AFRICAN NETWORK OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS (ANCSO)
Meeting Summary for the General Assembly of the African Network of Civil Society Organizations (ANCSO) (January/14/2025)
ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPANTS
- Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje. Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA), Nigeria
- Dhilla Royantina. Indonesia.
- Dr. Success Chukwunedum. Abuja Nigeria
- Naresh Kumar Shrestha, From Nepal
- Janice Cox. Wellbeing International (and AU’s African Platform for Animal Welfare), South Africa.
- Dr Briskila Okafor Emefesi. Briskila Emefesi Women Foundation, Nigeria
- Blessing Bassey. Nigeria
- Dr. Atef Ahmed. Senior Advisor at Plant a Tree Foundation for Social Development, Cairo, Egypt.
- Naresh Kumar Shrestha. NGO Federation of Nepal/Bagmati Province, Secretary, Networking and advocacy
- Wilma Miles EMFSA www.emfsa.co.za South Africa
- Amiya Borty from Bangladesh, representing DYDF Bangladesh
- Serey Sam. Khmer National Liberation Front, Denmark.
- Opaleye Temitope Elizabeth. International Association of Psychiatric Nurses, Nigeria
- Aisha Linatu Abdulrahman. RAHAMA Girl Child and Women Empowerment Initiative, Nigeria
- Hajia Binta Adamu. Women In Renewable Energy Association (WIRE -A), Nigeria
- Usman Ahmad Dadah. Dadah Foundation for Educational Empowerment (DAFEE), NIGERIA
- Martin Mawuena Tornyesinu. Welfare of Children and Youth Association (WCYA), Ghana
- Nkululeko Nodada. Pharmaceutical services, South Africa
- Anietie Udobit. HelpAlive Caregivers, Ijero Close,Off Kano str, Area 1, Garki, Abuja-Nigeria
- KABINE DOUMBIA. NGO ASRAD, Mali
- Joseph SANWO. Initiative for Positive Impact (IPI), Abuja, Nigeria.
- Daramola, Abimbola. Preston Development Foundation (PDF-Africa), Nigeria
- Dhilla Royantina, S. Psi., M. Psi in SMK Ma’arif Nu Pasinaunan Agung Rembang, Indonesia. Guidance and Counseling teacher. Mosque Rohman Rembang, Indonesia.
- Christopher Kiwanuka; Organization: Witness Radio; Country: Uganda
- Abdullahi Abubakar Rabiu
- Dr. Vickie Uremma Onyekuru, Child Health Organization, Lagos, Nigeria
- Blessing Imoh Bassey. The momentum support initiative, Nigeria
- Mahamat Abdelkerim Abbas from chad
- Michael Adedotun from Michael Adedotun Oke Foundation based on Abuja Nigeria
- KODJO YAOVI ZOVODOU. Action for Sahel Development (ADESA), Niger
- Dr Enoch Success. Global Vision Trust Fund, Nigeria
- Portia Mngadi. Gwebindlala Hiv/Aids Org, South Africa,
- Martha Damu. Rural Women Assembly, Zimbabwe
- Ann Udoekpo. Brimaxcare Foundation, Nigeria
- Juliet Ngozi Nkwaze. CREAP Africa, Northern, Nigeria.
- Ugah Godwin. Green Planet Initiative International, Nigeria
- Hervé Shamavu. Women for Equal Chances-Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Rumunse Obi. ONG RAES. Nigeria
- pharm Ahmad Abdulrahman. RAHAMA Initiative, Nigeria
- Usama Ali Abdullahi. Somali Health Corps – SHC, Somalia
- John Lorot. Ikipedori Mental Health Foundation, Uganda.
- TIBAKANYA ROBINAH. HOPLA NETWORKS (U ) LTD, Uganda
- kayanga peter from DISABILITY PEOPLES FORUM, UGANDA
- Tolede Adanmenoukon from the “Force Juvénile pour un Avenir Rassurant FOJAR-BENIN”.
- Musola C Kaseketi. Vilole Images Productions-Women and Girls Disability Rights of Zambia, Livingstone, Zambia
- Abdulrahman Abdu Youth Empowerment & Human Development Initiatives YEHDI. Nigeria.
