West & Central Africa
West & Central Africa
Plan International works in 15 countries across one of the world’s most youthful and dynamic regions. Western and Central Africa is home to tremendous potential — a young population, abundant natural resources, and a rich cultural heritage. But it is also a region where inequality runs deep, and where conflict and instability have become the norm in many places. Girls face the greatest barriers to education, safety, and opportunity.
Our focus
We support children across the region from birth to adulthood — helping them weather crisis and conflict and building the foundations for them to thrive long term. Our work focuses on keeping girls in school, ending child marriage, protecting children from violence and creating opportunities for young people to develop skills and lead change in their communities.
In some of the world’s most challenging environments, including the Lake Chad Basin and the Sahel, we provide urgent humanitarian support to children and families caught up in conflict and displacement, while helping to drive longer-term change that makes communities more resilient.
None of this can happen without tackling the laws, policies, and attitudes that hold girls back. That’s why, across the region, we also work alongside communities, local organizations, and governments to change attitudes, laws, and systems — and why we invest in girls as leaders and advocates who have the power to transform their own communities from within.
