A gathering in Naivasha, Kenya, may prove a landmark for African philanthropy

The world is shifting in worrying ways that demand radically different actions to counter them. But it is also shifting in inspiring ways, where justice-based movements and other constituency organising forums are leading the agendas for systemic change. While formal civic space is being closed down, it is opening up organically, and demands on philanthropy for a fundamental reimagining of its role and raison d’être – a reimagining that is ideological, political, systemic and practical – are growing.

Yet, even though conversations about prioritising the importance of African and feminist-centred philanthropy continue to gain momentum, sadly, African philanthropies, activists and movements are often only invited to feed into discussions – not define our own. Moreover, dominant narratives of philanthropy aligned to Global North ideas of formalised ways of giving too often marginalise the essence of everyday individual actions of African and feminist traditions and disregard their historical background.

This work aims to advance a political vision, discourse and practice around pan-African and feminist philanthropies, grounded in solidarity, mutuality, and collective humanity.