received from the American Diabetes Association has strengthened AHOA’s capacity to address non-communicable diseases, particularly diabetes research and awareness, prevention, and advocacy. Through collaborative initiatives, AHOA has contributed to improved community knowledge, early detection, and policy dialogue on diabetes management in resource-constrained settings — an area of growing public health concern in Africa.

 

Child Health Foundation (CHF)

With support from the Child Health Foundation, AHOA has implemented child-focused health interventions aimed at improving survival, nutrition, and wellbeing among vulnerable children. These initiatives have enhanced community engagement on child health, strengthened local response mechanisms, and contributed to improved outcomes for women and children.

 

Task Force Sight and Life (SFL)

The partnership with Task Force Sight and Life has been instrumental in addressing nutrition-related blindness and micronutrient deficiencies. Through evidence-based advocacy, capacity building, and community outreach, AHOA has supported interventions that protect vision, promote nutrition-sensitive policies, and improve quality of life for vulnerable populations.

 

These partnerships exemplify how donor trust in indigenous CSOs translates into scalable impact, institutional learning, and sustained community benefits.

 

LOCAL AND REGIONAL PHILANTHROPY: GROWING AFRICAN OWNERSHIP

 

Beyond international donors, local philanthropy has become an increasingly important pillar of development financing in Africa. The Tony Elumelu Foundation has empowered thousands of young African entrepreneurs through seed funding, mentorship, and enterprise development. The Dangote Foundation has supported health, nutrition, education, and emergency response interventions, particularly among vulnerable populations. Faith-based organizations, community foundations, and private individuals continue to provide flexible, timely support that sustains grassroots initiatives. These local efforts complement international funding and reinforce African ownership of development solutions.

 

TRANSFORMATIONAL OUTCOMES AT COMMUNITY LEVEL

 

The true value of donor support is reflected in their transformational tangible outcomes at the community levels, including:

Improved access to primary healthcare services in rural and underserved communities.

Strengthened advocacy platforms influencing national health and social policies.

Enhanced nutrition outcomes for women and children.

Increased civic participation and accountability at community level.

Improved resilience to climate, economic, and health shocks.

Such outcomes demonstrate that when donors work through indigenous CSOs, development becomes more inclusive, effective, and sustainable.

 

PRINCIPLES FOR STRENGTHENING FUTURE PARTNERSHIPS

To sustain and deepen impact, donor–CSO partnerships must be guided by:

1. Trust in local leadership and systems

2. Long-term and flexible funding

3. Mutual accountability and transparency

4. Investment in institutional capacity, not just projects

5. Commitment to learning, adaptation, and innovation

 

CONCLUSION: A SHARED COMMITMENT TO AFRICA’S FUTURE

 

As Africa continues its journey toward inclusive growth and sustainable development, the role of donors — international and local — remains indispensable. On behalf of Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) and the wider civil society community, I express profound appreciation to UNDEF, the American Diabetes Association, Child Health Foundation, Task Force Sight and Life, and all development partners who have chosen to invest in locally led change. Your support strengthens institutions, restores dignity, and transforms lives. Together, through respectful and strategic partnerships, we can continue building resilient health systems, inclusive governance structures, and prosperous communities across Africa.

 

NEXT STEPS

Join us at our Weekly ‘Life & Health’ Events/Dialogue Series for 2026 — where ideas meet action, and where Africa’s sustainable future takes centre stage. Follow the Dialogue through the following 4 Steps: Register for once, and participate in the 52 Sessions

 

1. Follow ‘LIFE & HEALTH’ Page on Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/share/18na4VuTBG/> now to secure your spot;

 

2. Join the ‘Life and Health’ Dialogue Series notice/information Board on WhatsApp <https://chat.whatsapp.com/LPhpl4k80HyFYsCvIxn0Wz>

 

3. Weekly Topics: AHOA's ‘Life & Health’ Dialogue Series 2026 – Master Calendar (52 Weeks) <https://afrihealthcsos.org/2025/12/22/life-health-dialogue-series-2026-master-calendar-52-weeks/>

 

4. Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/cdcxy9-vTpm3UfvNHS1a3A

 

Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje is a well experienced Global Health and Development Projects Consultant with over a decade of providing retainership, advisory services, and technical leadership to governments, donors, NGOs, and civil society platforms across Africa and beyond. A health economist, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) expert, researcher, trainer, and facilitator, he possesses strong expertise in programme design, policy analysis, and results-based management, and has very successfully delivered several health and development projects/programmes. His work spans climate change, energy transition, environmental and biodiversity sustainability, universal health coverage (UHC), and health and community systems strengthening, promoting evidence-based and scalable development solutions. Dr. Adirieje has served as Technical Adviser to Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and as a member of President Muhammadu Buhari’s National Steering Committee on the Alternate School Programme. He is CEO and Programmes Director of Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA), President of African Network of Civil Society Organizations (ANCSO), Chairperson of the Global Civil Society Consortium on Climate Change (GCSCCC), and holds multiple leadership roles in national and global civil society platforms. A prolific writer and conference organizer, he is a respected policy advocate and development leader, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s M&E and SDG implementation frameworks.