The Impact of COVID-19 on African Civil Society Organizations: Challenges, Responses and Opportunities

This report is the first of its kind to focus exclusively on the impact of COVID-19 on African CSOs. It is based on a survey conducted by @AfricanNGOs and EPIC-Africa between 29 April and 15 May 2020.The objectives of the survey were four-fold:Assess the negative impact of the pandemic on the funding and operations of CSOsUnderstand how CSOs are coping and responding to these challengesHighlight CSOs' involvement in national responses to the pandemicIdentify opportunities emerging from the crisis and the lessons learnedThe report presents a snapshot of the impact of COVID-19 on African CSOs, as well as the many ways that they are responding to the crisis while safeguarding their organizations. It also highlights opportunities that emerged from the crisis and crucial challenges which need to be addressed in support of the recovery and sustainability of African CSOs.This report fills a critical knowledge gap and offers funders, governments, the private sector and other key stakeholders data-based evidence to inform their engagement with African CSOs, both during and after the pandemic.It also provides CSOs with a tool to help strengthen solidarity and inform advocacy for greater recognition and support for the sector.