Civil Society Takes Centre Stage in AfDB Development Strategy
The African Development Bank (AfDB) is advancing inclusive development across the continent through its Civil Society Engagement Community of Practice (CSECoP), a platform designed to foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing and co-creation of solutions.
Launched in 2024, the initiative brings together civil society organisations, policy experts and Bank staff to jointly address Africa’s increasingly complex development challenges. The platform reflects the strategic vision of AfDB President, Sidi Ould Tah, which places partnerships at the centre of sustainable growth.
Unlike traditional consultation models, the CSECoP promotes structured dialogue over several weeks, enabling participants to analyse key issues, exchange evidence-based practices and develop practical responses to pressing development priorities.
Operating through a hybrid model that combines digital engagement with in-person sessions, the platform ensures participation from stakeholders across all 54 African countries, including grassroots organisations and continental networks. This approach is aimed at strengthening inclusivity and amplifying voices often underrepresented in policy processes.
The initiative forms a core part of the Civil Society Engagement Action Plan (2024–2028), which seeks to enhance civil society participation, integrate engagement across AfDB operations and generate actionable knowledge for advocacy and policy dialogue.
Co-led by the African Development Institute and the Civil Society and Community Engagement Division, the programme has already demonstrated tangible impact. During its inaugural 2024 edition, which focused on inclusive budgeting, participating organisations improved their capacity to monitor public financial systems and advocate for transparency.
Following the presentation of findings in Abidjan in April 2025, civil society groups leveraged the platform to coordinate advocacy efforts, contributing in some countries to improved funding allocations for social services and local development priorities.
Building on this momentum, the 2025 edition is focusing on harnessing Africa’s demographic potential, particularly its rapidly growing youth population. Discussions are centred on education, entrepreneurship, employment and youth wellbeing, with stakeholders working to develop scalable solutions that can drive inclusive economic growth.
Looking ahead, the AfDB plans to expand the platform by increasing participation, strengthening collaboration with universities and research institutions, and enhancing mechanisms to integrate insights into its operational strategies.
The Bank says the initiative demonstrates that structured and sustained collaboration can serve as a catalyst for systemic change, ensuring that Africa’s development is both inclusive and reflective of the aspirations of its people.
