Our History

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Founded in 2016 by Irène Sesmaisons in Dakar, Efiscens is a consulting and training firm specializing in organizational structuring, strategic management, resource mobilization, and the monitoring and evaluation of development programs in French-speaking Africa.

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Since its inception, Efiscens has supported international, national, and local NGOs, foundations, and development partners seeking to transition from a project-based approach to one of sustainable transformation: strategy, leadership, accountability, partnerships, and impact.

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In April 2026, Khadi Touré joined Efiscens as a partner, bringing complementary expertise in resource mobilization (mapping) and the development of strategic partnerships, particularly with businesses (CSR).

Together, they strengthen Efiscens’ capacity to support organizations at every stage of their development.​​​

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Our mission : help shape the future of international aid​

To help build a space for action centered on the common good, where flexible funding and responsiveness to people’s needs become the norm.

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Our vision : a more informed, equitable, and effective solidarity

In Francophone Africa, we also believe that national philanthropy must take its rightful place and establish itself as a strong force for solidarity.

For us, effectiveness is not just a slogan: it requires realism, practices adapted to the field, and fairer partnership models.

Efiscens operates on the principle of an equitable alliance, without hierarchy, driven by shared responsibility.

#ShiftThePower inspires us.

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Our added value : recognized expertise enriched by tools and publications​

Efiscens collaborates with a diverse range of stakeholders: NGOs, foundations, donors, as well as public institutions and national agencies engaged in investment, cooperation, or the structuring of development policies.

 

We have worked with : PADEM, Expertise France (FGS), ACF (Confluences), ALIMA, IUCN/PPI, the Chanel Foundation, the Fondation de France/CFSI, the Near East Foundation/AFIDBA, Save the Children, Play International, Jeunesse et Développement, Caritas (APPROCHE), Agence Micro-Projets, Planète Enfants et Développement, as well as several consulting firms and technical partners such as Espelia/AFD/LuxDev, Africa Experts, and Oversee Advising Group.

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Our work contributes to the sector’s strategic thinking through several publications, including:

• “Resource Mobilization by National NGOs” (2024)

• “What Localization Strategy for Save the Children West Africa?”

• Contributions to “Driving Change” (2022), “Strengthening the West African Philanthropic Ecosystem” (2022), “State of African CSOs” (2020). ​

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Efiscens has designed and tested powerful, comprehensive tools that enable stakeholders to conduct robust assessments and provide operational support:

• 360° Organizational Assessment

• Partnership Assessment

• Theory of Change Template

• Donor and Opportunity Mapping Tools

• Methodologies for Ethical Analysis of Change

• Methodology for Cross-Cutting Analysis of AGR Effectiveness

• Comprehensive Participatory Training Modules