PHOTO; Courtesy ;AI
African non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are entering 2026 amid mounting uncertainty over international aid flows, shifting donor priorities, and increased competition for limited funding.
These trends will be the focus of an upcoming virtual discussion convened by @AfricanNGOs and Hexa Media Africa.
The webinar, scheduled for 26 February 2026, will explore how civil society organisations across the continent are responding to a rapidly evolving funding landscape.
Titled “African NGO Funding Trends 2026 – Challenges and Opportunities,” the 90-minute session aims to unpack the financial pressures facing NGOs and examine emerging funding avenues.
In recent years, traditional official development assistance (ODA) has come under strain globally, with some donor governments reassessing overseas spending commitments.
For many African NGOs, this has translated into tighter grant cycles, increased reporting requirements and heightened competition for resources.
At the same time, alternative sources of support are beginning to expand. African philanthropy is growing steadily, while regional and national funding mechanisms are gaining traction in several countries.
Innovative financing approaches, including blended finance models and impact investment structures, are also being explored as potential complements to conventional grant funding.
Organisers of the webinar say the discussion will focus on helping organisations understand these shifts and assess how to adapt their fundraising strategies accordingly.
Confirmed panellists include ChiChi Aniagolu, Regional Director at the Ford Foundation, and Ntefeleng Nene, Partner at The Bridgespan Group.
Additional speakers are expected to be announced ahead of the event.
The conversation is expected to address how donor expectations are evolving, particularly around accountability, sustainability and measurable impact.
As funding becomes more competitive, NGOs are increasingly required to demonstrate stronger governance systems, diversified revenue streams, and clearer long-term strategies.
The event will also mark the launch of the African NGO Fundraising Hub, a new initiative designed to provide fundraising resources and strategic guidance to civil society organisations.
The platform aims to support NGOs in navigating changing donor landscapes and strengthening their institutional resilience.
Civil society leaders across Africa have warned that funding volatility could affect the delivery of essential services in areas such as health, education, climate adaptation and governance.
Smaller and community-based organisations, in particular, often face greater vulnerability when funding cycles shift abruptly.
However, sector analysts note that the growth of African-led philanthropy and regional funding mechanisms presents an opportunity to reduce dependence on traditional Western aid flows.
Increased collaboration between local funders, private sector actors and development institutions may also contribute to more diversified funding ecosystems.
The webinar forms part of the NGO Power Talk series, an initiative by @AfricanNGOs and Hexa Media Africa aimed at equipping NGO leaders with strategic insights and practical tools.
The session will be held virtually from 13h00 to 14h30 (CAT), enabling participation from organisations across the continent and beyond.
As 2026 unfolds, many African NGOs are reassessing their funding models and exploring new partnerships in response to global economic and political shifts.
The upcoming discussion is expected to contribute to ongoing conversations within the sector about sustainability, localisation, and the future of development financing in Africa.
Interested participants can register HERE
