The main sectors of NGO work in Africa: a plain guide

NGOs in Africa work on almost every aspect of life. Understanding the main sectors makes it easier to find the right organisations and to describe your own work.

Health and nutrition

Primary care, disease prevention, maternal and child health, mental health and nutrition programmes, often working with public health systems.

Education and youth

Access to schooling, literacy, skills training and programmes that support young people into work.

Environment and climate

Conservation, adaptation, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and coastal restoration, including blue carbon work with mangroves.

Livelihoods and economic inclusion

Support for farmers, small businesses, savings groups and women's economic empowerment.

Rights, governance and justice

Human rights, access to justice, civic participation and accountability.

Water, sanitation and humanitarian response

Clean water, hygiene, emergency relief, and support for refugees and displaced people.

Where to go next

Search and compare organisations on the NGO Directory Africa, which lists 13,580 organisations across 54 countries.