The 5th edition of the Night of NGOs took place in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, on November 13, 2026, under the theme "Humanitarian Emergency and Sustainable Development: Valuing Sovereign Initiatives that Change Lives." The event, which had a pan-African format, brought together delegations from Mali, Niger, Cameroon, Mauritania, and Côte d'Ivoire. Qatar Charity was awarded the top honor of NGO of the year.
Qatar Charity has been present in Burkina Faso since 2008, working in the areas of health, education, and humanitarian aid. The organization currently sponsors over 8,000 orphans across the country and has increased its achievements in water, sanitation, and school infrastructure in 2026. Ibrahim Guira, project coordinator at Qatar Charity, stated that this recognition is a significant encouragement for the organization.
The Night of NGOs was launched in 2022 and has now taken on a pan-African dimension. The event aims to encourage actors who often work in the shadows and in difficult conditions, while promoting the sharing of experiences between national and international organizations. Pima Bazié, promoter and general commissioner of the event, emphasized the importance of creating a framework for organizations to come together, celebrate their successes, and work in consortium for the benefit of populations.
Brice Emmanuel Sawadogo, national coordinator of the Permanent Secretariat of Non-Governmental Organizations (SPONG), speaking on behalf of civil society, invited actors to go beyond the logic of assistance. He stressed the need to promote initiatives that strengthen the autonomy of communities and their capacity to take charge of their own development, valorizing endogenous resources.
Hikoti Gnoumou, representing the Minister of State, Minister of Territorial Administration and Mobility, recalled the regulatory framework governing the sector. He emphasized that NGOs must align their interventions with national priorities defined by the government, act in close collaboration with deconcentrated authorities, and demonstrate transparency in resource management.
The 5th edition of the Night of NGOs celebrated excellence and commitment through a diverse range of 21 trophies, divided into several categories. These included prizes for the best sectoral NGOs, best projects, honorary prizes, a special prize for the promoter, the Grand Prize for NGO of the year, as well as regional and special prizes highlighting national, international, and community initiatives from several countries.
The event recognized the contributions of various organizations and individuals to humanitarian action in Burkina Faso. Qatar Charity's award was seen as a testament to its dedication and hard work in the country. The organization has made significant contributions to the development of Burkina Faso, and its recognition is expected to inspire other organizations to follow in its footsteps.
Key points
- Qatar Charity was recognized as NGO of the year at the 5th edition of the Night of NGOs in Burkina Faso.
- The event celebrated excellence and commitment in humanitarian action, with 21 trophies awarded across various categories.
- The Night of NGOs aims to promote the sharing of experiences between national and international organizations and encourage actors who work in difficult conditions.
