This article takes a look at the top 10 NGOs in Africa. Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are independent of any government. They function outside of government influence, and their activities include environmental, social, advocacy and human rights work. NGOs work to promote social or political change in their communities. NGOs are essential in developing society, improving communities, and promoting an active citizenry.
1. YUVA
YUVA (Youth United in Voluntary Action) was founded by Krishna Athal in 2015 to mobilise the youth of Mauritius. Today, YUVA is one of Africa’s largest and most prominent youth-led organisations. Its core principles are to create a brighter future for children and youth. It focuses on health, education, empowerment, and employment. Through its YUVA Academy, it offers leadership and entrepreneurial courses. It also has a national remedial class programme for secondary school students. YUVA is also the pioneer in promoting STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education in Mauritius. Among its many accolades, YUVA has received the Africa NGO Leadership Award five years in a row.
2. World Vision Africa
World Vision Africa was founded in 1950. It is an international organisation with branches in several African countries. World Vision aims to create a future in which no child is without protection, health, education, and employment (once they are of age). It identifies vulnerable and impoverished communities and then assesses and creates programs specific to that region. They then implement these programs to benefit the children and the community. The World Vision’s South African branch has already impacted 320,000 lives with its programs in the country. World Vision is on the ground in 25 countries, addressing the root causes of poverty.
3. MIET AFRICA
MIET Africa is an NGO that supports children and youth on the continent. MIET was established in 1996. It is an African education organisation that strives to improve the lives of children and youth through quality education. It focuses on vulnerable and impoverished school communities. MIET addresses the educational needs of children and any other needs that may be linked to their initial lack of education.
4. Nyagi
The Nyagi Project (Now You Are the Group’s Interest) in Tanzania helps give access to All pregnant to life-saving ultrasound diagnostics. Nyagi empowers local healthcare workers in poor areas to triage life-threatening health conditions through ultrasound skills training. The project was established in 2013 to help prevent unnecessary deaths.
5. West Africa AIDS Foundation (WAAF)
The West Africa AIDS Foundation was set up to help battle HIV/AIDS. The foundation set up comprehensive health care centres throughout Ghana and West Africa to process access to treatment and HIV testing and counselling. WAAF also works to end HIV/AIDS stigma and mother-to-child transmission and establish home-based hospice care. WAAF was registered in Ghana in 1999 and continues to provide healthcare, especially for HIV/AIDS prevention in the region.
6. Tostan
Tostan was founded in 1974 to empower African communities by bringing about positive social transformation. Tostan provides human rights-based women’s empowerment education. It has also helped to end female genital mutilation and child marriage through the decades. Tostan’s programmes have reached more than five million people across eight African countries. The NGO empowers communities through a human rights-based non-formal education program.
7. Save the Children Nigeria
Save the Children was founded in Nigeria in 2001. The NGO’s birth was in response to one in five children in Nigeria dying before their fifth birthday and 40% of children missing out on school and working to survive. Save the Children Nigeria focuses on health, nutrition, education, hunger, child rights governance and child protection. Their humanitarian work provides child-friendly spaces for learning and trauma support. They have also set up temporary learning spaces to support the re-enrolment of school children so that all children can have an education.
8. The Nelson Mandela Foundation
The Nelson Mandela Foundation was founded in 1999 to contribute to an equitable society while promoting the vision and values of Nelson Mandela. The foundation curates a physical and digital archive of Mandela’s life and teachings. The foundation finds sustainable solutions to the problems in South Africa and beyond. It has a greater reach through its Mandela Day (which honours Mandela by working in communities rather than by celebrating his birthday on 18 July ).
9. N/a’an ku sê Wildlife Sanctuary
N/a’an ku sê Wildlife Sanctuary originated as a small sanctuary nestled in the Namibian bush. N/a’an ku sê has grown into a globally renowned conservation organisation. N/a’an ku sê also runs a healthcare clinic and a school for the local indigenous community.
10. Greenpeace Africa
Greenpeace Africa works to defend the oceans and forests of Africa. It is committed to leading the fight against climate change. Greenpeace also advocates for ecological farming and food sovereignty over industrialised agriculture. The NGO also provide food stability programs that protect rural livelihoods.
Ling Sheperd is a writer based in Cape Town, South Africa. She is passionate about social justice and equity.
6 thoughts on “Top 10 NGOs in Africa”