As global aid wanes and local challenges deepen, Africa’s changemakers are charting a bold new course-one where philanthropy listens, learns, and leads from the ground up.
By Napoleon Mugenzi
KIGALI, Rwanda – June 14, 2025: Philanthropy in Africa must move away from short-term, donor-driven projects and embrace long-term, community-led, and system-focused models rooted in African values. That was the resounding message from the 9th East Africa Philanthropy Conference, which concluded on June 13 at the Serena Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda.
Held under the theme “Agile Philanthropy: Adapting to Economic, Social, and Political Shifts,” the three-day event brought together more than 300 leaders from across the philanthropic ecosystem – including funders, civil society organisations, policymakers, and grassroots actors. Hosted by the East Africa Philanthropy Network (EAPN), the conference offered a timely platform to reflect on the sector’s relevance in a rapidly changing world.
“Even in the current situation, we have seen many philanthropies stepping up to fill part of the gap created by reducing official development assistance,” said Yusuf Murangwa, Rwanda’s Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, during the opening keynote.
“Aid is and will continue to reduce, but with such expectations on philanthropy increasing, the sector must adapt.”
Across keynote speeches, expert panels, co-creation labs, and breakout sessions, participants stressed the urgency of redefining philanthropy as a driver of structural transformation – rather than a vehicle for short-term relief.
A new philanthropic paradigm
Evans Okinyi, CEO of the East Africa Philanthropy Network, challenged conventional practices that treat communities as passive beneficiaries.
“None of us can work in isolation,” he stated. “Philanthropy must stop treating communities as passive recipients. They know the solutions to the challenges they are facing.”
Eunice Mwende, Executive Director of Alight Rwanda and host of the Kigali conference, called for the dismantling of outdated models in favor of community-led innovation.
“We cannot continue promoting a system that is already dying by itself,” she said. “What we need is a bold shift—practitioners must become catalysts of a new model grounded in community-led solutions.”
Redefining African Philanthropy
A dominant theme across the conference was the need to move philanthropy beyond temporary aid toward long-term, systems-level change. Participants argued that African philanthropy must invest in institutions, influence policy environments, and strengthen social fabrics; not just fund isolated programmes.
There was widespread agreement that communities must be at the center of development decisions. Co-creation, where communities actively shape and implement solutions, was emphasised as critical to building ownership, sustainability, and trust. Speakers urged abandoning one-size-fits-all approaches in favor of local knowledge, inclusivity, and representation, especially of marginalized groups such as persons with disabilities.
The concept of catalytic philanthropy was promoted as a pathway to unlock larger change. Philanthropy, participants said, must be willing to take risks, fund innovation, and act as a catalyst that influences how systems, from education to healthcare, function. There was a clear rejection of quick-fix models in favor of patient capital and long-term investment.
Trust and governance emerged as fragile but essential elements in building effective partnerships. Many attendees criticized the superficial nature of some collaborations, citing the need for transparent, accountable, and equitable governance structures. The “hero founder syndrome” was called out as damaging to collective progress, with calls for more humble, inclusive leadership.
Ubuntu – referred to as “utu” in Swahili – resonated as a foundational principle. Participants called for philanthropy grounded in African ethics, cultures, and languages, rejecting imported models that fail to reflect local realities. There was a shared call to elevate indigenous knowledge and reimagine giving in ways that honor Africa’s traditions of mutual aid and solidarity.
Narratives, participants said, must be reclaimed. Data alone is not enough – storytelling, especially by communities themselves, was championed as a powerful tool for advocacy and accountability. Stories of failure, resilience, and adaptation were seen as equally important as stories of success in informing learning and policy change.
The conference also spotlighted the rise of individual giving and local resource mobilization. Faith-based giving, family support systems, and community fundraising are already fueling change across Africa. These homegrown models, though often overlooked, were recognized as powerful and sustainable forms of philanthropy rooted in trust and shared values.
Participants emphasized the need for better data systems to meaningfully track impact. Africa must define its own success metrics based on local contexts, not imported benchmarks. Metrics, like stories, are cultural, and must reflect what matters most to the communities being served.
Legal and contractual frameworks were scrutinized for the power asymmetries they often embed. Many implementers shared experiences of being locked into restrictive contracts that limit flexibility and local responsiveness. There was a strong call for more balanced, co-designed agreements that respect the autonomy and accountability of all actors.
Mental health and well-being also featured prominently. A healthy philanthropic ecosystem must support those who work within it; addressing burnout, promoting gender equity, and fostering positive workplace cultures. Participants warned that if the people driving change are not well, the systems they create will also suffer.
Perhaps one of the boldest themes was the rejection of handout culture. True philanthropic transformation, attendees argued, lies in empowering communities to become self-reliant through capacity-building, entrepreneurship, and skills development. Sustainability was defined not by the length of donor support but by the strength of institutions and ecosystems that can endure beyond it.
From reflection to action
As the conference came to a close, there was a sense of shared urgency. Participants were reminded that the conversations held in Kigali must now be translated into action. The call was clear: to build a movement—not just programs—that is led by Africans, accountable to communities, and grounded in justice and equity.
The 9th East Africa Philanthropy Conference delivered more than just dialogue. It outlined a vision for a new kind of giving—agile, inclusive, and transformative. One that listens before it acts, collaborates instead of commands, and puts people—not projects—at the center of change.
