Upon arrival at the Victoria Falls International airport in Zimbabwe, the traditional dance group, Ilembe Shining Spears, provided a heartfelt welcome that consisted of music and dance – setting the tone for what was to become a great week at the 5th African Philanthropy Conference that kicked off on 29 July with the academic component of the conference, which was immediately followed by the practitioners’ component on 31 July.

This year’s conference was co-convened by the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI) at Wits Business School (WBS), TrustAfrica, African Philanthropy Forum, Africa Philanthropy Network, East Africa Philanthropy Network, Southern Africa Trust, and the Zambian Governance Foundation.

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. There were, however, elements of past conferences that remained for this year – celebrating those who have added to the infrastructure of the African philanthropic community during the Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony and reaffirming our love for humanity. The common thread of African philanthropy is the love that is weaved throughout our everyday (invisible) giving, and this was echoed in Theo Sowa’s, Co-Chair of The Equality Fund and Advisory Board Member for CAPSI, opening remarks. Sowa highlighted how African philanthropy is deeply ingrained in the soul, culture, and heritage of Africans, representing a significant part of our identity.

Declaring the conference officially open, Ambassador Rudo Chitiga, Permanent Secretary, Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Skills Audit and Development, acknowledged the progress in growing philanthropy in Africa and the need to distinguish African philanthropy from other prevalent models in the sector. Ambassador Chitiga raised thought-provoking questions about the sources of resources in African foundations and the importance of African ownership and control in the philanthropic landscape. ‘How much of the resources for philanthropy are coming from Africa? If International aid are the “wholesalers” of philanthropy, then it means that as African philanthropy actors, we have become the “retailers” of aid. And if so, are the conditions of our giving any different? What is the difference when African foundations fund philanthropy initiatives directly? How is philanthropy and the ubuntu principle connected?’ Ambassador Chitiga goes on to remind us that Zimbabwe receives more in remittances than in development aid, and because of this, philanthropy can be a real source for development on the continent. Her remarks were an important moment during the conference to reflect on the power dynamics still present in philanthropy – who owns the resources we use to do the work we do?

The Next Frontiers of African philanthropy

Tade Aina’s (Chief Impact and Research Officer at Mastercard Foundation) keynote speech discussed the evolving landscape of philanthropy in Africa, emphasising the need for redefining its role and impact in the face of global changes, technological advancements, and economic shifts. He stressed the core value of philanthropy as improving human lives, advocating for a balanced approach that integrates technology and data with human-centered values. But he was also clear about what African philanthropy is not: it is not a Western monopoly, it is not the development industry, and it is not transactional. In reference to the theme of the conference, he challenged conference participants to keep the end in sight – building a better world for humanity. ‘I think this conference is a reclamation of the true value of African Philanthropy. In understanding African philanthropy, we have to keep sight of what matters most, that is, the love for each other.’

How much independence do African philanthropic institutions have when resources still predominately come from the Global North (and could this be why we are silent on the ongoing war in Gaza)?

In the plenary session that followed Aina’s keynote speech, panelists explored emerging trends, innovative strategies, and their implications for traditional philanthropic models. This panel was the beginning of the ‘1001 questions’ on African Philanthropy for the conference. The session was moderated by Nozipho Tshabalala from The Conversation Strategists, with panelists including Boniface Dulani, Director of Surveys at Afrobarometer; Kole Shettima, Director of the Nigeria Office at MacArthur Foundation; Dierdre Williams, Managing Director of Network Grants at Open Society Foundation; Halima Mahomed, Advisor at Harambe-Ubuntu PAFP; and Ali Awni, Director at the Gerhart Center at the American University in Cairo. The discussion highlighted the need to consider the reasons behind philanthropic actions, the individuals involved, and the strategies employed to advance the concept of the next frontiers of African philanthropy. A recurring theme from statements from the panelists was the need to move beyond being mere intermediaries for funds in African philanthropy and start to focus on the impact on the ground.

The challenge with systemic change is that it requires us to first change ourselves. It is a process that also demands we take big bets and acknowledge that this is the work of a generation. If African philanthropy is only ever acknowledged in the short-term giving that is palliative in nature, it cannot therefore move the needle on systems change work. As Deidre Williams stressed ‘We need systems, governance that works. It’s a collaboration of many pieces – government, civil society, private sector, and philanthropy.’

Some lingering questions about African philanthropy from this plenary session still remain: What is standing in the way of doing good? Are we confusing institutional philanthropy with African philanthropy? What do we need to leave behind for the next frontier in philanthropy to happen? Is the placement of Global South leaders at the helm of Global North institutions tokenism or an opportunity, and how do we expect these new leaders to make radical changes in a system that is designed against them? As we encourage more ‘players’ in the arena of philanthropy, how can we make sure this translates to more impact? How much independence do African philanthropic institutions have when resources still predominately come from the Global North (and could this be why we are silent on the ongoing war in Gaza)? And where is the African money for African transformation?

If the answers to these questions seem daunting, perhaps consider this: the first step is to do simple things together and to hold one another accountable.

