The AidEx Nairobi 2026 conference themed "Beyond Delivering 'More with Less,' has gone ended on a high note! The message to the development sector was very clear – the funding ground has shifted, a systemic "reset" is underway.
5 Key lessons for me:
1. Actualising Localisation – its time for this buzz word to leave the reports and into action!. The examples of from Uganda & South Sudan really made me realise that indeed this is possible- they showcased an innovative flexible funding model that saw them assess funding as a locally led network and be able to respond to real needs at real time especially on deep community data and knowledge of cultural context. The challenge of course on how this can be scaled -and the element of trust was highlighted; trust that local agencies can effectively absorb huge budgets.
2. Anticipatory action – Shifting from reactive programming to predictive, risk-prepared strategies. This requires longer term funding to become a reality
3. Embracing Mutualism: Scaling up resource pooling and asset sharing between development actors.This approach is our new reality and indeed as FCA, this is already embraced!
4. Supply Chain Management – the challenge given to the audience was how many agenies involved Supply Chain team in strategy development – this is a glaring gap for many agencies yet a material percent of annual budgets go into supply chain management – food for thought!
5. Diversify Funding via Private Sector & Philanthropic Blended Finance
As traditional institutional funding declines, NGOs must adapt to become "investor-ready." Organizations should strategically pitch to Kenyan and regional corporations, family foundations, and commercial suppliers, aligning proposals with corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals
I enjoyed the sessions – lots of food for thought…especially the reminder that governments are the custodians of development – NGOs are partners in this…now to action!
Kazi kwetu