- Dr Najoua Bouraoui, the head of APEDDUB Association from Tunsia
- Monica Mnwana from Luthando OVC Care Centre South Africa
- Khandaker Reaz Hossain. Grambangla Unnayan Committee (GUC), Bangladesh
- Sadabieu Sulaiman Quraishi. Youth Association of Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone
- Patience Chilundu Nyambe. Zambia Association on Employment for persons with disabilities ZAEPD, Lusaka Zambia, Southern Africa
- Fatima Yusuf. Rahama Girl Child and Women Empowerment Initiative, Nigeria
- Nigussu Legesse. CCRDA, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- Faustin Renzaho. Association Generale des Personnes du Rwanda (AGHR).
- Maryam Tjjani from Rahama Initiative Nigeria
- Yoila Samari Raymond. Tansana Health and Community Integrated Development Initiative (THACIDI) Jalingo -Taraba State
- Gbenga Eweoya. Agape Biomedical Clinic Ltd, Nigeria.
- Rev. Rockin Mwabanga – Mtende Foundation-Malawi,
- Elder Dr Okon Enemi. Green Vision for Community Development Initiative, Calabar – Nigeria
- Blessing Okaima Igaga. National Secretary, Youth Network on HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NYNETHA), Nigeria
- David Ogoro of Action Disability Rights & Development Network Kenya.
- Engr Joel Nwachukwu, Lagos Nigeria
- Khandaker Reaz Hossain. I am working as Director, Programmes of Grambangla Unnayan Committee, Bangladesh.
- South western Cameroon, SWCSO is here represented by Dr Patrick Sama-Lang and Henry Nzuobontane
- Robert Afidra Buru. Uganda Youth Forum, Uganda.
- Pamela Mukami Njeru. Network of TB Champions, Kenya
- Mahmud A. Hamid. DISCOD, Adamawa State
- Umar Ismail Ibrahim. RAHMA Girl Child women Empowerment Initiative, Kano-Nigeria.
- Dr. Sefakor Komabu-Pomeyie. Enlightening and Empowering People with Disabilities in Africa (EEPD Africa).
- Portia Mngadi. South Africa, org Gwebindlala Hiv/Aids Org,
- Abdulai Danaah working for Centre For Community Initiatives Against Human Trafficking (CIAHT)
- McBernard Otal. Kawempe Youth development Association (KYDA), Uganda
- Aisha Aliyu usman, Executive Director Unique Center for Peacebuilding and Trauma Healing UCPTH, jos Plateau State Nigeria
- Jalaluddin from Basic Foundation-INDIA
- Hon (Mrs) Aniedi Inyang. Aniedi Inyang Foundation/ Enemas Resources Foundation
- Azeb Telele. USA
- Aruna Rashid Koroma. Sierra Leone
- Nakalanzi Sylivia from Uganda
- Ojuu John Ambrose from Uganda, Engendering Gender Ugandan
- Elhadi Miskeen, Institute of safe motherhood ad childhood, Sudan.
- Solange SOUVENIR from DRC
- Jalaluddin, Executive Director, Basic Foundation-India.
- Fatima Suleiman from Nigeria from ICIN Nigeria
- Hajia Saydatu Ajah of Da’wah and Guidance Bureau of Nigeria
- Dr Zarah Yusuf Ahmad. Nigeria
- Jane Mcharo. Wainue Wajitegemee Organisation, Tanzania
- Modupe Adelanwa. SHIELDTHEM SUPPORT ORGANIZATION Nigeria.
- Jane J Mcharo. Wainue Wajitegemee Organisation, Tanzania
- Nakalanzi Sylivia. Golden Centre for Women’s Rights, Uganda
- Maikudi Magaji. Almagda Community Initiative, Nigeria
- Kure Jeremiah Shiloba. Bassa Youth Farmers Association, Nigeria
- Umar Isma’il Ibrahim. Rahma Girl Child Women Empowerment Initiative, Kano-Nigeria
- Abioye Afolasade. Genius Skills Empowerment Initiative, Abuja Nigeria
- Saintia Gaha, Fondation Common Jay, Côte d’Ivoire,
- Dr. Kabir Hamisu Kura. Community Development Initiative, Nigeria
- Saydatu Ajah. Da’wah and Guidance Bureau of Nigeria DGBN, NIGERIA
- Muhammad T. Danburam, org. Rural Integrated Development Initiative, Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria.
