Global leaders, experts, and civil society representatives meeting in Ethiopia’s capital have spotlighted the vital role of non-profit organisations in driving social transformation across the continent. During a specialized roundtable titled NGOs in African Countries: The Invisible Force of Change,
participants at the KBC examined how non-profits are actively filling critical service gaps in education, healthcare, environmental conservation, social protection, youth development, and women’s empowerment in areas where government institutions maintain limited reach.
World Public Summit Highlights NGOs as Africa Change Drivers
The gathering, organized by the World Peoples Assembly in partnership with the Centre for Civil Society and Non-profit Sector Research at HSE University, brought together government representatives, researchers, development experts, and civil society leaders. According to Vyacheslav Ivanov, Chief Expert at the HSE University centre and moderator of the discussion, a primary obstacle facing the sector remains an insufficient study of non-profit operations. Ivanov stated that many nations lack comprehensive statistical data to objectively assess the scale of NGO activities, their economic contribution, their impact on social issues, and their role in achieving national development goals.
Addressing Data Gaps and Strengthening Civil Society Evaluation
During the deliberations, John Aggrey, Director General of the Ghana-Russia Centre for Trade and Relations, affirmed that non-profits have become indispensable actors in African development because they frequently operate where government mechanisms are constrained. Experts concurred on the urgent need to establish modern statistical systems capable of accurately measuring the size, effectiveness, and socio-economic contributions of non-profit organizations across the continent. Participants agreed that adapting proven research methods while reflecting Africa’s diverse national contexts would establish a reliable foundation for a continent-wide methodology.
Anar Izden, Executive Director of Kazakhstan’s Qorqyt Public Foundation for International Cooperation and Development, emphasized that international collaboration is essential to achieving this goal. Attendees concluded that stronger evaluation systems, improved transparency, and expanded international partnerships will enhance cooperation among governments, civil society organizations, and development partners, ultimately boosting public trust and supporting sustainable development. Recommendations adopted during the roundtable are scheduled to be presented at the Second World Public Assembly, titled New World: Values That Unite,
set for September 2026 in Moscow.
Addis Ababa Convening Focuses on Broader Continental Development
The roundtable operated as part of the broader pan african visions held from July 29–30, 2026, under the overarching theme New World: Africa in Shaping a Shared Future. Gathering more than 700 participants from across Africa and around the world in Addis Ababa—the diplomatic capital of Africa and headquarters of the African Union—the landmark event addressed a wide spectrum of multilateral topics, including sustainable development, human-centred leadership, economic integration, ethical artificial intelligence, and public diplomacy.
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