Experts from Africa, Russia and Central Asia have called for stronger systems to measure the contribution of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to Africa’s development, arguing that reliable data is essential for shaping effective public policies and strengthening civil society across the continent.
The call was made during a roundtable discussion titled “NGOs in African Countries: The Invisible Force of Change”, held as part of the World Public Summit: Africa under the theme “New World: Africa in Shaping a Shared Future.”
The event, organised by the World Peoples Assembly in collaboration with the Centre for Civil Society and Non-profit Sector Research at HSE University, brought together government officials, researchers, development practitioners and civil society leaders to examine the growing role of NGOs in driving social and economic development.
Speakers noted that despite the expanding influence of NGOs in sectors such as education, healthcare, environmental protection, social welfare, youth development and women’s empowerment, many African countries still lack comprehensive data to accurately assess the sector’s economic and social impact.
Vyacheslav Ivanov, Chief Expert at the Centre for Civil Society and Non-profit Sector Research at HSE University and moderator of the discussion, said limited statistical information remains one of the biggest challenges facing the non-profit sector.
“Many countries still do not have sufficient data to objectively evaluate the scale of NGO activities, their economic contribution, their impact on social challenges and their role in achieving national development priorities,” Ivanov said.
Participants observed that NGOs increasingly provide essential services in communities where government institutions have limited capacity or reach, making them important partners in addressing development challenges.
John Aggrey, Director General of the Ghana-Russia Centre for Trade and Relations, said NGOs have become indispensable actors in Africa’s development landscape.
“NGOs in Africa often operate in areas where government mechanisms are limited. This makes them key players in social transformation,” he said.
A major focus of the discussions was the need to establish modern statistical systems capable of measuring the size, effectiveness and socio-economic contribution of non-profit organisations across the continent.
Irina Mersiyanova, Director of the Centre for Civil Society and Non-profit Sector Research at HSE University, stressed that evidence-based policymaking depends on credible and consistent information.
“Without systematic data, it is impossible to build effective policies to support civil society. We must speak the language of measurable indicators,” she said.
Participants also reviewed Russia’s experience in monitoring civil society through long-term research programmes conducted by HSE University since 2006.
They suggested that proven research approaches could be adapted to suit Africa’s diverse social, economic and institutional contexts.
Anar Izden, Executive Director of Kazakhstan’s Qorqyt Public Foundation for International Cooperation and Development, highlighted the importance of international collaboration in advancing research and policy development for the non-profit sector.
“International cooperation allows countries to exchange experience and develop approaches that take regional realities into account,” Izden said.
The roundtable concluded with an agreement to establish an international working group tasked with developing a research methodology for studying NGOs across African countries. The initiative aims to combine international expertise with the unique realities of African societies.
Participants said stronger evaluation systems, improved transparency and expanded international partnerships would help strengthen cooperation between governments, civil society organisations and development partners while enhancing public trust and supporting sustainable development goals.
The recommendations from the meeting will be presented at the Second World Public Assembly, “New World: Values That Unite,” scheduled to take place in Moscow in September 2026, where they are expected to contribute to broader discussions on civil society development and public diplomacy.
