EXAMINING THE EFFECTS OF WITHDRAWAL OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS ON THE OPERATIONS OF NGOs: CHARTING A PATHWAY FOR FUTURE LOCAL DONOR ORGANIZATIONS
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The withdrawal of international donor organizations from many African countries has generated significant implications for the operational sustainability of local Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). Historically, international organizations have played central roles in funding technical assistance, humanitarian interventions, governance strengthening, policy influence, and institutional capacity development across Africa. However, changing geopolitical priorities, economic recessions, localization policies, donor fatigue, anti-NGO regulations, and the global transition from aid-based engagement to trade-oriented partnerships have contributed to the gradual reduction of donor presence in several developing regions. This study examines the effects of withdrawal of international organizations on the operations of NGOs and charts a pathway for future local donor organizations in Africa. The findings reveal that the withdrawal of international organizations exposes critical institutional vulnerabilities within local NGOs, including funding collapse, staff layoffs, weak adaptive capacity, reduced service delivery, mission drift, and fragile organizational sustainability. The study concludes that the future sustainability of African NGOs depends on deliberate efforts to decolonize development practice, institutionalize participatory governance, strengthen local philanthropy, and invest in resilient institutional systems. The emergence of African-led philanthropic organizations such as the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Dangote Foundation, Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative, African Women’s Development Fund, and TrustAfrica presents significant opportunities for redefining development financing within Africa. The study therefore recommends policy reforms that prioritize participatory grant-making, unrestricted institutional funding, strategic co-creation, and stronger accountability mechanisms for local donor organizations.
Institution: Nasarawa State University
Language: English
Subfield: Development
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7165032609
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