Who we are

In West Africa, we are convinced that poverty is not inevitable. Together, we can build a fairer region without poverty.

Oxfam is an international confederation of 20 organizations working together, with partners and local communities, in 87 countries.

We are volunteers, aid workers, women’s rights activists, goat herders, policy experts, campaigners, water engineers and more. Oxfam is a global movement of people who won’t live with the injustice of poverty. We believe in the power of people working together for a fairer world. A world where people can stay safe in a crisis and recover from disaster. Where everyone can exercise their rights as full, equal citizens, with real influence over the decisions that affect their lives. A world where future generations know no poverty at all.

We’re building this positive future now and in West Africa. Not as a privilege for a few but as a right for everybody.

Our mission 

In West Africa, where progress is still fragile, inequalities are growing and crises are recurrent, Oxfam's mission is to help the women and men of the region who are most vulnerable to poverty and conflict, to help them to claim their rights as active citizens capable of taking advantage of the wealth and opportunities that the region offers.

In partnership with sub-regional institutions and organizations and local partners and with the financial support of our donors, we are committed to finding lasting solutions to the injustice of poverty and giving each and everyone the means to create a future which is safe, fair and without poverty.

Our vision

We have a vision of a region freed from chronic vulnerabilities and inequalities, where citizens enjoy their rights of assistance in a crisis situation and where the sovereign resources which are drawn from the extractive industries, fair taxation, and inclusive agricultural development are sufficient and equitably redistributed ending extreme inequality, vulnerability, and poverty.

Our values

Empowerment

From our staff and our supporters to people living in poverty, everyone must feel they can contribute to change.

Inclusiveness

We seek to work in partnership and we promote integration into our decision-making processes. We believe that anyone can make a contribution, no matter their visible and invisible differences.

Accountability

We take full responsibility for our actions and we are committed to the highest integrity. We believe that others, individuals such as businesses and governments, must also be held accountable.