I had the privilege of attending the 5th African Philanthropy Conference (APC), held from July 29 to August 2, 2024, at the Elephant Hills Resort in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The conference, themed ‘The Next Frontiers of African Philanthropy’, was a transformative experience that offered profound insights into the evolving landscape of African philanthropy.

The theme captured APC’s essence, focusing on innovative strategies and emerging trends reshaping traditional philanthropic models. This year’s APC was not just a gathering of professionals; it was a movement—a convergence of like-minded individuals and organisations committed to redefining the boundaries of philanthropy in Africa.

The week-long conference featured diverse discussions on topics ranging from the role of digital technologies to the importance of climate science and innovative financing models. An impactful discussion centred around how philanthropy can address colonial injustices and promote cultural preservation through restitution and reparations. These conversations emphasised the need to understand historical contexts to create meaningful and lasting impact. This is particularly relevant as African philanthropy increasingly grapples with colonialism’s legacy and its continuing effects on the continent. The conference highlighted the critical integration of technologies like AI and robotics in philanthropy, stressing the need for responsible use to benefit the greater good. It also underscored the vital role of young leaders in shaping inclusive strategies and enhancing the sector, particularly in fostering practices that empower marginalised communities.

Personal reflections: a time of 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. The sessions on feminist philanthropy and governance were particularly impactful. These discussions highlighted the importance of centring the perspectives of historically marginalised groups and ensuring transparency and accountability in all philanthropic endeavours. The feminist lens, in particular, challenged participants to think critically about how philanthropy can be more inclusive and equitable. It aligns closely with the values emphasised in my work, where the focus is on creating fair and just systems for all.

Local peacebuilding efforts: a story of resilience

The African Women’s Development Fund hosted a session in collaboration with Social Justice and Peace (Global Dialogue, UK), Coalition for Action on 1325 (CoACT), Unyoke Foundation, and the African Youth Action Network (AYAN), focusing on peacebuilding efforts in local communities. The session emphasised the importance of integrating values into our work and recognising the humanity behind peacebuilding and conflict. The discussion concerned transitioning from a personal perspective to a broader understanding of peacebuilding work.

Simon Marot Touloung, the Team Lead at the African Youth Action Network (AYAN). shared a particularly moving story. As a young person, Simon was displaced from South Sudan and spoke passionately about how his experiences fuelled his commitment to peacebuilding. His organisation, the African Youth Action Network, empowers young people to promote peace.  Simon’s story highlighted the challenges faced by young people in peacebuilding, including societal expectations of traditional masculinity, which often equates manhood with fighting rather than promoting peace. Despite these obstacles, Simon and the team remain dedicated to their mission. Simon emphasised the need to see the people involved in these initiatives, stressing that true impact in communities can only be achieved when individuals are seen and treated as human beings, not just as numbers or project outcomes.

The discussion highlighted the trauma faced by those working in civil society and the importance of healing and self-care. It’s crucial to consider the human aspect behind the work and to support the well-being of both the communities served and the people doing the serving. There was a call for philanthropy to genuinely embrace the interconnectedness of issues, moving beyond just changing language to truly changing attitudes and practices. It includes trusting communities more and being open to their experiences, as challenges in the field are often unpredictable and complex. Sharing real-life stories can help others see themselves as peacebuilders and recognise their contributions to the community. Practitioners should redefine impact based on the perspectives of those directly involved in peacebuilding rather than being dictated by external frameworks.

Looking ahead: the future of African philanthropy

The 5th APC concluded with a commitment to continue discussions at upcoming forums like the 2024 APF Conference and the 2024 APN Assembly later in the year. The conference left me with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement to contribute to African philanthropy’s journey for a just and equitable society and to interrogate what philanthropy means to me.

Afua Gyapomaa is the Partnerships and Philanthropy Officer at the African Women’s Development Fund.