On Friday 4 February, Forus was invited to take part in a seminar on the theme of "the professionalization of associations: why, how and with whom" organized by ROGAPA, the national platform of associations in Gabon.  

This series of discussions, open to the public, enabled representatives of various associations to express their views on the challenges of professionalization and to submit and exchange recommendations for the sustainability of associations. 

At a time when associations are increasingly confronted with a restrictive policy of public space and at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the fragility of NGOs in countering this phenomenon, the seminar was an opportunity to raise the questions of the necessary professionalization of associations at the national and regional levels, but also in a more global perspective.  

Among the many voices that were raised, several common issues were highlighted. Mainly, the lack of consideration and political action in favor of the professionalization of associations, the recognition of their interests as well as their economic and social added value at a national level. This lack of interest or even mistrust explains the lack of training available to support the sector, the sometimes deficient governance of associations and a lack of funding which makes them even more vulnerable.  

Given the complexity of these issues and the economic, political, and financial contexts, the majority of speakers agreed that professionalization is the key to a solid and sustainable associative sector.  

It is essential to professionalize the people involved, who are able to influence the national and local contexts. In order for local authorities to take the measure of their contribution, administrative facilitation is necessary.  

Furthermore, it is urgent to raise the consciousness of donors who, all too often, still consider that these professionalizations are additional costs rather than indispensable investments, not to mention the partners in the field, who are often suspicious of these "development professionals".   

As Jean-Marc Boivin, representative of Forus, pointed out, the first step in meeting the challenge of professionalizing NGOs at the level of local actors is the dialogue between all these actors so that they can "get to know each other, trust each other and engage in dialogue in order to collectively build social change".  

"It is a "cultural revolution" that must take place in order to make ever more ambitious and demanding development programs effective. Without this common understanding, it is illusory to believe in effective, efficient, and measurable development of NGOs. By strengthening our mutual capacities, by developing common strategies to create a greater impact, TOGETHER, all actors, we can act and make the voice of civil society heard.”

Photo: Ralph Messi