- Saintia Gaha, Fondation Common Jay, Côte d’Ivoire,
- McBernard Otal. Kawempe Youth Development Association KYDA, UGANDA
- Ndabirinde Anicet. Refugee Life Support Network (R.L.S.N), KAMPALA-UGANDA
- Angelina Ugben ED Inclusive Skills Development Initiative ISDI from Abuja Nigeria.
- Okema William. TUA Uganda
- Souvenir Solange. ACOPELAD, DRC
- Aruna Rashid Koroma. Rofutha Development Association (RODA), Sierra Leone,
- Ojuu John Ambrose. Engendering Gender Ugandan International.
- Yemisi Salami. HighlyFavoured Women With Disabilities, Nigeria
- Faustin Renzaho, AGHR Rwanda
- Rebecca Atieno Kerre. Girl Tranform Initiative
- Usman Ahmad Dadah. Nigeria
- Abdulai Danaah Centre for Community Initiatives Against Human Trafficking (CIAHT)
- Crescence MUKANTABANA
- Ijeoma okponwa. Founder kidney life awareness foundation, Nigeria
QUICK RECAP
The meeting focused on the adoption of the agenda, review of previous meeting minutes and action points, provision of updates from the Steering Group, review of the activities of the Network in 2024, and inauguration of the technical working groups (TWGs). Discussions also revolved around the establishment of ANCSO, the challenges faced in the previous year, and the progress and future plans of the African Network Civil Society Organizations (ANCSO). The conversation ended with addressing various concerns and suggestions from attendees, emphasizing the importance of financial contributions, active participation, and collaboration for the Network’s success as an organization
NEXT STEPS
• Technical Working Groups (TWGs) to produce and submit policy documents and 2025 work plan for their respective areas to the Steering Group (SG) within the next 2-4 weeks.
• Steering Group to develop a clear plan for moving ANCSO forward in 2025 and beyond.
• Steering Group to strategize on fundraising for ANCSO programs and projects.
• ANCSO SG to set up Country Platforms for each African Country in collaboration with the respective Country Advisory Committee
• TWGs to develop work plans for 2025-2026 and submit to the Steering Group within the next 2 – 4 weeks .
• Country Advisory Committees to submit bids for hosting the Biennial Convention for the review of the SG and approval of the GA.
• Steering Group to finalize the setup of Country Advisory Committees
• Steering Group to share meeting documents and reports on the ANCSO platform for member review and input.
• Steering Group to consider suggestions for ANCSO registration, membership certificates, and collaboration with the United Nations, African Union, Subregional Bodies, governments of each country
• Technical Working Group leaders to organize meetings with their members to begin work.
• All members to register attendance in the chat before leaving the meeting.
• All members to remain active in working groups and on the ANCSO platform.
• All members to attend next General Assembly meeting on March 11, 2025.
LANGUAGE AND SELF-INTRODUCTION TEMPLATE
The meeting was called to order by the President Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje, with English being the primary language of the meeting, while persons who choose to use other languages are required to accompany that with their English language translations. Dr. Uzodinma then introduced a self-introduction template for participants to use in the chat. The meeting was paused for a few minutes to allow others to join, and Adirieje emphasized the importance of appropriate attitude for the meeting’s success. The meeting was set to start in 4 minutes, during which time participants were encouraged to introduce themselves using the provided template.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA AND MEETING MINUTES
The President welcomed everyone and recognized the attendees for their support and contributions. The agenda was adopted after a motion was moved and supported by Sefakor and Abdulai. The minutes from the last meeting were reviewed, with no significant comments or issues raised. The minutes were then adopted to guide the deliberations of the meeting. The meeting also touched on the issues arising from the minutes, with Dr. Uzodinma mentioning that the previous General Assembly sessions had mandated the President to address certain matters.
ENGR. MOHAMED HAGGAG’S NOMINATION AS A MEMBER OF THE STEERING GROUP OF ANCSO
The meeting involved discussions about the nomination of Mohamed Haggag from Egypt to be a member of the steering group representing North Africa. Dr. Uzodinma-Adirieje also presented a report for the 1st annual General meeting of ANCSO, agreeing that for this year, ANCSO would have a virtual annual general meeting, and in 2026, they would have a physical convention. Participants agreed to take all the issues and reports and then discuss them following their presentations.
