🌍 ‘Localisation in Action’ Initiative

Shifting Power and Practice Towards Genuine Localisation in Zimbabwe
Theme: Repositioning Local Actors as Leaders in Humanitarian and Development Action

🧭 Introduction

The ‘Localisation in Action’ Initiative champions a bold shift in Zimbabwe’s development and humanitarian landscape—placing local actors at the forefront of decision-making, resource mobilisation, and project implementation.

Localisation is not only about transferring power—it is about restoring agency, enabling sustainability, and recognising the lived expertise of community-based organisations, local NGOs, and grassroots actors.

Tatenda Ruzawo | Trocaire, Presenting on the Localisation Agenda during the NANGO Annual Regional NGO Expo & Winter School 2025

⚖️ Why This Matters?

“Local actors are not implementers of someone else’s agenda—they are leaders in their own right.”

Despite their critical role, local CSOs often remain on the margins of development discourse. Strategic decisions are made elsewhere, funding is channelled through intermediaries, and ownership of interventions is minimal. Localisation seeks to change this reality.

🚧 Key Challenges We’re Addressing

1. Power Imbalances in Partnerships: Many “partnerships” operate like subcontracting arrangements. Local CSOs are often excluded from strategy and funding decisions. We’re shifting toward shared governance and long-term collaboration.
2. Ineffective Capacity Strengthening: Generic, top-down training doesn’t work. We’re co-creating needs-based capacity development rooted in the local context and driven by local actors.
3. Lack of Transparency & Mutual Accountability: Donors demand accountability from CSOs but rarely practice it themselves. We’re building mutual accountability mechanisms based on transparency, openness, and respect.
4. Top-Down Programming: Development efforts are often designed far from the communities they serve. We’re embedding co-creation throughout the programme cycle—from design to evaluation.
5. Risk Shifting (Not Sharing): Local CSOs bear the risks while international partners retain power. We’re advocating for joint risk management and flexible funding mechanisms.
6. Bureaucratic Barrier: Redundant reporting and rigid compliance systems drain local energy. We’re streamlining processes to make collaboration easier, faster, and more effective.

🎯 Our Objectives

💬 Create a national platform for localisation dialogue, co-creation, and coordination

📚 Build knowledge of key frameworks (e.g. Grand Bargain, Charter for Change)

🤝 Promote equitable partnerships based on mutual respect and shared vision

📣 Advocate for Zimbabwe-specific localisation benchmarks

💡 Mobilise donors and INGOs to invest in local systems and leadership

📈 Our Theory of Change

If local CSOs are empowered, resourced, and included as co-leaders…
Then Zimbabwe will experience more equitable partnerships, stronger systems, and community-led impact that endures.

Our model is based on:

1. Transparent and accountable partnerships
2. Locally-driven capacity development
3. Simplified and enabling systems
4. Advocacy that centres local voices

🧩 What We’re Doing

✅ National Localisation Survey – Mapping current practices, barriers & opportunities
✅ Localisation Taskforce – A multi-stakeholder platform for coordination & accountability
✅ Localisation Symposium – A national dialogue to build consensus on a Zimbabwe framework
✅ Capacity Strengthening Workshops – On leadership, funding readiness & mutual accountability
✅ Dialogue with Donors & INGOs – Structured engagement to shift funding practices
✅ Case Studies & Position Papers – Tracking and amplifying locally led success
✅ Integration into Flagship Events – Including NGO Expos, Winter Schools & Directors Retreat

🚀 Expected Results

📌 Increased knowledge of localisation among Zimbabwean CSOs
📌 Strengthened CSO leadership in national development dialogue
📌 Operational Zimbabwe Localisation Charter
📌 Equitable funding mechanisms adopted
📌 Donor and INGO practices shift toward local ownership
📌 Greater community ownership and sustainable impact

👥 Our Stakeholders

Led By: Local CSOs and CBOs under the NANGO platform

In Partnership With: INGOs, Donors, UN Agencies, Academia, and the Private Sector

🌱 Sustainability

We’re embedding this initiative into NANGO’s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan to ensure long-term integration and progress. Local CSOs will be empowered to advocate, monitor, and lead localisation efforts beyond the project lifespan.

📣 Join the Movement

Be part of the shift. Help build a Zimbabwean development model that values local knowledge, leadership, and ownership.