localization labs
Afghanistan Localisation Lab
Overview
The Afghanistan Localization Lab (ALL) was launched in November 2024 as a locally led platform to strengthen the leadership, influence, and sustainability of Afghan national and grassroots organizations in humanitarian and development action.
Convened by Citizens Organization for Advocacy and Resilience (COAR) in collaboration with the Civil Society Empowerment Network (CEN), the Lab is part of NEAR Network’s flagship Localization Labs initiative, implemented across 22 countries.
The Afghanistan Lab brings together national NGOs, grassroots CSOs, women-led organizations, youth networks, and diaspora actors to co-design localization strategies, advocate for equitable partnerships, and promote shared risk and decision-making in a highly constrained operating environment.
Despite shrinking civic space and funding challenges, the Lab has emerged as a trusted convening space that amplifies Afghan voices nationally, regionally, and globally.
“Localization is not just about funding—it is a behavioral shift that requires trust, shared risk, and real decision-making power for local actors.”
Sameera Noori
Read our latest news
01
Movement Building
Movement Building
Key actions include
The one day workshop engaging NNGOs, women-led organizations, and CSOs to shape the Lab's purpose and priorities.
Development of participatory tools, with support of Localization technical Workshop Group-LTWG within ACBAR for the Localization Capacity mapping assessment
National outreach through coordination platforms and social media to broaden engagement and visibility.
02
Building Bridges
Bridges
Key Engagements
Afghanistan Coordination Group (ACG), Tashkent
Oct 2025: Elevating Afghan NGO leadership, risk-sharing, and pooled funding models.
PEACE CONNECT 2025, Nairobi
Showcasing the Lab as a global example of locally led peacebuilding and creative resistance.
DEMAC Global Diaspora Conference, Geneva
Strengthening recognition of Afghan diaspora organizations as humanitarian actors.
03
Solutions
Solutions
Practical localization solutions, not just dialogue.
Key Solutions
Tool Development
Localization-adapted capacity assessment and stakeholder mapping tools.
Policy Influence
Contributions to the Humanitarian Reset Task Team and partnership guidance discussions.
Donor Engagement
Targeted dialogue with SDC, EU, FCDO, Match-Local, and others, leading to concrete follow-up and requests for concept notes.
These efforts have helped build legitimacy, trust, and ownership among Afghan civil society actors navigating a complex political and humanitarian landscape.
Upcoming Initiatives
Trust building Café depliages at regional level in Afghanistan
A national coordination workshop engaging NNGOs, private sector, and government stakeholders.
Campaign toward the No Trust No Localization with Match-Local
04
Learning
Learning
Learning and reflection are central to the Lab’s approach.
Learning
Learning and reflection are central to the Lab’s approach.
Key Insights
Early advocacy and alignment with existing structures increases legitimacy.
Co-created tools lead to stronger uptake and ownership.
Localization requires resources—coordination without funding is unsustainable.
Women-led organizations need adapted partnership models, not exclusion.