Nigeria stands at the crossroads of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa. With more than 4 million estimated cases, rapid action is needed to prevent the epidemic from reaching the scale seen in southern Africa. As one of PEPFAR’s focus countries, Nigeria has access to unprecedented resources for preventing and treating HIV/AIDS. New partnerships with Nigerian civil society organizations (CSOs), including faith-based and non-governmental organizations, offer tremendous potential to scale up prevention and treatment services.

But Nigerian CSOs face major challenges in building partnerships with international donors, particularly in their ability to implement financial and grants management procedures that meet donors’ standards. USAID Nigeria is addressing this crucial issue by providing capacity building support to potential Nigerian implementing partners.

“The workshop was very well organized and successfully executed. After taking part in this workshop, we can never remain the same again” -Director of Administration

In February of 2007, USAID Nigeria sponsored a three-day Financial Management Workshop for 16 participants from three CSOs focused on preparing potential implementing partners to pass a USAID pre-award audit – an essential step in receiving US government funds. The workshop was developed and facilitated by staff from the Leadership, Management, and Sustainability Program of Management Sciences for Health. Participants explored approaches to strengthening crucial management systems such as accounting, procurement and personnel. Special attention was given to the reasoning behind audit requirements. The lead MSH facilitator noted “The key principles presented were sound business practices that will strengthen the CSOs, making them more attractive and stable in the eyes of all types of donors.”

At the end of the three days participants were provided with concrete next steps and the tools needed to return to their organizations and begin to set up essential systems. The workshop also created an environment for staff from Nigerian CSOs of various sizes, strengths and abilities to share ideas and tips regarding their own financial management systems. These professional exchanges were a crucial aspect of participants’ learning.

While this workshop was a first step for these CSOs, participants’ reactions and initial results demonstrate commitment to moving forward in partnership with PEPFAR. As the Director of one of the participating organizations noted, “The workshop was very well organized and successfully executed. The content was rich and covered relevant areas. It has been our desire in the last few years to review and implement systems that make for best practice and facilitate donor driven operations.  After taking part in this workshop, we can never remain the same again”. This is an example of the needs-based, participant centered approach to capacity building that will be a crucial component in creating new partnerships under PEPFAR.