“Giving doesn’t mean that we are subsidizing the state of its failures. It amplifies the abilities & opportunities of communities.” –Lerato Mokoena
Across East Africa, philanthropy plays a critical role in addressing urgent social challenges, from poverty and healthcare to education and climate resilience.
With government resources often stretched thin, local and international donors are stepping up to fill the gap, ensuring communities have access to basic necessities and long-term development opportunities.
The Growing Need for Philanthropic Support
East Africa, home to more than 500 million people, faces a unique set of challenges. While economic growth in countries like Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda has been steady, large segments of the population still struggle with inequality, food insecurity, and inadequate healthcare.
In 2024, extreme weather events—including prolonged droughts and devastating floods—worsened food shortages, displacing thousands of families.
According to the UN, nearly 50 million people across the Horn of Africa required humanitarian assistance last year alone.
During the 2024 Grantmakers Summit in Nairobi in August, Evans Okinyi, CEO of the East Africa Philanthropy Network (EAPN), called for clarity, conviction, and a shared sense of purpose.
“We stand at the intersection of tradition and innovation, where the future of philanthropy hinges on our ability to critically evaluate our past, reimagine our strategies, and boldly advance our collective mission,” he said.
“Our discourse will be anchored on the three pillars of assessing, architecting, and advancing, each serving as a basis for a more effective, inclusive, and revolutionary grantmaking landscape,” he added.
How Philanthropy is Making a Difference
- Strengthening Healthcare Systems
Organizations like the Aga Khan Foundation and Amref Health Africa have been instrumental in improving access to medical care, particularly in rural areas. Their work in providing maternal health services and combatting diseases like malaria and HIV/AIDS has saved countless lives.
- Expanding Access to Education
Philanthropic efforts have transformed education in the region, funding scholarships, building schools, and providing digital learning resources. The Mpesa Foundation in Kenya, for instance, has helped thousands of students from disadvantaged backgrounds access quality education.
- Supporting Climate Resilience
With climate change severely impacting agriculture, many initiatives focus on equipping farmers with sustainable techniques.
Programs funded by organizations like the Rockefeller Foundation are helping farmers adapt through drought-resistant crops and improved irrigation systems.
- Empowering Women and Youth
Women and young people are at the heart of many philanthropic efforts. Organizations such as BRAC and Akilah Institute are providing vocational training and financial literacy programs, ensuring more women and youth have access to economic opportunities.
The Future of Philanthropy in East Africa
Experts argue that sustainable philanthropy must go beyond one-time donations. Encouraging local giving, building partnerships between the private sector and nonprofits, and creating long-term impact projects will be key to driving meaningful change.
Dr. Lerato MoKoena, a lecturer and philanthropy advocate from East Africa, during the 2022 African Philanthropy Network (APN) Assembly said:
“Giving does not mean that we are subsidizing the state of its failures, we give and champion African Philanthropy because it’s in our being and in our power to translate change and impact.”
Dr. MoKoena emphasized the transformative power of philanthropy in creating positive change and impact within communities
As East Africa continues to grow, the need for philanthropy remains urgent. Building more networks of organisations in philanthropy, for instance under the East Africa Philanthropy Network (EAPN) remains critical for the region. Holding joint forums, conferences, joint initiatives on the ground and sensitising the masses on the critical role of giving remains important.
With strategic investments and sustained support, donors—both local and international—can play a crucial role in building a more resilient and prosperous region.
Which way forward?
- There is a need for established legal frameworks at the national level for guiding giving practices
- Technology plays a critical role in emerging giving practices. There in need to explore opportunities presented by the technology.
- Recognising the power of communities is essential to a strong future of philanthropy
- Philanthropy must invest in partnerships and collaborations
