Framework for Enhanced Engagement with Civil Society Organizations

The African Development Bank’s (AfDB’s) formal engagement with civil society began with the first AfDB/NGO consultative meeting, held in Abidjan in 1990. Following that meeting, the Bank developed a policy paper and a set of procedures, mechanisms, and guidelines to orient its cooperation with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). The Bank revised the policy in 2000 to reflect its enhanced commitment to this
cooperation, focusing on civil society more broadly, rather than just NGOs. A joint committee was established in 2000 to guide and facilitate the Bank’s collaboration with civil society organizations (CSOs).