African CSO Awards Open Call to Celebrate Community-Led Development
Civil society organisations and community leaders across Africa have been invited to apply for the African CSO Awards, a continental initiative designed to recognise, amplify, and connect African-led efforts driving community-owned development and social change.
Organised by EPIC-Africa, the awards seek to shine a spotlight on civil society actors who work daily at the grassroots to protect human rights, strengthen communities, and ensure local voices shape development solutions.
The initiative is open to both formal and informal African civil society organisations, as well as nominated individuals whose work has had a lasting impact.
Under the theme “Celebrating Community-Led Development,” the awards emphasise African ownership, local leadership, and non-profit action rooted in lived realities.
Award categories
The African CSO Awards feature five categories, divided between organisations and individuals.
For organisations, three categories are open for direct entry:
- Doers: CSOs working on the frontline of community-led development, co-creating and delivering solutions grounded in local contexts.
- Supporters: CSOs that strengthen frontline organisations by providing tools, training, services or institutional support.
- Enablers: CSOs operating at the ecosystem level, shaping policies, platforms and conditions that allow community-led development to thrive.
- Emerging Leaders: Innovators under the age of 35 shaping the future of African civil society.Lifetime Achievers: Visionaries with 25 or more years of sustained contribution to community transformation.
Eligibility criteria
To qualify, all entrants must be African-led, governed and operating in Africa, with a clear focus on community ownership and non-profit aims.
Organisational applicants must have been active for at least two years and may only apply in one category. Individual nominees must be put forward by another person.
International organisations, for-profit entities and government bodies are not eligible.
As the deadline approaches, organisers are encouraging CSOs and nominators to step forward and ensure their work is seen.
“Pause, reflect and share your story,” the call reads. “This is your moment to be witnessed.”
Applications close on 28 February 2026.
More than an award
While the African CSO Awards do not offer a cash prize, organisers describe them as a catalyst for growth.
Winners will receive increased visibility, recognition, and access to strategic networks that can unlock new funding and partnership opportunities.
Multiple winners will be selected in each category, all of whom will be invited to a fully funded, in-person celebration, bringing together civil society leaders, partners and sector influencers from across Africa.
Importantly, every organisation that enters becomes part of the African CSO Platform, a digital ecosystem offering peer connection, funding leads, and capacity-building opportunities.
Entrants will be supported to build a searchable profile showcasing their work to potential partners and supporters.
To apply visit;EPIC AFRICA
About Epic Africa
EPIC‑Africa is a pan-African initiative that strengthens and amplifies community-led civil society work across the continent.
It connects and supports African-led organisations and individuals, providing visibility, networking, and capacity-building opportunities to enhance their impact.
Through platforms like the African CSO Awards, EPIC‑Africa celebrates local changemakers, fosters collaboration, and helps ensure that community-led development solutions are recognised, shared, and scaled across Africa.
