Leaders Call for Stronger African-Led Systems to Shape Development Future in Addis Ababa

By Abate Hailu

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Development stakeholders have renewed calls for Africa to take greater control of its development agenda, emphasizing that long-term progress depends on stronger local systems, institutions, and leadership rather than external dependency.

The message emerged at the 10th East Africa Philanthropy Conference held from June 16th – 20th, 2026 at Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, Addis Ababa, convened by the East Africa Philanthropy Network (EAPN) and co-hosted by the Consortium of Christian Relief and Development Associations (CCRDA). The gathering attracted more than 600 participants from over 30 countries under the theme “Anchoring Systems in an Era of Transition.”

Discussions centered on how African countries can reinforce their own development architecture at a time of changing global aid patterns and increasing pressure on funding streams.

Rising financial pressure on organizations

Speakers at the conference highlighted growing operational challenges facing many development organizations, particularly in light of reduced external funding and shifting donor priorities.

Evans Okinyi, Chief Executive Officer of EAPN, said many institutions are currently under significant financial strain, with some struggling to cover basic running costs despite the importance of their work.

He pointed to recent funding reductions, including the withdrawal of major support mechanisms such as USAID, noting that the changes have exposed the vulnerability of organizations heavily reliant on external resources.

Okinyi also warned that delays in adjusting to funding disruptions are increasingly misaligned with the realities faced by communities, who experience immediate impacts when support systems change.

Strengthening local control and decision-making

A strong theme throughout the conference was the need to shift greater authority, ownership, and resources towards African institutions.

Participants argued that while Africa continues to receive substantial development financing, a relatively small proportion is directly managed by local organizations, limiting their ability to shape priorities and strategies.

Dr Nigussu Legesse, Executive Director of CCRDA, emphasized that sustainable development requires more than external assistance. He noted that resilient systems must be grounded in empowered communities, capable institutions, and leadership that responds to local conditions, supported by innovative and context-driven financing approaches.

Calls for more flexible approaches

Speakers also highlighted the need to rethink how development programmes are designed and implemented, urging a move away from rigid, donor-driven project structures.

They stressed that communities should not only participate in development interventions but should also play a central role in shaping how those interventions evolve over time.

Brian Kagoro, Managing Director of Programs at the Open Society Foundations, echoed concerns about funding flows, noting that much of the financial support directed towards Africa does not reach African organizations directly. He argued that localization must go beyond rhetoric and translate into real institutional authority and control.

Collaboration across sectors

The conference further underscored that Africa’s development challenges—ranging from unemployment and inequality to governance and environmental pressures—are interconnected and cannot be addressed in isolation.

Participants called for stronger collaboration between governments, civil society, private sector actors, and community-based organizations to develop more coordinated and effective responses.

Forward-looking perspective

Despite concerns around funding constraints and systemic limitations, the discussions were marked by optimism about Africa’s capacity to define its own future.

Delegates expressed confidence that the continent already possesses the knowledge, expertise, and leadership required to drive its own development agenda.

A recurring view throughout the conference was that African-led solutions are already emerging across the continent, and the immediate priority is to strengthen, support, and scale them to achieve broader impact.