Stories Shaping Philanthropy

We Have The Wisdom: Why Are The Systems Missing? : Turning knowledge into infrastructure across African philanthropy

For years, we have rightly celebrated and documented Africa’s rich traditions of giving, solidarity, mutual aid, and community-led resilience. But documenting this wisdom is not enough. How do we move it from story to practice, from narrative to influence? How can African traditions and ways of organizing inform the systems, policies, institutions, and practices that shape philanthropy on the continent? And, ultimately, how can they influence not only how capital is mobilized but also how power is held and distributed?

We Have The Wisdom: Why Are The Systems Missing? : Turning knowledge into infrastructure across African philanthropy

For years, we have rightly celebrated and documented Africa’s rich traditions of giving, solidarity, mutual aid, and community-led resilience. But documenting this wisdom is not enough. How do we move it from story to practice, from narrative to influence? How can African traditions and ways of organizing inform the systems, policies, institutions, and practices that shape philanthropy on the continent? And, ultimately, how can they influence not only how capital is mobilized but also how power is held and distributed?

We Keep Funding Africa’s Problems. What About Its Possibilities?

When we talk about philanthropy in Africa, we often default to international foundations and development agencies. But African giving is much broader than the forms captured in conventional philanthropic data. It includes wealthy individuals paying school fees for dozens of children, families supporting hospitals and community projects, corporate foundations, hometown associations, diaspora giving, and long-standing systems of mutual aid.

We Keep Funding Africa’s Problems. What About Its Possibilities?

When we talk about philanthropy in Africa, we often default to international foundations and development agencies. But African giving is much broader than the forms captured in conventional philanthropic data. It includes wealthy individuals paying school fees for dozens of children, families supporting hospitals and community projects, corporate foundations, hometown associations, diaspora giving, and long-standing systems of mutual aid.

As Global Aid Dwindles, Can African Philanthropy Fill the Gap?

The contraction of global aid is exposing the fragility of a development system that has relied heavily on external resources and priorities. But it is also creating an opportunity to build African philanthropy ecosystems that mobilize local resources, strengthen institutions, and give African actors greater power over the futures they are trying to build.

As Global Aid Dwindles, Can African Philanthropy Fill the Gap?

The contraction of global aid is exposing the fragility of a development system that has relied heavily on external resources and priorities. But it is also creating an opportunity to build African philanthropy ecosystems that mobilize local resources, strengthen institutions, and give African actors greater power over the futures they are trying to build.

Building Safe Spaces For the Next Generation

The organizations doing the most meaningful work in African communities are rarely the ones with the loudest voices. In the Narrative is our response to that reality. Each month, we profile one selected organization doing real community-driven work on the continent and make sure their stories reach the people who need to hear them. These are their stories, told in their own words. This edition features Peter Kimani, Chairperson, Blossoms of Ghetto, a community-based organization working with vulnerable children and families in Mathare, Nairobi, and here is what he had to say.

When Celebrities Turn Influence Into Social Impact

Kanu's foundation was part of an early wave of celebrity philanthropy in Africa. Today, athletes, musicians, actors, and many other celebrities across the continent are doing more than donating money to causes they care about. By making their giving public, they encourage millions of people to participate, drawing attention, resources, and volunteers to issues that might otherwise remain overlooked.

Here is How this Organization is Fighting Gender Violence in Northern Nigeria

Women and girls across Nigeria often experience domestic and gender-based violence (GBV) in absolute silence, often with nowhere to turn to for help. This organization is changing that reality.

More Than Money: Why Blood Donation May Be Africa's most Overlooked Philanthropy

A single act of giving can save someone you will never meet. Every blood donation is a reminder that some of the most important acts of generosity happen quietly, without recognition, but with the power to save a life.

What an Umlazi Savings Circle Reveals About Philanthropy

How South African households, communities, and institutions quietly finance resilience outside dominant aid narratives.

Beyond Storytelling: Why African Philanthropy needs more than narratives

Beyond Storytelling: Why African Philanthropy needs more than narratives

Inside a Grassroots Mission to Shape Grounded Leaders in Nigeria

The organizations doing the most meaningful work in African communities are rarely the ones with the loudest voices. In the Narrative is our response to that reality. Each month, we profile one selected organization engaging in community-driven work on the continent and make sure their stories reach the people who need to hear them.

The Women Reshaping African Narratives on Philanthropy

Across the continent, a growing cohort of African women are doing more than giving. They are building institutions, shaping policy, and designing the communities they want to see. This profile piece spotlights the women who are most visibly driving that shift — and rewriting the public conversation on Africa's development.

How One Foundation Is Tackling South Africa's Education Crisis

Founded in 2018, the Trevor Noah Foundation is changing education philanthropy in South Africa through a community-centered, teacher-led approach.

Africa’s Changemakers: Celebrating the 2026 Schwab Foundation Awards Winners from the Continent

2026 Schwab Foundation Awards, announced at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland.

Why 54 Nations are Watching TEFConnect This January

The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has opened applications for the 2026 edition of its flagship Entrepreneurship Programme, inviting ambitious entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries to apply for funding, training, and mentorship.

How ASR Africa is Building a New Era of Philanthropy

When you look at Abdul Samad Isiyaku Rabiu’s journey, it’s easy to focus on the BUA Group’s massive success.

Aliko Dangote Has Pledged 25% of His Wealth to Africa’s Future

The cornerstone of this pledge is a ₦1 trillion ($688 million) Education Fund designed to span the next decade.

The Most Generous Country in the World Isn’t Who You Think

According to the World Giving Report 2025, Nigeria has officially outpaced the globe in generosity.

10 Ways African Countries Are Leading the World in Generosity

Here are 10 concrete ways African countries lead global giving.