A Practical Guide for Civil Society in Africa: Jude Ilo's New Book

**“Building on Solid Ground is a must-read. It is practical, honest, and timely. It is written clearly, respecting your time. If you are in Africa’s civil society space, you need this book on your shelf. It gives you a solid foundation and a mirror to reflect on your growth. It is a good read, and I am happy to recommend it.”**

Every organization starts for a reason, but not every founder takes time to understand that reason. Jude Ilo aims to help those of us in Africa’s civil society space build our organizations on more than just good intentions. What stood out to me while reading his latest book, Building on Solid Ground: Primer on Resilience and Sustainability of CSOs in Africa, is how clear and easy to understand it is. It felt like talking to a teacher who explains things in a straightforward way. The book addresses real issues that civil society organizations (CSOs) face, like leadership, managing people, accountability, and sustainability.

The first part discusses why we start organizations and the different motivations behind them. Jude uses relatable case studies that are easy to learn from. Instead of assuming everyone knows why they start an organization, he asks you to think about that reason because it shapes everything that follows. The book then dives into the important work of strategy.

As someone who works on strategy in my organization, I found chapters two, three, and four very useful. They break down the who, the how, and the what of building a strategy in a practical way. One point that stayed with me is how many organizations in Africa struggle to set clear goals. They often want to keep their focus broad to get more funding. This honest take on a real challenge in our work is one reason I love this book.

The second part of the book looks at how to keep an organization strong once it is running. This is where I found myself agreeing the most. I appreciate how he encourages us to reflect on our operations, as we rarely make time for that. He writes clearly about accountability and oversight. His point about setting limits to keep our power in check is something every leader should remember.

The fourth part of the book is my favorite, and the timing is perfect. With civic space shrinking and many organizations facing resource issues, this part offers practical lessons that address our current challenges. His call to focus on real results and not just polished social media images resonates with me, as our sector often loses sight of this.

He clearly explains the need for strong management controls and the role of a board as a key part of good governance. His thoughts on bureaucracy struck a chord with me. As someone sometimes seen as bureaucratic, it reassures me that structure is necessary, but the real work is balancing it with the flexibility needed for progress. The book is packed with lessons like this, and I have already begun applying some to improve governance in my organization.

The third part focuses on the idea that employees are crucial. I read this section with pride. Jude argues for investing in the growth of those doing the work. His reminder that organizations thrive when they invest in their people aligns with my belief. I have seen that when you take care of your staff, they take care of everything else. This chapter felt good to read, as it confirms our commitment to investing in our people and community. He uses practical case studies, making the lessons easier to grasp.

The fourth part of the book is my favorite, and the timing is perfect. With civic space shrinking and many organizations facing resource issues, this part offers practical lessons that address our current challenges. His call to focus on real results and not just polished social media images resonates with me, as our sector often loses sight of this.

The last part discusses branding and building credibility, effectively summarizing the whole book. I must admit, this section feels daunting because I tend to avoid networking due to my personality. Reading it made me realize I need to improve in this area. There is real value in a book that shows you where you need to grow.

One line that stuck with me is, “innovation is the only effective response to an environment where the forces of retrogression are constantly fine-tuning their craft.” In a sector where challenges are always changing, we must not stand still as obstacles continue to sharpen their tools. He also speaks honestly about understanding the funding landscape and the frustrations that come with it. Building strategic relationships can help an organization during tough times.

The last part discusses branding and building credibility, effectively summarizing the whole book. I must admit, this section feels daunting because I tend to avoid networking due to my personality. Reading it made me realize I need to improve in this area. There is real value in a book that shows you where you need to grow.

Building on Solid Ground earns its title. It is practical, honest, and timely. It is written clearly, respecting your time. If you are in Africa’s civil society space, you need this book on your shelf. It gives you a solid foundation and a mirror to reflect on your growth. It is a good read, and I am happy to recommend it.