Across West Africa, civil society organizations (CSOs) continue to play a vital role in advancing democratic governance, accountability, human rights, and social inclusion. However, in many African countries, CSOs face increasing restrictions, sometimes subtle, sometimes direct, that limit their ability to operate freely. In West African contexts, regulatory and compliance frameworks are often opaque, inconsistently applied, or deliberately leveraged to stifle dissent.
Many smaller or rights-focused CSOs struggle to navigate registration processes, renewal requirements, tax obligations, and reporting duties, which can vary not just by country, but within subnational jurisdictions. These compliance gaps expose them to risk of fines, de-registration, or suspension and ultimately undermine civic space and public participation.
To help address these barriers, we partnered with the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) to launch a new project aimed at strengthening the legal resilience of CSOs in the region. By equipping organizations with clear, accessible compliance tools and mobilizing pro bono legal expertise, the project will help CSOs navigate complex regulatory landscapes and continue their vital work.
The project covers five countries where civil society is facing these challenges: Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. Through this regional collaboration, we will leverage CSO networks and digital platforms to ensure broad access to legal resources and support.
How the project will work:
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Legal research: Volunteer lawyers and researchers will analyze the legal frameworks governing CSOs in each country, including registration, reporting, tax obligations, and renewal requirements.
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Compliance Pocket Guides: Using these findings, we will develop practical, country-specific guides that outline key compliance steps, obligations, risks, and available resources in clear, accessible language.
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Legal Support: Through PILnet’s Clearinghouse, CSOs will have access to tailored legal advice from volunteer lawyers and law firms, helping them proactively address legal and regulatory risks.
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Learning Sessions: Webinars and small-group discussions will provide opportunities to share findings, answer questions, and improve access to essential legal information.
