Session proposals open for 6th African Philanthropy Conference

Organisations, practitioners, and researchers are invited to submit session proposals for the 6th African Philanthropy Conference (6APC).

Scheduled for 29–31 July 2025 at The American University in Cairo, the conference will be co-hosted with the John D. Gerhart Center for Philanthropy, Civic Engagement and Responsible Business. Under the theme “Sustainable Financing for Development in the Majority World,” 6APC will spotlight models that foster economic sovereignty, local agency, and long-term sustainability across the continent.

Submissions should align with one or more of the following 13 subthemes and highlight practical approaches or insights that advance African-led philanthropy and development.

Subthemes

1. Decolonised Funding Structures
   Focuses on replacing legacy donor models with financing rooted in African agency and priorities. Aims to reduce external control and promote financial sovereignty.
2. Local Ownership & Asset-Based Development
   Promotes funding approaches that empower communities to lead using their own social, economic, and cultural assets.
3. Ethical & Transparent Financing
   Covers standards and tools that ensure integrity in fundraising and grantmaking, including anti-corruption and participatory practices.
4. Gender-Responsive Financing
   Explores funding models that address gender disparities, support women-led initiatives, and mainstream gender equity in decision-making.
5. Tech-Driven Financial Inclusion
   Examines how fintech, mobile money, and digital platforms expand access to capital and economic opportunity, especially for marginalised groups.
6. Diaspora & Remittance-Based Financing
   Looks at how diaspora capital can be structured to support social investment, reduce transfer costs, and drive impact.
7. Financing for Education & Knowledge
   Highlights innovative models that support equitable access to education, research, and skills development.
8. Land & Resource-Based Rural Financing
   Focuses on leveraging land and natural resources for rural development while ensuring environmental sustainability and Indigenous rights.
9. Philanthropy-Driven Impact Investment
   Covers how philanthropic capital can unlock investment in underserved sectors through blended finance and public-private partnerships.
10. Public Health Emergency Funding
    Addresses mechanisms like pooled funds and insurance schemes for agile, long-term health crisis preparedness and response.
11. Decentralised Finance (DeFi) & Community Trust Funds
    Explores blockchain and peer-based models to democratise capital and strengthen local financial control.
12. ESG Metrics for Impact Accountability
    Investigate tools for integrating environmental, social, and governance considerations into funding and impact reporting.
13. Cultural Preservation & Indigenous Knowledge                                                                Focuses on financing models that honour cultural heritage and traditional knowledge in sustainable development.

Submission Guidelines

• Submissions should be between 300 and 500 words in length.
• Accepted languages: English, French, Arabic, and Portuguese.
• Include the submitter’s name(s), organisation, and contact details.
• Submissions should clearly indicate the alignment to a conference theme/s and how the session will contribute to the field of philanthropy.
• Submissions must indicate the following:
  • Proposed session speakers (name and organisation)
  • Format that the session will follow (roundtable, fishbowl, panel, skills sharing labs, etc)

Key Dates

• Submission deadline: Friday, 30 May 2025
• Notification of acceptance: Monday, 16 June 2025

Support for organisers and panellists

Participation in the conference is primarily self-funded. A limited pool of support may be available on a case-by-case basis for the following groups:

• Youth-led movements/organisations
• Grassroots movements/organisations

Support, where granted, may only cover the following costs:

• Flights
• Local transfers (airport shuttles and transport between hotels and the venue)
• Conference meals and materials

Participants receiving partial support are expected to cover their own accommodation and registration fees unless otherwise waived.

Submission link

All proposals are to be submitted on the following link: https://africanphilanthropyconference.com/call-for-sessions/

For enquiries, please contact:  Ogo Chukwudi (chukwudi@trustafrica.org) or Rouguiétou Khady Sow (sow@trustafrica.org)