Geoffrey Kayonde, Chairperson of the Network of INGOs in Rwanda, during day two of the 9th East Africa Philanthropy Conference, at Serena Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda. June 12, 2025.
June 12, Kigali : Philanthropy must go beyond traditional grants and embrace agile, community-driven approaches if it is to remain effective in today’s volatile world.
This was the central message delivered by Geoffrey Kayonde, Chairperson of the Network of INGOs in Rwanda, during day two of the 9th East Africa Philanthropy Conference, currently underway at Serena Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda.
The conference, which runs from June 11 to 13, brings together over 500 delegates from across Africa and beyond. It is convened under the theme, “Agile Philanthropy: Adapting to Economic, Social, and Political Shifts,” and seeks to drive innovation, foster cross-sector collaboration, and support systems-level change amid rising global uncertainty.
Rwanda’s Enabling Environment for Development
In his address, Kayonde emphasized the importance of localization, inclusive development, and strong partnerships across sectors.
“Rwanda’s development narrative is, in many aspects, a regional story shaped by visionary leadership and homegrown strategies,” he said, referencing national frameworks such as the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1 and NST2).
These frameworks, he noted, provide an enabling environment for international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) working in Rwanda.
He applauded the Rwandan government’s commitment to inclusive and transparent governance, which has allowed INGOs to align interventions with national priorities.
“We have been responsive in designing programs that deliver lasting impact through localization and community ownership,” he noted.
Localization: Beyond Shifting Power
He added that localization for INGOs in Rwanda goes beyond shifting power; it involves investing in local leadership, building the capacity of civil society, and ensuring communities are part of the design process.
Many INGOs working in Rwanda, he pointed out, are led and staffed by Rwandans and rooted in local institutions.
Health and Agriculture as Models of Collaboration
Citing examples from the health sector, Kayonde said NGOs and local civil society organizations have worked closely with the government on maternal health and community health insurance. In agriculture, INGOs have collaborated with district governments and farmers’ cooperatives to meet locally identified needs.
Building Resilience Through Multi-Sectoral Partnerships
On building resilience, he stressed the need for multi-sectoral collaboration. “We are actively working with government, private sector, and academia to drive impactful change,” he said.
One such initiative includes efforts to build digital literacy and prepare Rwandan youth for future employment. INGOs are teaming up with universities, tech hubs, and government agencies to equip young people with critical skills for the modern workplace.
“This partnership approach is not just effective—it is sustainable,” he noted. “Philanthropy must act as a bridge, breaking silos and scaling up collective impact.”
Rethinking Philanthropic Financing
Kayonde urged a rethink of philanthropic financing models. While traditional grants remain important, they are no longer sufficient on their own. The future, he argued, lies in blended finance, impact investment, and results-based financing to ensure sustainability, efficiency, and innovation.
He cited ongoing partnerships between INGOs, social enterprises, community savings groups, and corporate actors in Rwanda that are helping to sustain community-led interventions beyond the life of donor funding. “This is the kind of activity that our sector must scale up, not only in Rwanda but across the broader region.”
Rwanda as a Safe and Stable Development Partner
He emphasized that Rwanda’s safety and stability make it a dependable development partner. “We can make long-term plans here. We can hire, invest, and implement programs with confidence.”
This stability, he added, extends beyond politics to include systemic predictability, openness in dialogue, and a collective commitment to inclusive growth. “Rwanda provides fertile ground for philanthropic innovation.”
From Responsiveness to Co-Creation
Kayonde stressed that philanthropy must shift from being reactive to being proactive and creative. “It’s about imagining and building with the communities we serve—not simply bringing in solutions but co-creating them.”
He reminded the audience that the future of development is rooted in collective ownership, adding, “Let’s keep reimagining what’s possible through agility, humility, and courage.”
A Personal Reflection on the State of Philanthropy
In a personal reflection, he shared how the conference had challenged his own views. He recalled being unsettled by the opening day’s discussions but gradually reconnecting with the core purpose during the breakout sessions. He questioned whether some of the founding principles of philanthropy—often rooted in religious belief—still hold the same relevance today, especially as newer generations grow increasingly secular.
“We must ask ourselves: are we still living by those values? And if not, how do we define philanthropy in our own context?”
Honoring Traditional Forms of Giving
Drawing from local traditions, Kayonde noted that philanthropy is not foreign to African communities.
“If someone is sick, we till their garden. If someone gives birth, we visit them and bring food. That is philanthropy. We don’t need to preach to the choir. We must elevate and invest in what we have built ourselves.”
Calling for Tough Conversations and Accountability
He called for more honest and difficult conversations around resource mobilization and local investment. He challenged the notion of aid without accountability, saying, “Grants are not a free ride. There’s a responsibility that comes with them.”
He also criticized the global inequality in access to resources, referencing historical exploitation of African minerals such as gold and diamonds. “Those who took them are not sitting with us today. They are in stronger positions, and yet we must find ways to sit with them at the same table.”
A Call to Action for the Philanthropy Sector
Kayonde concluded with a powerful message on agency and ownership: “The future is not just about what others bring to us, but what we do with what we have—and how we stand together in the face of it all.”
As the East Africa Philanthropy Conference continues into its final day, the call for agile, locally driven, and community-anchored philanthropy remains louder than ever. The conversation in Kigali is a reminder that philanthropy must evolve to meet the challenges of our time—through partnership, innovation, and courage.
