Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Community Based Organisations (CBOs), and associations representing particular groups such as women, youth, the elderly or those with special needs, involved in economic activities, have valuable information to contribute to economic assessments and LED strategy formulation. In particular, they often know what are the employment and income generation needs of different groups within the population and what could stimulate better outcomes for them. It is very important, therefore, that they are involved and consulted in these processes.

Civil Society Organisations also implement economic development projects and programmes, which together with the efforts of government and private sector actors, can have significant impacts on employment creation and income generation in a locality. Such programmes include livelihoods, income generation, microfinance, skills development, infrastructure improvement and other interventions, which if implemented in a complementary way with others can generate great benefits.

In many African countries, Civil Society Organisations often lack the capacity and resources needed to meaningfully engage in LED. With support from donors and government, and an LED strategising process that includes training and capacity building, Civil Society Organisations have been able to make valuable contributions.