Reproducing spaces of embeddedness through Islamic NGOs in Sub-Saharan Africa: reflections on the post-2015 development agenda

This paper explores the nexus of religion, space, and development. It sheds light on the role of faith-based organizations (FBOs) as partners in sustainable development and key actors for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Applying and building on the theoretical framework of Polanyi’s The Great Transformation indicates that FBOs with value-laden agendas have formed new state spaces during the age of globalization, where state capacities are transferred to non-state actors at other levels. The case study of Qatari organizations in SSA demonstrates how their uptake of state capacities can lead to development efforts that are driven by faith apart from politics and economics, which help balance market liberalism and social protectionism to create the conditions for sustainable development. Among other things, FBOs offer alternative financing options and new opportunities for financial inclusion that are relevant to the implementation of the post-2015 development agenda.