The 4th African Philanthropy Conference, held in Saly, Senegal from August 2nd to 4th, 2023, brought together a diverse group of philanthropists, practitioners, academics, and activists to engage in insightful discussions and reflections on various aspects of philanthropy in Africa.

The conference aimed to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and an exploration of innovative strategies to address pressing social and economic challenges across the continent. This write-up highlights key reflections from the conference, including a presentation on the ‘Women in African Philanthropy initiative’, bridging the academia-practice gap, promoting the visibility of grassroots philanthropies, and addressing issues of elitism and performative feminism within the philanthropic landscape.

One of the conference’s notable highlights was CAPSI’s presentation of the Women in African Philanthropy initiative, operating under the broader framework of Pan-African and Feminist Philanthropies. This initiative underscored the critical role of women in philanthropy as agents of change, emphasizing their potential to drive sustainable development and social transformation across the continent. By focusing on gender-responsive philanthropic practices, the initiative seeks to address gender disparities, promote women’s empowerment, and catalyze inclusive development strategies. Attendees commended CAPSI’s efforts to highlight the significant contributions of women philanthropists and their impact on the African philanthropic landscape.

One of the discussions during the Pan-African and Feminist Philanthropies parallel session of the conference was the need to bridge the gap between academia and philanthropic practice. Participants recognized that academic insights and research findings hold valuable potential to inform and shape effective philanthropic strategies. However, there was a consensus that more concerted efforts are required to ensure that academic research is accessible and relevant to practitioners. The panel discussions were dedicated to exploring collaborative approaches that facilitate the translation of scholarly knowledge into actionable philanthropic initiatives, fostering a symbiotic relationship between theory and practice.

The panel on Pan-African and Feminist Philanthropies highlighted the importance of recognizing and amplifying the contributions of grassroots philanthropies, such as local schemes and savings clubs, to the development landscape. While these organizations often operate at the community level, their impact can be profound. Participants discussed strategies to enhance the visibility of these initiatives, including leveraging digital platforms, storytelling, and networking opportunities. By acknowledging and supporting grassroots efforts, the conference aimed to ensure that these initiatives receive the attention and resources they deserve to drive positive change within their communities.

The panel further addressed elitism and performative feminism. An insightful and crucial discussion revolved around the challenge of elitism within the philanthropic sector and the emergence of performative feminism. It was noted that certain larger organizations may masquerade as feminist entities to secure funding, diverting resources away from grassroots and local organizations that genuinely champion gender equality and social justice. Participants expressed concern that this practice undermines the authenticity and impact of feminist philanthropic efforts. To address this issue, conference attendees called for increased scrutiny of organizations claiming feminist alignment and the adoption of transparent evaluation mechanisms to ensure that funds reach initiatives that prioritize real impact over symbolism.

The 4th African Philanthropy Conference provided a platform for critical reflections and vibrant discussions on key issues shaping the philanthropic landscape in Africa. From the Women in Africa Philanthropy initiative to discussions on bridging the academia-practice gap and countering elitism, the conference underscored the importance of collaborative efforts, authenticity, and inclusive approaches in philanthropy. By promoting women’s leadership, advocating for grassroots initiatives, and fostering meaningful partnerships, the conference aimed to drive positive change and transformation across the African continent.

Thandi Makhubele is the Programme Manager at the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI), Wits Business School.