Introducing ‘The State of Philanthropy in Africa’ series

Although Africans are philanthropic in all aspects of their lives, a clear and precise definition of philanthropy in Africa has yet to emerge. Africans are born into philanthropy, they live through it, and even burial is very much a philanthropic event, yet many activities may be denied philanthropic status simply because they do not conform to the dominant world view of philanthropy.

To remedy this, TrustAfrica has initiated a series of annual publications that seek to measure the state of African philanthropy. The first is expected to appear in the summer of 2008 and will provide a broad overview of the landscape.

This initiative is intended not only to address the lack of knowledge of the field in Africa but also to establish a platform from which further research, reflection, advocacy and practice can be conducted. If philanthropy is to contribute to meaningful development and transformation of societies, its understanding and practice must be embedded in those societies. The study will include the theory, philosophy, history and culture of philanthropy in relation to civil society, government, regional organizations and Africans in the diaspora.

By encouraging research and debate, the initiative hopes to dispel myths and show not only that African philanthropy is an interesting field of research, but also – bigger donations by northern donors notwithstanding – that it has real value.

For more information
Contact Bhekinkosi Moyo at moyo@trustafrica.org