Support to civil society in Benin

Context

In a context of democratic consolidation, Benin’s civil society plays an essential role in citizen participation, public accountability and the promotion of human rights, although it remains insufficiently involved in several public policies. The project Support to civil society in Benin aims to strengthen structured dialogue between the State and civil society organisations (CSOs), while supporting a major capacity-building component to improve their effectiveness and influence. It also focuses on the creation of a common fund, ensuring the sustainability of actions and lasting support for civil society initiatives. Thus, the project contributes to consolidating democratic achievements and fostering more inclusive and participatory governance, addressing issues of governance, social justice, and the effectiveness of civil society.

Objectives

The overall objective is to make Benin’s civil society a credible actor in democratic governance and development serving the population. More specifically, the project aims to strengthen the institutional, organisational and operational capacities of CSOs at both national and local levels, improve dialogue and collaboration between them and public authorities, and support local social innovation initiatives in the fields of governance, human rights, gender, environment and social inclusion.

Beneficiaries

The project primarily targets civil society organisations, whether umbrella bodies or grassroots organisations active across all departments of Benin, with particular attention to the pilot departments of Borgou and Atlantique for certain activities. It also includes cross-cutting support structures and public authorities engaged in dialogue with CSOs. Special attention is given to women, youth, people with disabilities, and sexual and gender minorities.

Target geographical area

The project covers the entire territory of Benin, with pilot actions in the departments of Borgou (north) and Atlantique (south), chosen for their representativeness and accessibility. Some activities are carried out at the central level, while others are open to all CSOs in the country.

Stakeholders

The project mobilises departmental and municipal authorities, civil society organisations (grassroots or cross-cutting, such as the Maison de la société civile), as well as technical and financial partners, including several bilateral cooperation agencies and UN agencies. It also involves sectoral ministries, particularly the Ministry of Justice and the Department for the Promotion of Women and Gender. All these actors collaborate in a spirit of synergy, inclusion and representativeness to ensure balanced participation.