AfDB unveils Inclusive civil society engagement plan for Africa

• Introduces a 5-Year CSE Action Plan
• Commits to Establishing a Dedicated CSE Trust Fund

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has on Tuesday launched its new Civil Society Engagement (CSE) Action Plan, a five-year initiative designed to enhance collaboration with civil society organizations (CSOs) and promote inclusivity across the continent.

protected by reCAPTCHA

RECOMMENDED STORIES

AfDB hails Chiradzulu Council for smooth relief maize distribution

Malawi signs US$46.27 million AfDB Budgetary support

AfDB cautions against extremism on governance issues ahead of 2025 polls

The CSE Action Plan, spanning from 2024 to 2028, aligns with the AfDB’s broader mission to foster an inclusive Africa and support its ten-year strategy, which was introduced in May 2024.

The AfDB’s latest initiative underscores the critical role that CSOs play as partners in achieving the bank’s strategic objectives.

Speaking during a hybrid event on Tuesday, Luther Yameogo, the Principal Civil Society Engagement Advocacy Officer at the AfDB, emphasized the plan’s focus on increasing inclusivity by engaging CSOs that work closely with communities across Africa.

He highlighted that effective implementation of the USD 5,350,000 plan would require strategic financial support.

“The operationalization of the plan will require mobilization of financial resources through existing trust funds and also through a dedicated CSE Trust Fund that is envisaged,” Yameogo said.

Augustine Njamnshi, Executive Director of the African Coalition for Sustainable Energy & Access (ACSEA), also commented on the importance of structured CSO engagement.

He called for consistent, formalized dialogues between the Bank, governments, and CSOs, as outlined in the action plan, to reinforce transparency and trust in the AfDB’s operations.

“The AfDB’s commitment to engage with society not on an ad hoc basis is critical. CSOs in respective countries must push for tripartite dialogues between the Bank, Government, and CSOs outlined in the action plan to be a tradition. These will curb all the doubts and misconceptions surrounding the operations of the private sector,” said Njamnshi.

The hybrid launch of the CSE action plan brought together over 100 CSOs from across Africa; and comes at a time when CSOs have been calling for the Bank to have a structured CSO engagement.