Title of paper

2.2 Planning an advocacy initiative

Step 1	Analysing policies	Identify a policy issue Identify key actors and institutions Analyse the policy environment Summarize policy findings Identify options for Policy change
Step 2	Outlining an Advocacy Strategy	Select a Policy issue Select target audiences Set a policy goal Identify allies and opponents
Step 3	Refining an advocacy strategy	Select roles Identify key messages Define advocacy activities
Step 4	Framing a plan	Set a timeline Prepare a budget Prepare an action plan Plan for monitoring and evaluation

Some of the requirements for effective advocacy as well as enabling conditions or factors for successful advocacy work are:

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  Credibility of NGO (work record, experience and expertise, reputation), technical know-how, accurate grassroots information, access to a particular constituency, former working experience with other public agencies
  
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  Perception of NGO motives – genuine? Self-serving vs. greater good? Transparent or hidden agendas?
  
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  ‘Autonomy’ – Independent of political parties and from source of funds
  
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  Size and/or visibility – sheer capacity brought by size brings greater attention to advocacy agenda, size may also be viewed as measure of organisational success
  
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  An advocacy proposal which can draw from already stated, broad objectives of the concerned policy institution and the wider apparatus has a higher likelihood of engagement and a greater chance of hearing
  
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  Advocacy points should be well defined and specific rather than extensive. A longer-term objective may be posed but a more narrow focus is advisable if tangible results are to be expected in a limited time. Further, short-term outcomes (gains) can invigorate and sustain future efforts and create favourable conditions for future efforts. Therefore, there should be a readiness to consider incremental vs. radical change and the necessity of compromise.
  
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  Highlight arguments/issues which attract the largest set of allies and alienate as few as possible
  
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  Project the issues rather than the organisation or leaders
  

3. A case example – advocating for renewable energy

The energy related activities of the World Economic Forum⁴³ focus on creating new insights, and a platform for stakeholders to act upon some of the most important energy issues. Current focus issues include:
New energy architecture: Many countries struggle to upgrade their energy systems to fully support current and future requirements of energy security and access, sustainability and economic growth. This work area looks into pathways to creating a more effective transition towards new energy.
Energy for Society: This is a global initiative that aims to accelerate continuous improvement in the development of energy systems through the personal commitment of energy community leaders representing the oil and gas utilities, and renewable energy sectors. There are more than 20 signatories representing all sectors and operating in all regions around the world. 26 case studies showing local, national and global best practices in implementing the ‘Energy for Society set of principles’ have been undertaken.
Energy for economic growth: As the world struggles to emerge from a global recession and financial crisis, countries are looking for solutions to improve domestic economic performance and put people back to work. The energy sector constitutes a relatively modest share of GDP in most countries, except for those in which oil and gas income loom large. However, the energy sector’s impact on the economy is greater than the sum of its parts. Most importantly, almost none of the economy’s goods and services could be provided without it. Thus, stable and reasonable energy prices are needed to reignite, sustain and expand economic growth.

3.1 The case

It is the aim to ensure the effective and participatory governance of the renewable energy sector of Namibia.
Objectives:

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  To influence the inclusion of pro-poor and sustainable development issues in renewable energy related policies and legislation.
  
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  To champion the institution of a fairer tax regime for off-grid renewable energy powered lighting and incentive-based mechanisms for service providers and solar entrepreneurs.
  
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  To enhance civil society participation in decision making in the renewable energy sector by establishing a renewable energy competence based platform in Namibia.
  

Key project activities:

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  National recognition of the need to include pro-poor and sustainable development issues in renewable energy related policies and legislation:
  
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  Undertake an expert review of RE-related policies and legislation to identify the gender and pro-poor issues and gaps.
  
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  Produce a policy brief to engage key decision makers (Ministry of Mines and Energy, relevant Parliamentary Standing Committee) on inclusion of pro-poor issues in RE-related policies and legislations.
  
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  Organise policy engagement and capacity building sessions on pro-poor issues with the Ministry of Mines and Energy and its relevant agencies, Parliamentary Standing Committee and the general public.
  
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  Honour the government’s commitment through sustained advocacy to address RE-related policies and legislation using press releases, news conferences, radio and television, interviews etc.
  

Enhanced participation of the private sector (solar entrepreneurs) in providing affordable and sustainable solar systems to the poor in rural and peri-urban areas in Namibia:

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  Development of a policy brief on the justification for the review of the tax regime for RE and solar systems imported to Namibia.
  
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  Training of ten statesmen as advocates for a fairer tax regime for solar in Namibia.
  
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  Organising a forum for 25 participants involving the Parliamentary Standing Committee and the Ministers of Mines and Energy, Finance and Trade and Industry to provide opportunity to grassroots off-grid electricity end-users and solar entrepreneurs to talk about their plight.
  
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  Preparation of a memorandum to parliament for a fairer tax regime of solar systems imported into the country.
  
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  Development and airing of documentary highlighting the challenge of inequity in pricing of electrical energy in Namibia.
  

To enhance civil society participation in decision making in the RE sector of Namibia by establishing an RE competence based platform in Namibia:

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  Develop tools and strategies for civil society involvement in the RE policy making and implementation process.
  
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  Organise and conduct two training seminars on relevant themes in the RE sector for members of the relevant network organisations, academia, entrepreneurs, community members, the media, trade associations and civil society groups.
  
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  Create a clean energy online portal to facilitate discussion and collation of ideas from members and to enhance visibility in the network.
  

Outputs:

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  A revised RE-related policy that is pro-poor and gender sensitive
  
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  Ten trained clean energy advocates
  
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  Memo and policy brief on RE related policies and legislation
  
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  A documentary highlighting the challenge of inequity in pricing of electrical energy
  
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  Civil society members trained in RE governance and advocacy
  
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  Online portal created and launched
  

Main stakeholders:

Government, Ministry of Mines and Energy, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Trade and Industry, solar product entrepreneurs and civil society

Beneficiaries:

Network members, academia, the media, trade associations and civil society groups, people in off-grid communities and solar product entrepreneurs

Project implementation period:

2013 – 2014