Foundations have launched a transformative $20 million initiative called the West Africa Democracy Fund, aiming to fortify democratic practices across the West African region. The Ford Foundation, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Luminate, and Open Society Foundations announced this significant investment to tackle pressing democratic challenges and enhance citizen participation in political transitions.

The initiative will operate over three years, focusing on encouraging civic engagement in nations facing various democratic hurdles. The fund’s mission is to “reimagine, renew, and strengthen democracy across the region.”

Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation, underscored the collaborative essence of this initiative, appreciating the synergy among philanthropic organizations, civil society, and government partners. He stated, “This fund follows the lead of the people of West Africa as they work to strengthen the foundations of democracy and build a more resilient future.”

Walker also emphasized the correlation between the decline of democratic norms and the increase in inequality, calling for comprehensive solutions. He remarked, “Greater citizen participation in democratic processes is needed to fully realize a peaceful, inclusive democracy that empowers citizens to build a society that is more just and that contributes to greater prosperity and a stable economy.”

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Dr. Kole Shettima, Director of the Nigeria Office of the MacArthur Foundation, highlighted the ongoing struggles of democratic movements in the region. He noted, “In West Africa, the demand for democracy is not matched by the supply of democracy. Opposition to military rule has weakened across the continent, and citizens bear the brunt of abuses of power by ruling classes.” Shettima expressed optimism that the fund would help the people of West Africa realize their aspirations for democracy and foster a more just and peaceful environment.

Brian Kagoro, Managing Director of Programmes at the Open Society Foundations, pointed to the deep cultural roots of democracy in West Africa. He stated, “Democracy in West Africa is an ideal embedded in the traditions and cultures of the people. It is an aspiration ingrained in the vision of the young people.” Kagoro stressed that striving for a more democratic West Africa equates to pursuing freedom from imperialism and external manipulation.

Dr. ChiChi Aniagolu-Okoye, Regional Director of the Ford Foundation Office of West Africa, emphasized that the fund’s development stemmed from extensive engagement with local stakeholders. “The West Africa Democracy Fund is the result of deep engagement and listening across the region with local leaders and civil society organizations. Therefore, the solutions we seek through this Fund will be homegrown, rooted in the needs and aspirations of the people of the sub-region, and driven by the people themselves,” she said.

The West Africa Democracy Fund will provide grants to support initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive democracy. These initiatives will include multi-stakeholder dialogues and engagements with regional organizations such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, along with strengthening essential state institutions, including the judiciary.