Philanthropy in a Changing Global Order – Global Governance, Peace, and Cooperation

Another standout moment of the conference was the second keynote address on ‘Philanthropy in a Changing Global Order – Global Governance, Peace, and Cooperation’ delivered by Naila Taji Farouky of Arab Foundations Forum (AFF).  Farouky focused much of her speech on the genocide in Gaza and the insufficient support it has received from the global and regional philanthropy sector. She highlighted the importance of individual and family giving in supporting communities, stating, ‘Individual and family giving holds great potential for communities in nations such as Occupied Palestine to access much-needed support in times of challenge and conflict.’

Farouky also emphasised the need for self-decolonisation before decolonizing philanthropy, saying, ‘Consider self-decolonisation before decolonizing philanthropy, as giving is authentic to our nature.’ Though not directly connected to the conference, this Alliance Magazine article by Barry Knight as part of the work on ‘Reforming International Development’, further highlighted the gap between what philanthropy says and what it does, inspired by Farouky’s earlier comments. The article begins with ‘We need to face some uncomfortable truths about how our behaviour is undermining the claims of philanthropy to be a legitimate force for good in the world,’ and ends with quoting Farouky, ‘There are other solutions – we just need to find them. As we navigate these complex dynamics, the ultimate goal is clear: to transform the philanthropic landscape in a way that truly serves humanity in its moments of greatest need.’

Youth and the Future of African philanthropy

The conference placed a deliberate focus on youth engagement, with sessions led by the African Youth Philanthropy Network (AYPN) and Africa Philanthropy Network (APN), showcasing the active involvement of young people in shaping the future of philanthropy in Africa. The youth sessions emphasised the importance of inclusive and practical giving models to foster resilient communities, while also advocating for the recognition of young voices in driving meaningful change and development on the continent.

We must steer clear of the pitfalls of adopting pseudo-scientific AI solutions to shape our social and economic conversations.

The first session, ‘Agenda Setting for Youth Philanthropy in Africa,’ emphasised the importance of co-creating a youth agenda within African philanthropy. This session challenged the prevailing misconceptions about young people’s role in philanthropy, highlighting their active participation as givers and agents of change within their communities. The second session focused on the ‘African Continental Free Trade Area Women and Youth Trade Protocol,’ provided insights into its implications and opportunities for young individuals. Panelists engaged in discussions on the Protocol’s significance, emphasising the need for increased youth involvement and addressing gaps within the trade landscape. Key takeaways included the importance of strengthening governance structures, implementing safeguards, and fostering active youth engagement to ensure the Protocol’s successful implementation. Overall, these sessions showcased the transformative potential of young leaders in shaping philanthropy and sustainable development in Africa, advocating for inclusive policies and amplifying youth voices in key initiatives.

Lifetime Achievement Award Gala Dinner

The first day of the conference ended on a resounding note with a Gala Dinner that honoured Tade Aina with the prestigious 2024 African Philanthropy Lifetime Achievement Award. The award recognises significant contributions to African philanthropy and is given to individuals who have greatly influenced the sector’s growth, practice, and understanding, academically and non-academically, and mentored its leaders and practitioners. Sarah Mukasa, Chair of the Awards Committee, expressed admiration for Aina’s exceptional leadership and visionary contributions to the philanthropic sector, remarking, ‘His leadership and vision have set a remarkable standard of excellence and provide a shining example to sector practitioners and academics who are working to enable sustainable development in several spheres.’

Preceding Aina’s Award was an ignite talk by H.E. Mrs. Graça Machel who was a guest of honor at the conference and the 2022 recipient of the African Philanthropy Lifetime Achievement Award. Mrs. Machel emphasised the collective nature of giving in Africa, stating, ‘In Africa, we don’t personalise giving. It is Ubuntu, our way of life as Africans.’ She also spoke about the importance of celebrating accomplishments while acknowledging the ongoing challenges faced by the continent. ‘We also learned in this journey that it is important to stop sometimes and look back and celebrate—but a celebration is simply a moment of infusing ourselves, more is self-confidence that we have done it and can do more.’

As the 2022 recipient of the African Philanthropy Lifetime Achievement Award, Mrs. Machel formally accepted her award in person at the gala dinner while alluding to the resilience and ingenuity of the African continent: ‘When I think about the thousands of individuals we’ve worked with since I left government —many of whom are no longer with us, and some who lack the opportunity to stand before you today — I ask you to see in me their faces and hear the voices of those who have committed themselves to make a difference. That’s all we did, make a contribution.’

AI and Robotics, Policy and Regulation – Implications for African Philanthropy

The second day of the practice conference shifted its focus to ‘Philanthropy and Technology – AI and Robotics, Policy and Regulation,’ with Abeba Birhane, a Senior Fellow at the Mozilla Foundation, delivering the third keynote address. Abeba explored the opportunities that technology and artificial intelligence (AI) offer for social investment and philanthropy. She highlighted how AI has the potential for ‘good’ when used with caution, informed policy, and technological accountability. She emphasised the importance of informed conversations about AI, cautioning against relying on pseudo-scientific solutions and stressing the need for AI to serve its intended purpose. She stressed that ‘AI for good must be built, controlled, and owned by Indigenous people.’ This highlighted the significance of Indigenous representation in the development of AI technologies to align with local needs and experiences. Her presentation sparked discussions on the ethical implications of AI and the necessity for a balanced approach to technology integration.

