West Africa Civil Society Institute wins 2026 African CSO Award

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) has emerged as the winner of the Supporters category at the 2026 African CSO Awards. The announcement was made on October 8 during the African CSO Ideas Festival held in Nairobi, Kenya. WACSI secured the prestigious accolade after outperforming 1,248 other competitors from 46 countries across the continent, marking a significant milestone for the Accra-based institution.

Dr. Nana Asantewa Afadzinu, the Executive Director of WACSI, described the award as a powerful validation of the Institute’s long-standing mission to strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations. For over two decades, WACSI has been at the forefront of providing essential training and funding opportunities aimed at making civil society more resilient and effective. This recognition underscores the organization's role in fostering leadership and promoting sustainable development initiatives within African communities.

The award aligns with WACSI’s current 2023–2027 Strategic Plan, which focuses on enhancing institutional leadership and community-led development. Impact assessments have consistently demonstrated the effectiveness of WACSI’s interventions, with a recent evaluation showing that 92% of participating organizations reported improved fundraising capacities. As WACSI moves forward, this continental recognition is expected to bolster its efforts to support civil society actors in navigating complex regional challenges.