ACN has come a long way over the last 4 years, defining its identity and contribution to the social movements and peacebuilding sector. These years have been critical in establishing our foundation and clarity in mission as a training and coaching network in movement building. Looking back, 2022 was particularly an eventful year that marked the first expansion cycle for the network since inception.  The network now operates in 11 countries with additional capacity of coaches, a notable milestone in terms of reach in the respective contexts.

The network has successfully hosted 2 consecutive annual retreats in 2021 and 2022. These retreats have been the breakthrough moments to reinforce our strategy and structure culminating into the first new members induction ceremony at the October 2022 retreat. Through these retreats, we have established solidarity networks in Zambia (2021) and Ghana (2022), relationships that visualize the possibility of a united continent.

These convenings have also emboldened our resolve to bridge the strategic and intellectual gaps of people power efforts across the continent. We have learnt so much about the opportunities that exist to advance strategic causes from small organizing projects at a neighborhood to bigger national or regional struggles. The small and big causes are equally important when rallying behind the values of a united continent. For this reason, the network has committed to conduct regular mapping exercises, to better understand emerging and evolving needs of our communities. These mapping evidence will provide insights on how best we can respond by developing new resources while adapting our capacities to serve those needs in our respective countries and beyond.

We set off in 2023 with ambitious plans and we hope to get you engaged as we align on interests. This year, we focus on further developing ACNs strategy and structure through stronger membership, expanding on movement building resources, deepening in country training and coaching efforts, regional training and coaching projects and bolder relationships with our partners.