The GHAI Budget Advocacy Accelerator 2025 is a transformative, nine-month capacity-building initiative designed to equip African civil society organizations (CSOs) with the knowledge, tools, mentorship, and strategic frameworks required to influence national and sub-national health budgets. Organized by the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) in collaboration with Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), this program is a direct response to the urgent need for stronger health financing and budget accountability across the African continent.
The program is built around a structured learning journey that includes virtual instruction, in-person workshops, peer exchanges, and one-on-one mentorship from global budget advocacy experts. The Accelerator empowers CSOs to engage in domestic resource mobilization, strategic communication, and policy change efforts aimed at increasing public investment in epidemic preparedness, immunization systems, primary health care, and other critical health infrastructure. Participating organizations undergo a rigorous curriculum centered around real-time learning and implementation. They receive practical training in budget analysis, policy engagement, coalition building, campaign strategy, and media advocacy. Throughout the program, each organization develops and executes a tailored capstone project that targets budget change in their specific country or region. These projects are not theoretical—they are real advocacy initiatives that CSOs carry out during the program, often resulting in tangible wins.
In the 2024 cohort, participating organizations influenced budgetary outcomes in areas like One Health planning, epidemic preparedness, and primary healthcare resourcing. For instance, CSOs in Kenya successfully developed and advocated for a county-level strategic plan integrating health security with local development agendas. In Nigeria, participants used media campaigns to raise public awareness about government health financing gaps, leading to increased legislative attention. Each cohort benefits from expert mentorship provided by GHAI’s network of budget advocacy professionals, legal experts, communications consultants, and former policymakers. These mentors help participants shape advocacy campaigns that are context-specific, data-driven, and politically informed.
The program offers more than skills—it provides access to a vibrant peer community of advocacy professionals across the continent. Participants engage in regular peer-learning sessions, receive feedback on their campaign work, and build relationships that extend beyond the program duration.
At the conclusion of the Accelerator, all participating CSOs present their capstone advocacy projects and key outcomes in a high-profile public showcase. Graduates join an alumni network that continues to receive support and opportunities to collaborate on larger regional or global health policy initiatives. By the end of the Accelerator, participating organizations are not only better equipped to influence budgets—they are positioned as national leaders in accountability, governance, and strategic health advocacy. The GHAI Budget Advocacy Accelerator serves as a launchpad for sustainable impact, empowering CSOs to hold governments accountable and drive domestic investment in public health systems for years to come.
Name of organizer
Requirement/Eligibility
To be considered for participation in the GHAI Budget Advocacy Accelerator 2025, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
1. Organization Type: Must be a legally registered civil society organization (CSO), NGO, or non-profit operating in Africa. 2. Location: Must be based in and work within an African country, particularly those with ongoing public health system development and budget engagement needs. 3. Experience Level: Should have at least 2–3 years of demonstrable experience in advocacy, public health, or government engagement. 4. Health Focus: While not mandatory, preference is given to organizations already working in public health, health financing, or related sectors such as WASH or epidemic preparedness. 5. Budget Literacy: Some baseline knowledge or experience with government budgeting processes is preferred, though not required. 6. Campaign Experience: Must show evidence of past or current campaigns or projects that aimed to influence public policy or resource allocation. 7. Organizational Capacity: Must have at least two staff members who can consistently participate in virtual sessions, mentoring calls, and in-person workshops. 8. Leadership Buy-In: Organization leadership must fully support program participation and implementation of a capstone advocacy project. 9. Communication Capability: Must be able to document and communicate program learnings and results clearly, with strong English proficiency. 10. Commitment to Equity: Must demonstrate a commitment to inclusive advocacy that prioritizes equity, accountability, and local ownership.
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