INAUGURATION OF THE TECHNICAL WORKING COMMITTEES OF ANCSO
The meeting involved the inauguration of members and leaders of the 6 Technical Working Groups (TWGs) of the African Network of Civil Society Organizations (ANCSO) by the President of the Network Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje. He emphasized the importance of these groups and assigned them two tasks: to prepare a policy document within two weeks and work plan for 2025, and to submit them to the steering group within the next 2 – 4 weeks. The SG Secretary, Mr. Augustine Nyakatoma, shared a report on the activities of the network for the year 2024, which included achievements, decisions made, and challenges faced. The conversation ended with the President urging the members to focus on their tasks and to remove any disruptive elements from the group.
MEMBERS OF THE TECHNICAL WORKING GROUPS (TWGs)
ANCSO’s Partnerships and Collaborations TWG:
1. Crescence Mukantabana, Rwanda – Chairperson
2. Emmanuel Esio, Nigeria – Cochairperson
3. Macaulay Nelson, Ghana – Secretary
4. Serapia Minja, Tanzania – Cosecretary
5. Fred Enaikhe Aleburu, Nigeria
6. Augustine Nyakatoma, Tanzania
7. Modupe Adelanwa, Nigeria
8. Batuli Kiwanda, Tanzania
9. Dr Mrs Duru Chidiadi Trinitas, Nigeria
ANCSO’s Advocacy, Resource and Social Mobilization TWG:
1. Bonsile Mamba, eSwatini – Chairperson
2. Kabiru Garba, Nigeria – Cochairperson
3. Dr. Vickie Uremma Onyekuru, Nigeria – Secretary
4. Kure Jeremiah Shiloba, Nigeria – Cosecretary
5. Oluchi Kalu, Nigeria
6. Elizabeth kah Nange, Nigeria
7. Muhammad Musbahu Basirka, Nigeria
8. Chioma Edeh, Nigeria
9. Usman Ahmad Dadah, Nigeria
10. ikwegbu Confidence, Nigeria
ANCSO’s Research and Evidence Generation TWG:
1. Edward Saimon, Tanzania – Chairperson
2. Aniedi Inyang, Nigeria – Co-chairperson
3. Bukola Olubisi Ejiade, Nigeria – Secretary
4. Dr Gansane Zakaria, Burkina Faso – Co-Secretary
5. Alawiyatu Nananu, Nigeria
6. Yusufu Maganga, Tanzania
7. Alawiyatu Usman Ibrahim
8. Polycarp Okeyo
9. Opaleye Temitope Elizabeth, Nigeria
10. Elizabeth kah Nange, Nigeria
ANCSO’s Capacity Development and Learning TWG:
1. Samson Bryant, Liberia – Chairperson
2. Batuli Kiwanda, Tanzania – Cochairperson
3. Abimbola Daramola, Nigeria – Secretary
4. Dorothy Nkoma, Zambia – Cosecretary
5. Florence Uzoanya, Nigeria
6. Pst Engr I. Paul Gibson, Nigeria
7. Musa Ibrahim, Nigeria
8. Maryjane Akpabio, Nigeria
9. Khalid Sabiu, Nigeria
10. Hajia Binta Adamu, Nigeria
ANCSO’s Outreach and Community Engagements TWG:
1. Ekaette Anwana, Esq., Nigeria – Chairperson
2. Solomon Wambadi Onunga, Kenya – Cochairperson
3. John Lorot, Uganda – Secretary
4. Martin Mawuena Tornyesinu, Ghana – Cosecretary
5. Eme Okang, Nigeria
6. Caroline Victor, Nigeria
7. Joy Omeh, Nigeria
8. Otoba Oghare, Nigeria
9. Nimusiima Mudapharu, Uganda
10. Murjanatu Ibrahim, Nigeria
ANCSO’s Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) TWG:
1. Percival Agordoh, Ghana – Chairperson
2. Rockin Mwabanga, Malawi – Cochairperson
3. Sia Edward, Tanzania – Secretary
4. Comrade Cynthia Buluebiere Bright, Nigeria – Cosecretary
5. Bobby Mauoane, South Africa
6. Maikudi Magaji, Nigeria
7. Ngolelwa Enos Masanja, Tanzania
8. Dr Abdullateef Abdulkadir, Nigeria
9. wafula fredrick Orengo, Uganda
Next Tasks for the TWGs after Tomorrow’s General Assembly
1. After tomorrow’s GA, each of the 6 TWGs will have 2 – 4 weeks from 15th January 2025, to Develop and submit to the ANCSO SG through the President; the following Policies respectively:
ANCSO’s Partnerships and Collaborations Policy:
ANCSO’s Advocacy, Resource, and Social Mobilization Policy:
ANCSO’s Research and Evidence Generation Policy:
ANCSO’s Capacity Development and Learning Policy:
ANCSO’s Outreach and Community Engagements Policy:
ANCSO’s Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Policy:
