Civil Society Organizations and AFD: an Evolving Partnership

At a geopolitically and environmentally unstable time with the eruption of countless crises, cooperation between AFD and civil society organizations (CSOs) is more important than ever. CSOs have become fully-fledged partners, and AFD is now revamping its partnering processes as part of its effort to refine its practices and policies linked to fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals.

The recent upheavals caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the conflict in Ukraine, the earthquake in Turkey and the food crisis in Africa have deepened inequalities and worsened living conditions in some of AFD's countries of operation. But they have also highlighted the mobilization, experience, expertise and responsiveness of civil society organizations. To address people's needs CSOs have taken multiple actions, many of which have been targeted and innovative, with interventions covering a wide range of regions and sectors.

Further reading:Call for Expressions of Interest 2023

It is in this context that AFD is developing its partnerships with CSOs through new cooperation arrangements. Over the past 15 years, AFD has broadened its methods of collaboration, both in terms of financing projects and activities but also in terms of producing knowledge and mobilizing expertise. This mutual "partnering process" provides value for AFD. It has increased its ability to intervene in new thematic areas, have a greater impact for people, and improve the way in which projects can support citizen mobilization and build stronger social bonds.

AFD's support has also helped CSOs become more professional stakeholders in the international ecosystem working towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Today, this rich relationship results in the constant growth of project financing.

There is also a joint mobilization during international events, where partnerships are renewed or initiated, and "Team France" is stepping up its work in Paris and on the ground. Not to mention the increasing number of forums for dialogue and the creation of common knowledge production mechanisms.

How do we work with the Civil Society Organisations #CSOs ? How are they a key partner of ours and why?
Our expert @LeGuenNicolas1 explains ⤵️

@Sarah_Botton@Sarr_PapaAmadoupic.twitter.com/kNl1Nvfp5o

- AFD_en (@AFD_en) June 20, 2023

As a State operator, AFD finances projects that fit in with France's solidarity and international cooperation policy, with financing geared towards fulfilling the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It respects the autonomy of CSOs and their independence from the State, as well as their right in many cases, to take the initiative. AFD also builds the capacity of CSOs to conduct advocacy and deal constructively with criticism.

Further reading:With SingerGi, NGOs Are Strengthening Their Capacity to Adapt and Influence

On the ground, AFD works with a wide range of field operators, including French CSOs of international stature. AFD and WWF France are longstanding partners, for instance, both through the financing of numerous programs and through discussions and work around themes of mutual interest and common activities: from the international biodiversity agenda and the restoration of soils and forest ecosystems, to the fight against deforestation, oceans and the regulation of fishing.

AFD also works with small CSOs, supporting them in their financing as well as in the development of their structuring. This is the case, for example, of the partnership with GLOBE, with which AFD has been collaborating since the end of 2022 on a project in Senegal.

Beyond the direct support of activities on the ground, it is essential for AFD to continue to support organizational and institutional strengthening. This increases the legitimacy of CSOs, and contributes to the long-term sustainability of such partnerships and activities.

Further reading:How AFD Brings Your Projects to Life