PAID–ESA and the Civil Society Coalition of the Great Lakes Region (COSOC-GL) join forces to strengthen environmental governance, combat illegal exploitation of natural resources, and promote sustainable development across the Great Lakes region.
The Pan-African Institute for Development – East and Southern Africa (PAID–ESA) and the Civil Society Coalition of the Great Lakes Region (COSOC-GL) have signed a strategic memorandum of understanding to:
Combat illegal exploitation of natural resources and promote participatory, transparent governance.
Strengthen the resilience of local communities through integrated development projects and capacity building for community organizations.
Conduct joint research and workshops on environmental protection, climate adaptation, and sustainability, including agroecology and green economy initiatives.
Develop training programs, mentoring, and institutional exchange opportunities to reinforce regional capacities.
Lead regional and international advocacy with institutions such as the African Union (AU), ECCAS, ICGLR, and international partners.
COSOC-GL will coordinate civil society actions and mobilize its regional networks, while PAID–ESA will provide academic, technical, and diplomatic expertise, ensuring international visibility and high-quality interventions. This partnership represents a concrete commitment to inclusive, collaborative, and sustainable development in the Great Lakes region.