GHAI CSO Budget Advocacy Accelerator 2026 — Open to African and Asian Civil Society Organizations

Africa allocates less than 15% of its national budgets to health — a target set by the Abuja Declaration over two decades ago that most countries are yet to meet. When government funding fails, communities pay with their lives. The Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) is training the people who can change that.

What Is It?

The CSO Budget Advocacy Accelerator is a programme launched by the Global Health Advocacy Incubator to strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations to influence and improve health budgets in their respective countries. It blends hands-on learning, technical assistance, and peer exchange to empower organizations working in areas such as noncommunicable disease prevention, injury control, and health security. 

GHAI is now inviting civil society organizations from low- and middle-income countries in Africa and Asia to apply for the third cohort of the programme. This 10-month edition focuses on strengthening advocacy for health and domestic financing.  

Why It Matters

Every year, 41 million lives are claimed by NCDs like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory conditions — often in countries least equipped to respond. Injuries, especially from road crashes and drowning, compound this crisis further. Yet only 2 percent of global health funding is directed toward NCDs.  

At this critical moment of dwindling international health funding, this programme is helping low- and middle-income countries chart a new trajectory — navigating domestic budget systems and unlocking sustainable resources from within their own nations.  

What Participants Will Do

Participants will take part in webinars and in-person workshops covering domestic health financing, health systems strengthening, public financial management, and strategic communications for tackling NCDs. Technical focus areas include mental health, nutrition, tobacco control, road safety, and epidemic preparedness.  

Each CSO will also develop and pitch a concrete budget advocacy campaign as a capstone project, with seed funding and mentorship from GHAI to support implementation.  Graduates join a global network of policy influencers and budget advocates committed to making public health a domestic priority.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include CSOs based in Africa or Asia that are legally registered, can receive foreign funding, and have experience in policy advocacy, health financing, or public health. Applicants must have two committed staff members able to participate in all sessions and activities. 

Country/Region Eligibility: Open to CSOs from low- and middle-income countries in Africa and Asia, including Nigeria.

Note: Organizations currently funded by GHAI/CTFK specifically for budget advocacy are not eligible.

Deadline

🗓 June 1, 2026

 Apply using the link below 👇🏼 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfVd7mXyeqmDY23SKCzYib06oCl0yjLrRHW861afxfTRZ6C6Q/viewform?pli=1