Civil society in Africa is facing financial sustainability challenges. In this article, we share valuable lessons from a Shared Learning Convening on Alternative Funding Models for Civil Society Organizations. It explores ideas towards creating more financial sustainability and effective civil society space in Africa. This Op-Ed enforces the idea that civil society organisations can only be sustainable if they become more relevant to their constituencies, so that they could fund them. This is a historic and pivotal time for organised civil society in Africa. The continent’s development landscape mirrors the high levels of poverty and inequality. In Ghana, Oxfam estimates that just One of the richest men earns from his wealth. in a month than one of the poorest women could earn in 1,000 years 1 . Inequality is threatening social cohesion and slowing down poverty reduction in Africa. In addition, illiberal governments and social movements are increasingly challenging the work of organised civil society and its ability to meet the needs of African communities. Notwithstanding, the significant contributions of civil society in Africa to promote accountability, provide a voice for citizens, ensure inclusion and representation and protect human rights and basic freedoms cannot be undermined. Civil society’s existence is threatened by the dwindling nature of financial resources from external donor partners. Indeed, the evolving aid landscape is characterised by uncertainty between donors and civil society. As donor priorities and funding modalities change , African CSOs being challenged to be resilient in the face of adversity. Organisational resilience and financial sustainability within the civic space in Africa has become a critical development issue. In response to the threat, a number of activists and organisations on the African continent have started exploring non-traditional measures to generate financial resources to sustain operations and social impact. However, these measures are often not known beyond the borders of specific countries.