The CSR-Hub Call for Applications for Civic Space Protection and Regulatory Compliance is now open for civil society organisations (CSOs) operating in West Africa, specifically Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal. This opportunity is offered through the Civic Space Resource Hub (CSR-Hub), a regional initiative designed to strengthen the resilience, compliance, and sustainability of civil society organisations working to protect civic freedoms.
This CSR-Hub programme focuses on enhancing organisational capacity to navigate complex legal and regulatory environments, protect civic space, and improve accountability. Through a structured 12-month capacity-strengthening programme, selected organisations will receive training, coaching, mentoring, and institutional support to operate confidently within national and regional frameworks.
Introduction and Background: Civic Space Protection and Regulatory Compliance in West Africa
Across West Africa, civic space continues to face growing pressure as governments increasingly implement and enforce laws that restrict freedoms of association, assembly, and expression. Although national constitutions and regional frameworks formally guarantee these rights, civil society organisations often experience shrinking operational space, legal uncertainty, and in some cases harassment, suspension, or administrative sanctions.
In many countries, complex and unclear regulatory regimes around registration, reporting, taxation, and anti-money laundering requirements have created additional barriers for CSOs. Smaller and grassroots organisations are particularly affected due to limited legal, financial, and administrative capacity. As a result, many organisations operate cautiously, reducing their ability to advocate effectively and hold duty-bearers accountable.
Despite these challenges, CSOs in West Africa continue to demonstrate resilience. Networks and initiatives are emerging to improve legal literacy, strengthen compliance systems, and promote constructive engagement with regulatory authorities. However, significant gaps remain in organisational readiness, knowledge, and institutional capacity. The CSR-Hub Civic Space Protection and Regulatory Compliance programme was created to respond directly to these challenges.
About the Civic Space Resource Hub (CSR-Hub)
The Civic Space Resource Hub (CSR-Hub) is the West Africa hub of the Global Weaving Resilience initiative. It is designed to strengthen the capacity of civil society organisations to become more resilient, compliant, well-resourced, and sustainable.
Since its inception in 2022, CSR-Hub has supported over 200 organisations across West Africa. The initiative delivers its support through a 12-month programme that combines training, mentorship, coaching, and institutional development support.
CSR-Hub operates through four strategic pillars:
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Civic Space Protection and Regulatory Compliance
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Leadership and Organisational Governance
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Resource Mobilisation and Financial Resilience
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Digital Security and Protection
This call for applications focuses specifically on the Civic Space Protection and Regulatory Compliance pillar.
About the Civic Space Protection and Regulatory Compliance Pillar
The Civic Space Protection and Regulatory Compliance pillar aims to strengthen CSOs’ ability to operate effectively within complex legal, policy, and regulatory environments in West Africa. The pillar supports organisations to comply with national laws while also advocating for an enabling environment that protects civic freedoms.
Through this pillar, selected organisations will receive support to:
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Understand and comply with national laws, policies, and regulations governing CSOs
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Strengthen internal compliance systems, registration status, and governance documentation
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Build capacity to engage constructively with regulatory bodies
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Enhance advocacy efforts for civic space protection and legal reforms
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Improve organisational risk management and safeguarding practices
Programme Structure and What to Expect
Successful organisations will participate in a structured capacity-strengthening and coaching programme over the programme period. Key components include:
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A three-day intensive training facilitated by seasoned professionals
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Personalised one-on-one coaching and mentoring
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Advisory support and practical guidance to strengthen organisational systems
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Continuous handholding, especially during action-planning phases
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Peer learning opportunities with other participating organisations
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Tailored mentoring sessions based on each organisation’s specific needs
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Connections with previous CSR-Hub cohorts for collaboration and shared learning
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Opportunities to contribute to regional discussions on shrinking civic space
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Access to the CSR-Hub regional learning and advocacy platform
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply
This call is open to legally registered civil society organisations that meet the following criteria:
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Organisations operating in Nigeria, Ghana, or Senegal
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CSOs including non-governmental organisations, community-based (grassroots) organisations, and faith-based organisations
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Priority consideration for women-led or youth-led organisations
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Organisations must have been active for at least two (2) years
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Demonstrated commitment to social justice, human rights, advocacy, and open civic space
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Grassroots and emerging organisations with limited access to institutional support are strongly encouraged to apply
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Organisations must have at least five (5) full-time staff or a consistent volunteer structure
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Willingness to actively participate in all training, coaching, and mentorship sessions
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Willingness to share relevant organisational documents for compliance review, including registration certificates, constitutions, board lists, and policy manuals
Programme Timeline and Important Dates
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Call for Applications Opens: 19 December 2025
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Application Deadline: 15 January 2026
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Notification to Selected Organisations: February 2026
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Cohort IV Onboarding and Orientation: February 2026
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Training, Coaching, and Mentoring Period: March – November 2026
🕛 Final Application Deadline:
Thursday, 15 January 2026 by 11:59pm GMT
How to Apply and Application Process
Interested organisations must submit their applications through the official CSR-Hub application platform. Applicants are encouraged to review all programme requirements carefully before submission.
For inquiries related to the application process, organisations may contact:
📧 csrhubwestafrica@wacsi.org
📧 pia@wacsi.org
Strengthening Civic Space and Regulatory Compliance in West Africa
The CSR-Hub Civic Space Protection and Regulatory Compliance programme offers a critical opportunity for civil society organisations in West Africa to strengthen their legal compliance, protect civic freedoms, and build long-term organisational resilience. By supporting CSOs with training, mentorship, and peer learning, CSR-Hub contributes to a more accountable, empowered, and sustainable civil society sector capable of defending civic space across the region.