Following the keynote, a plenary session showcased examples of how AI and robotics can be effectively adopted by philanthropic entities for impact. The session also explored how regulators and policymakers can provide appropriate safeguards while fostering innovation within the sector. The discussion expanded to address the challenges of data collection, particularly in areas such as health and agriculture, highlighting barriers imposed by laws, policies, and boundary restrictions. There was a call for more individuals to engage in data science to drive the development of AI models and ensure diverse perspectives in technology advancement.

One of the recommendations for institutions and companies integrating AI was to become aware of the limitations and drawbacks, fact-check and assess outputs, and avoid cutting corners by deploying AI generically. On the other hand, AI developers were recommended to implement an incentive structure that rewards equity and accountability, cultivate systems and solutions that shift power dynamics, view challenges as annoying obstacles rather than fundamental flaws, and foster a shift in attitude, input, and active participation in key decision-making from impacted communities.

It became apparent from the discussion that we cannot turn a blind eye to the growing importance of AI. AI is here to stay. It is imperative that we engage with AI in an educated manner, with a clear vision, and the ability to steer the direction in which we want AI to contribute. We must steer clear of the pitfalls of adopting pseudo-scientific AI solutions to shape our social and economic conversations.

Climate Justice – Climate Change, Just Transition, and Green Resourcing

The day unfolded with another thought-provoking session on climate justice in which Makoma Lekalakala from EarthLife Africa delivered her address, emphasising the importance of systems change and equality. Lekalakala discussed the significance of just transitions that speak to people’s realities, focusing on achieving equality and supporting agency in Africa. She further emphasised the importance of considering gender and class dynamics in renewable energy initiatives, posing the critical question: ‘What is renewable energy? Who is it for? For what? We must take into account gender and class.’ This discussion underscored the imperative of just transitions and the pivotal role of supporting women-led responses in environmental and climate justice efforts.

During the plenary session that followed Lekalakala’s presentation, moderated by Masego Madzwamuse, Environment Programme Director at Oak Foundation, the focus shifted to discussions on environmental resilience and sustainability, advocating for a forward-looking vision for economic stability across the continent. Panelists emphasised the urgent need to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices. Madzwamuse, shared a poignant perspective, stating, ‘Climate change is not a niche issue.’ This sentiment highlighted the interconnectedness of climate challenges and the need for collective action. And essentially, whether we realise it or not, we are all climate justice activists in our work.

Philanthropy, if not approached carefully, can perpetuate inequalities and uphold the status quo of capitalism.

The discussions culminated in a call to action, urging grantmakers to centre women-led responses in environmental and climate justice initiatives. Questions from participants emphasised the importance of supporting initiatives that are led by women and aim to foster a just transition. As the session concluded, the focus remained on fostering environmental resilience and promoting a long-term vision for economic stability on the continent.

Reimagining Africa’s Global Leadership of Giving Revolutions

As the curtains closed on the conference, Brian Kagoro, the Managing Director of Programs at Open Society Foundations’ keynote address captured the spirit of the conference, leaving a lasting impact and inspiring a call to action for a more inclusive and impactful approach to philanthropy. Kagoro’s speech called for a new approach to philanthropic development, one that is intertwined with Africa’s global aspirations and aims to reshape existing narratives to bring about meaningful change. He emphasized the need for a shift in the current global order, away from short-term fixes towards long-lasting impact. Kagoro’s vision of connecting local philanthropy with a Pan-African agenda is a compelling one, offering a new perspective on how collaboration among regions like the Caribbean, Africa, and Latin America can lead to a more impactful approach to giving. He highlighted the importance of addressing fundamental issues to enable sustainable change, noting that simply providing aid without addressing underlying causes is akin to having a fisherman without a river to fish from, highlighting the necessity of addressing root causes for sustainable change.

‘Donor funding is a placebo effect for addressing core issues of social change because no amount of international funds given for aid in Africa will shift the power of inequalities.’ Philanthropy, if not approached carefully, can perpetuate inequalities and uphold the status quo of capitalism. He challenged the audience to consider how power dynamics can be shifted within a capitalist framework to promote justice and societal transformation. He stressed the need for African ownership in philanthropy to align with global goals and create more impactful outcomes, emphasising the importance of inclusive and participatory approaches that empower local communities, especially women and youth.

In conclusion, Kagoro’s call to action urged everyone to rethink the role of philanthropy in Africa, emphasising the need for a shift in power dynamics to truly address social change and inequality within a capitalist framework. By aligning local philanthropy with global aspirations and adopting more inclusive and equitable approaches, we can pave the way for a future that reflects our collective imagination and values.

Tarisai Jangara is the Southern and Central African Regional Representative for Alliance magazine. 

Ese Emerhi is the Sub-Sahara Africa Regional Representative for Alliance magazine.