African philanthropy is embracing philanthro-capitalism with a technocratic dimension. A fascinating gathering in Marrakesh showcased the best of it  

Africa’s abundance manifests itself in many ways. The explosion of active philanthropy networks is one such manifestation. With it, the continent is hosting some of the most interesting conversations about philanthropy, anywhere. The African Philanthropy Conference in July, the African Philanthropy Forum in October and the African Philanthropy Network in November, are three headline examples, and there are many more.

I was fortunate to be present in Marrakesh at the end of October for the African Philanthropy Forum. The Forum was incubated by the Global Philanthropy Forum, a San Francisco based outfit committed to bringing philanthropists together and driving important conversations. Today, the African Philanthropy Forum stands strong with over 200 philanthropists and practitioners from across the continent and beyond turning out in Marrakesh. That said, the infrastructure funding for such events still leans heavily on a grouping of American backers – the Gates Foundation, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation and CS Mott Foundation among them. Full disclosure: Alliance magazine was the media sponsor too.

Elite philanthropy and civil society together