BBFORPEACE Training 2026: Strategic Communications in Countering Violent Extremism in West Africa (Abuja)

Work in peacebuilding, community engagement, or public messaging? You have one week left to apply for a two-day, in-person training in Abuja on how strategic communication can counter violent extremism across West Africa.

Quick Facts

•Programme: Strategic Communications in Countering Violent Extremism in West Africa

•Organiser: Building Blocks for Peace Foundation (BBFORPEACE)

•Partners: West Africa Peace and Security Dialogue (WAPSeD) and the Conflict Research Network West Africa (CORN)

•Supported by: GPPAC and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands

•Dates: 3rd–4th November 2026

•Location: Abuja, Nigeria

•Format: In-person, two days

•Application deadline: 23rd October 2026

What Is This Training About?

This is a regional training on how communication can be used to prevent and counter violent extremism (P/CVE). Its theme is "Shaping Narratives and Strengthening Resilience." Extremist narratives, misinformation, and digital influence keep shaping security in West Africa. The training looks at how civil society can respond with credible, community-rooted peace messages.

Selected participants are expected to build practical skills in:

-Understanding extremist narratives and how they influence communities

-Analysing target audiences, information ecosystems, and trusted messengers

-Developing credible alternative narratives and positive peace messages

-Tackling misinformation, harmful rumours, and emerging digital risks

-Strengthening community resilience through strategic communication

-Designing practical communication interventions against violent extremism

-Participants will also exchange knowledge with peers and join a regional community of practice on peacebuilding and P/CVE.

Who Is This Training For?

The call targets civil society practitioners across West Africa, especially people working or interested in:

•Peacebuilding and conflict prevention

•Preventing and countering violent extremism

•Community engagement and youth development

•Strategic communication and public messaging

•Promoting peaceful coexistence and resilient communities

•If you run a community-based organisation, work in a peace or development NGO, or do media and communications for a civil society group, this is worth your time.

The call does not say whether the training is funded, whether travel or accommodation is covered, or what minimum experience is required. It does describe the target group as "experienced" civil society practitioners, so highlight your hands-on work in your application. Before travelling, confirm logistics with BBFORPEACE at info@bbforpeace.org or through bbforpeace.org.

How to Apply

Open the application form: https://bit.ly/4B1IpNJ

Fill in your details accurately and show how your work connects to peacebuilding, P/CVE, or communication.

Submit before 23rd October 2026.

Selected applicants will be contacted after the deadline.

Tip: Don't wait for the last day. Forms on shared links can be slow when many people apply at once.

About BBFORPEACE

Building Blocks for Peace Foundation is a youth-led, non-profit organisation based in Abuja. It works on conflict prevention, peacebuilding, preventing violent extremism, accountability governance, and sustainable development in Nigeria and West Africa. Its programmes include the Champions of Peace Youth and Women Initiative and WAPSeD, a regional platform that brings together peacebuilding practitioners, policymakers, and researchers. Follow them on social media at @bbforpeace.

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