2. Submit a Costed Work Plan for each TWG’s 2025 Activities for the attention/actions of the Steering Group.
3. One Member of the Steering Group (SG) shall represent the SG in each TWG as an Ex-Officio.
4. EOIs that were not submitted in the prescribed format, may not have been captured
5. Please note that EOIs submitted late, after the announced deadline, have not been captured in the arrangement above.
6. Some EOIs that were more than 10 in some of the TWGs, could not be accommodated over 10 persons in their indicated TWGs, and have been moved to TWGs that did not have up to 10 persons, to build them up.
ANCSO’S AFRICAN NETWORK AND ACHIEVEMENTS
The meeting discussed the ANCSO’s – African network of civil society organizations’ main goal which is to capacitate CSOs in Africa to solve social and economic challenges, ensuring sustainability and prosperity for African communities. The meeting’s discussions also covered ANCSO’s achievements since establishment about five months ago on 1 August 2024, including representation at the UNFCCC COP29 in Azerbaijan, and the conduct of three online meetings. The establishment of different technical working groups was also discussed, with each TWG having a chairperson, cochairperson, secretary and cosecretary. The SG Secretary also presented the draft terms of reference (TOR) for hosting the biennial convention and the establishment of country advisory committees.
ADDRESSING 2024 CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS
The meeting discussed the challenges faced during the year 2024, primarily a lack of commitment and failure to fulfill obligations on time. The meeting agreed to address and overcome these challenges, including uniting together with all members to plan and prioritize tasks, and strategizing on how to finalize resources for program implementation. The Steering Group then expressed gratitude for the support received from the members and looked forward to continued collaboration. The conversation ended with a discussion on the next presentation, which was to be based on the documents discussed.
ANCSO BYLAWS AND COUNTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The transcript discusses the bylaws and organizational structure of the African Civil Society Organization (ANCSO). Mr. Augustine Nyakatoma presents the key focus areas for 2025-2026, including identifying stakeholders, developing administrative structures, resource mobilization, media collaboration, and establishing Country platforms. He outlines the objectives of the Country Advisory Committee, such as unifying African CSOs, enhancing collaboration, mobilizing resources, and connecting Country and international levels. The roles, responsibilities, and membership criteria of the Country Advisory Committee are also covered. The Steering Group shall finalize and circulate these governing documents to members for review and comments.
ANCSO PROGRESS AND FUTURE PLANS
The meeting reviewed the progress and future plans of the African Network Civil Society Organizations (ANCSO). The Steering Group presented a draft document outlining the organization’s goals, objectives and structure, vision, mission and core values, which was well-received by the attendees. Suggestions were made to register the organization with the African Union and to issue certificates of recognition to member organizations. The document was agreed to be circulated for further review and input. The importance of expanding the organization’s scope and creating a referral directory for new members was also discussed.
ADDRESSING CONCERNS AND CLARIFYING POLICIES
The President Dr. Uzodinma-Adirieje addressed various concerns and suggestions from the attendees. Sefakor raised a question about the editing process before accepting documents as working documents, which was confirmed by Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje. Janice expressed concerns about the establishment of technical working groups and Country chapters without a clear mission and purpose, suggesting a need for prioritization. Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje clarified that the policies from the technical working groups would be for ANCSO and would guide the programs run by the organization. Maikudi requested a list of attendees from the initial meeting on August 1st, which Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje noted.
FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND PARTICIPATION
Hon. Mrs. Aniedi Inyang emphasized the importance of members’ financial contributions and active participation to ensure the organization’s success. Success and John also highlighted the need for collaboration with host countries and the importance of volunteers supporting appointed members. The next General Assembly was scheduled for the first Tuesday of March 2025. The conversation ended with a call for members to register their attendance before leaving.
Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje. President, ANCSO/Steering Group. Plot 520, FHA Estate, Lugbe, Airport Rd; P.O. Box 8880, Wuse, Abuja, Nigeria. WhatsApp no: +2348034725905. Emails: africancsos@gmail.com, ancso@afrihealthcsos.org. Website: http://www.afrihealthcsos.org