Launch of the West Africa Democracy Fund

The West Africa Democracy Fund was officially launched on October 7, 2024, at the Yar'Adua Centre in Abuja. The initiative seeks to address critical challenges facing democracy in West Africa, including rising authoritarianism, economic struggles, and declining public trust in democratic institutions. With a funding commitment of $25 million from the Ford Foundation, Luminate Group, Open Society Foundations, and the MacArthur Foundation, the fund will operate over a three-year period. Its primary objectives include strengthening the role of civil society in governance, supporting inclusive policy reforms, and enhancing the participation of marginalized groups, particularly young people and women. The fund aims to empower West African citizens and promote sustainable democratic reforms in a region facing significant challenges.

The event featured a plenary session with representatives from West African countries and funding partners, along with key stakeholders from ECOWAS, academia, media, and civil society. Speakers emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust in democracy by focusing on citizen engagement, transparency, and accountability. Discussions highlighted the critical role of local and regional partnerships to counter democratic backsliding, particularly through initiatives that amplify grassroots voices and address public concerns.