The Council For Affirmative Action (COFAA) West Africa

In West Africa, the struggle for human rights, democracy, and social justice is underpinned by the resilience of civil society organizations (CSOs) working in some of the most challenging environments. These organizations, particularly those advocating for the rights of sexual minorities and other marginalized groups, face an existential threat—not from external hostility alone, but from the very foundation that should sustain them: funding. The lack of sustainable funding for queer-led and human rights-focused organizations is not merely a financial concern; it is a fundamental threat to humanity itself.

Organizational funding in West Africa has always been fraught with challenges, but the current landscape is more alarming than ever. The global economic downturn, donor fatigue, and shifting priorities of international development agencies have left many grassroots organizations struggling to survive. For queer-led organizations, the problem is exacerbated by the politicization of LGBTQ+ issues, leading to the exclusion of these organizations from mainstream funding streams. This deliberate neglect undermines the very essence of human dignity, inclusivity, and social progress.

The lack of funding for organizations championing the rights of sexual minorities and other vulnerable populations is not just an administrative issue—it directly translates to increased discrimination, lack of access to essential services, and heightened vulnerability to violence and oppression. Without adequate financial support, these organizations cannot provide legal aid, mental health support, healthcare services, and advocacy that challenge repressive laws and societal norms.

Moreover, many organizations are forced into survival mode, diverting energy from transformative work to mere sustenance. Advocacy efforts become inconsistent, staff retention becomes impossible, and long-term impact remains a distant dream. A society that silences its defenders of justice is one that perpetuates inequality and suffering.

Barriers to Funding Queer-led Organizations

1. Criminalization and Legal Restrictions: Many West African countries have legal frameworks that criminalize LGBTQ+ identities. This makes it difficult for queer-led organizations to register legally and access institutional funding.
2. Donor Priorities and Conditionalities: Many donors still prioritize “safe” issues such as health and education while shying away from funding LGBTQ+ rights, fearing political backlash.
3. Limited Local Philanthropy: Due to cultural stigmas and religious influences, there is minimal local philanthropic support for queer-led initiatives, leaving them heavily reliant on international donors.
4. Short-Term Funding Cycles: Many organizations struggle with short-term project-based funding that does not allow for sustainable growth or long-term impact.

In fact, Funding challenges for queer-led organizations in West Africa are not just an LGBTQ+ issue; they are a human rights issue. The global community must recognize that without adequately resourced human rights defenders, democracy and social justice cannot thrive. Here’s what must change:

• Donors and Development Partners must adopt inclusive and flexible funding models that prioritize the long-term sustainability of organizations working on marginalized issues.
• African Governments must decriminalize and create enabling environments for queer-led organizations to operate freely and access funding without fear.
• Civil Society and Human Rights Movements must unite in solidarity to challenge donor biases and advocate for equitable funding distribution.
• Private Sector and Local Philanthropists must recognize their role in supporting human rights movements and invest in sustainable social change.

Finaly, the inability to fund human rights organizations adequately is a deliberate attack on progress, equity, and justice. If we are to build a West Africa that upholds the dignity of all its citizens, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, we must confront and dismantle the funding barriers that threaten to silence the most vulnerable voices among us. A threat to queer lives is a threat to humanity itself—one we cannot afford to ignore.

Signed,

Mbami Iliya Sabka (He/His/Him)
Fellow, Osumera Leadership Fellowship (OLF)