Efiscens is a consultancy firm specialising in capacity building for international aid actors and in programme evaluation. It was founded in 2016 by Irène Sesmaisons.

 

In a sector undergoing significant transformation, Efiscens supports organisations seeking to move from a project-based approach to a transformation-focused approach: strategy, leadership, accountability, partnerships and impact.

Since its inception, Efiscens has supported international and national NGOs, foundations, and development partners working in French-speaking Africa.

We work closely with organisations to help them structure their strategy, strengthen their governance, professionalise their practices and better demonstrate their impact.

 

Practical tools, tried and tested in the field

Through our work, we have designed, tested and refined tools that organisations can put to immediate use:

• Theory of Change

• Strategic planning: 360° organisational and partnership assessment, participatory action plans

• Training materials: HR management, financial management, partnerships, etc.

• Project monitoring and evaluation and impact and change measurement

 

Recognised experience with major stakeholders

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

 

We have notably 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 consultancies and technical partners such as Espelia/AFD/LuxDev, Africa Experts and Oversee Advising Group.

 

Key publications and contributions

Our work also informs the sector’s strategic thinking through several publications, including:

• “Resource Mobilisation by National NGOs” (2025 French and English Version)

• “What Localisation 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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A strengthened alliance since 2026

In April 2026, Khadi Toure joined Efiscens as an associate partner.

Together, Irène Sesmaisons and Khadi Toure share a strong conviction: the world of development and international aid is at a historic turning point. After decades of action, it has become essential to rethink international solidarity as a space genuinely steered by local and national actors, in alliance with their partners.

And this is not merely because these actors are “closest to the ground”.

But because they must be recognised for their genuine expertise, their ability to develop solutions, to make an impact and to influence strategic decisions.

Local, national and sub-regional civil society organisations must be able to:

• unite,

• harness their skills,

• pool their learning,

• and share their impact.

 

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

Efiscens advocates a development approach based on key priorities:

• the empowerment of women,

• inclusive education,

• vocational training,

• and social entrepreneurship,

as central levers for reducing inequalities.

 

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 local context, and fairer partnership models.

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

 

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

 

#ShiftThePower inspires us.