The African Philanthropy Conference is a collaborative platform which aims to create and curate a progressive agenda for philanthropy and social investment on the continent. Hosted under the theme of ‘The New Frontiers for African Philanthropy’, delegates delved into how emerging trends like artificial intelligence and climate change are impacting strategic and operational practices while, exploring innovative approaches to tackle Africa’s most pressing challenges, from education and healthcare to environmental sustainability and economic development.

Conference report

5th African Philanthropy Conference: The next frontiers of African philanthropy

Past conferences have sought to define and position African philanthropy squarely on the global stage of development. This year’s theme of ‘The Next Frontiers of African Philanthropy’, a departure from the typical naval-gazing and introspection that has plagued past conferences, sought to find a collective response to many of the challenges still facing African Philanthropy today and to map a pathway of the future of development through the lens of African philanthropy. Read more…

Reader’s poll winner

Alliance asked its readers what session they would like to hear about most in a poll. This year’s winner was a session ‘Whoever Funds Your Movement Owns It and Why It Matters’. Read the report below.

Whoever funds your movement owns it and why it matters

The session prompted profound reflection among both the panelists and conference participants. During the Q&A segment, attendees discussed what it would take to build a better Africa, the rejection of a singular common struggle, the importance of organic, bottom-up approaches for successful social movements, the applicability of current democratic models in Africa, and the necessity of transition plans from social movements to formal institutions. Read more…

Reflections from delegates and speakers

Youth and women in trade: Empty promises or genuine progress

The AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade is a transformative initiative aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by women and youth in the African trade landscape. This protocol seeks to create an inclusive environment that enhances their participation in regional trade, providing them with greater access to markets and opportunities for economic empowerment. During a recent panel discussion, we delved into the significance of this protocol, the gaps in youth engagement, and the critical role of national implementation strategies. Read more…

Dreaming matters: New visions of African feminist resourcing

Feminists are often required to respond to the immediate needs of communities and movements, with little time for imagining a different world than the one we currently occupy.  However, imagining a different reality and future is key to building hope and managing despair.  But how do we create the space that allows for envisioning and dreaming?  What factors enable us to dream of a different future while grounded in the present? And what elements – safety, security, trust, and sense of community,– are needed for us to suspend disbelief, trust each other, and collectively create an abundant and just world? Read more…

Drawing inspiration from changemakers

The discussion was about changing the narrative of international funders seen as ‘rescuers’ of African communities, or Africans relying on foreign donors to drive change and development in our communities. Foreign aid (alone) doesn’t solve Africa’s deep-rooted social injustices of poverty, unemployment, violence and more. Our social movements and initiatives started through the collective resources of community members who gave their skills, time, and authentic support; the currency was not money, but a felt need for change. Read more…

A journey of learning and growth

Participating in the APC was an enriching experience, professionally and personally. The exchange of ideas and the collective wisdom of the participants broadened my perspective on the power of philanthropy to drive social change. The conference reaffirmed my belief that African philanthropy is at a pivotal point, where tradition meets innovation and where collective efforts can truly make a difference. Read more…

Re-centering philanthropic narratives: the importance of securing independent and autonomous resourcing

Deep shifts are happening across the African continent and the African diaspora. These shifts are taking place across our collective understanding of the many ways that philanthropy is defined, in who is considered to be a philanthropist, and in our understanding of the richness and variety of historical and contemporary practices of love, mutual aid, individual and collective giving, and solidarity and support.  The recent African Philanthropy Conference held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, was an opportune moment to reflect on the importance of philanthropy and the ways that women are responding to multiple crises and creating new approaches to defining, redistributing, and investing money. Read more…

Uniting practice and academia

The privilege of attending both conferences clearly shows how the gap between practice and academia is being narrowed when it comes to African philanthropy and philanthropy in Africa by Africans. However, I would cherish seeing if the week-long conference can have practitioners and academics throughout its duration share the platform to eradicate the silo approach where the two almost participate separately. Read more…

News and announcements

6th edition of the African Philanthropy Conference

The 6th edition of the African Philanthropy Conference will be hosted in Cairo, Egypt from 28 July to 1 August, 2025. Join the African Philanthropy Conference mailing list to be notified about pre-registration.