Independent (Charles Vandyck)

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) was founded in 2005 and commenced operations in 2007. Its mission is to enhance the capabilities of civil society within West Africa. Over the years, WACSI has established itself as a key facilitator of capacity development, a convener, a purveyor of ideas, and an influencer within the civil society landscape of West Africa. Through its strategic plan spanning from 2018 to 2022, the Institute made notable contributions to the advancement of civil society, thus augmenting its influence and prominence across the West African region. It garnered acknowledgment from local, regional, and international partners. Guided by this strategic blueprint, WACSI addressed the prevalent deficiency in skills and capacity within West African civil society through a three-pronged intervention strategy: Capacity Development, Knowledge Management, and Policy Influencing and Advocacy, aiming to empower civil society to become a potent catalyst for change in the region. In its ongoing strategic plan (2023-2027), WACSI has tailored tools and processes to tackle capacity challenges specific to the context. The institute employs the following functional approaches in executing its mandate: • Direct implementation • Facilitating connections and collaborations • Fostering learning and knowledge exchange as a leading thinker • Advocacy and influence • Strengthening internal organisational capacity and ethos • Targeting audiences, monitoring progress, and reporting achievements.