Philanthropy has a long-standing history in Africa. Traditionally, it manifested in different ways in different parts of Africa, all emphasizing the common welfare of the community, reinforcing the sense of connection and belonging. This is shown by the notion of Ubuntu—a philosophy term that emphasizes community, compassion, and mutual support as human beings towards fellow human beings. It embodies the universal bond that connects all human beings and underlies all African giving and gifting.
Philanthropy among higher education institutions (HEIs) in Africa is practiced within this rich context. The institutions and their donors engage in giving and gifting within their socioeconomic and political contexts to mobilize resources. In face of financial challenges, more African HEIs have been tapping into the resources from private philanthropy and engaging African donors in advancing higher education. However, very little is known about the strategies and practices of fund development within higher education in Africa.
This white paper shares findings from three components: (1) a comprehensive review of existing academic and practical literature; (2) the key takeaways from a series of three convenings in 2023 and 2024 to promote informed dialogue on philanthropy for higher education in sub-Saharan Africa among thought leaders; and (3) a systematic review of publicly available information on development and fundraising among African HEIs. The white paper further offers examples of some large cash and in-kind donations from African donors in advancing higher education across the continent with the hope to inspire more major and everyday donors to join forces in driving transformative changes in higher education for Africa.
Access the white paper
Access the literature review
Voices from Experts
- Strengthening Alumni Participation in African Higher Education
Karen Bruns, Senior Director of Development & Alumni Relations, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
- Alumni Philanthropy in Ghana
Emmanuel Kumi, Ph.D., Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Social Policy Studies, University of Ghana
- Building an Understanding of African Philanthropy in Higher Education
Antony Mbandi, MA, Head of Partnerships and Alumni Relations, Strathmore University Business School, Kenya
- Connections, Purpose, and Collective Impact: Lessons from Alumni Engagement in Kenya’s Secondary Schools
Pauline Wanja, CEO, Future First Kenya
Additional resources
Webinar
Higher Education and Philanthropy in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Enabling Environment
June 13, 2024
Higher Education and Philanthropy in Sub-Saharan Africa: Engaging African Donors
May 16, 2024
Event
Africa as a Source of Philanthropy: Investing in Youth
An in-person event held on October 5, 2023 at the WINGSForum in Nairobi, Kenya
For key takeaways from this event, read the white paper
Reports
Global Philanthropy Environment Index: Africa Edition
The landscape of philanthropy in Africa is changing. The impacts of recent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic have shaped how the future of philanthropy will look on the continent. The Africa edition of the 2022 Global Philanthropy Environment Index (GPEI) provides information about the philanthropic environment in 13 countries across the African continent.
Access this regional brief
Sub-Saharan African countries are seeing a shift towards higher formalization of the philanthropic sector. This will also allow for expanded use of crowdfunding and online giving tools, which can help facilitate the high amount of direct person-to-person giving in many countries. Such developments will likely appear even in countries with more restrictive environments, albeit at a slower pace than in other countries.
Read more about the philanthropic environment in sub-Saharan Africa
In Northern Africa, continued efforts to restrict philanthropic activity will inevitably hamper the ability for diasporas to support local initiatives. This will lead many organizations to reconsider their funding structures. New technologies such as digital management systems and crowdfunding platforms will likely be employed to reduce costs for philanthropic organizations while improving efficiency in their programs.
Read more about the philanthropic environment in Northern Africa
About the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy provides a comprehensive approach to philanthropy through its academic programs and executive training courses that are designed to empower students, professionals, and volunteers to be innovators and leaders who create positive and lasting change in the world.
The first of its kind in the world, the school offers unparalleled access to philanthropic leaders and visionaries to both students and alumni.
Now enrolling for undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs.
