A humanitarian development expert, Mr. Michael Ibe, has called on countries in Sub-Saharan Africa to prioritize local resource mobilization as a strategic response to the ongoing humanitarian funding crisis.
Speaking in an interview on Monday in Abuja, Ibe stressed that with traditional donors scaling back, African nations must take the initiative to secure their humanitarian future.
“With donors pulling back, it’s clear that we need to act for ourselves,” he said.
Ibe urged governments in the region to look inward and invest in homegrown solutions capable of cushioning the effects of dwindling international aid. He emphasized that ensuring protection for the most vulnerable must remain a national priority.
“Global humanitarian funding is in crisis. African nations must act to ensure their people are not left behind,” he added.
The Challenge of True Localisation
While international donors and organizations frequently advocate for aid localisation, Ibe noted that in practice, decision-making and control over funding often remain concentrated in the Global North.
“Localisation has become a buzzword,” he observed. “But behind the rhetoric lies a complex web of politics and power dynamics.”
He explained that true localisation means delivering aid as close as possible to those who need it, with international involvement only where absolutely necessary. However, structural barriers continue to limit local actors from accessing needed funds.
Ibe criticized the inefficiencies in the global aid system, pointing out that some international organisations spend up to 50% of their budgets on overheads, leaving limited resources for actual beneficiaries.
“Meanwhile, local actors—neighbours, community organisations, volunteers—are often the first responders in any crisis. They know the local culture, politics, and social structures better than any outsider,” he said.
Structural Barriers and Funding Gaps
He highlighted the capacity paradox faced by many local organisations: without funding, they can’t build capacity; without capacity, they can’t access funding. This challenge is especially pronounced for women’s rights groups and faith-based organisations, which often remain underfunded despite their strong grassroots connections.
Additionally, recent cuts in international aid budgets—from countries including the U.S., UK, Germany, Canada, and France—have deepened funding gaps and created greater urgency for domestic solutions.
A Call for Strategic Investment
To bridge the gap, Ibe recommended corporate social investment strategies that allow local humanitarian actors to engage in profit-making ventures to support their core mission. He also urged stronger advocacy to African governments, pressing them to fulfill their responsibilities to vulnerable populations.
“We must invest in strategies that allow us to generate our own funding,” he stated.
“When it comes to localisation, we are on our own. But if we invest in our own resources and strategies, we can build a more resilient and effective humanitarian response—one that truly serves our people.”
Ibe concluded by emphasizing that self-reliance is no longer optional—it is essential.
“The path forward is clear: self-reliance is not just an option. It’s a necessity.”
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