The African Philanthropy Forum has launched an initiative that will look to address systemic problems that have hindered the potential growth of Africa for decades and accelerate systems change initiatives across the continent. The APF Systems Change Program will do this by building a network of systems change leader and philanthropists who will work toward cultivating conditions for transformation.

The Systems Change Program began in May, and was publicly launched last week at an APF webinar focused on driving systems change in Africa.

During discussions among the webinar panellists – who included Omidyar Group Senior Advisor Randy Newcomb; Financing Alliance for Health CEO Dr Angela Gichaga; APF Executive Director Mosun Layode; Tostan International CEO Elena Bonometti; and Chairman New Profit and APF Board Member Jeff Walker acting as moderator – it was emphasized that there is a need to ensure that all parties involved understand that systems are not simplistic or linear, it requires time to understand and the ability to trust the process. The conversation also addressed the need to ensure an extensive lens is used to view the world as a whole and make informed decisions not assumptions.

The Systems Change Program, which began with a rigorous selection process managed by Dalberg, is a pilot with six initiatives led by system entrepreneurs who are solving problems in multiple SDG areas, including quality education, decent work and economic growth, good health and wellbeing, clean water and sanitation and reduced inequality. Participating organizations include Delta Philanthropies/Higherlife Foundation, LEAP Africa, Malawi Agricultural and Industrial Investment Corp (MAIIC), Sesame Workshop South Africa, Teach for Nigeria, as well as The END Fund.

The program is funded by- Delta Philanthropies, Walker Family Foundation, Ford Foundation and supported by C.S. Mott Foundation, Dalberg and Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

To learn more about the Systems Change Programme, visit the APF website or get in touch with Nela Duke Ekpenyong at nela@africanpf.org.