African Philanthropy Conference 2025 to spotlight decolonized and resilient financing

The 6th African Philanthropy Conference (APC) will take place from July 27 to July 31, 2025, at the American University in Cairo (AUC), Egypt.

This year’s event will be hosted by the John D. Gerhart Center for Philanthropy, Civic Engagement, and Responsible Business at the Onsi Sawiris School of Business at AUC, under the theme “Sustainable Financing for Development in the Majority World.”

The APC was conceptualised in 2018 as a pan-African convening space to reimagine the role of philanthropy in Africa and to challenge dependency on externally driven models.

Since its inception in 2019, the APC has grown in reach, relevance, and influence, attracting participants from across Africa and the Majority World.

This year’s conference comes at a critical moment as traditional aid flows become more unpredictable due to global economic instability and geopolitical shifts.

APC will provide a platform for dialogue and collaboration among funders, practitioners, academics, civil society, and public sector leaders, focusing on advancing African-led and locally rooted financing models.

This 6th edition builds on the legacy of previous gatherings to explore pathways toward a financing future that is inclusive, resilient, decolonised, and grounded in Indigenous knowledge and values.

Key subthemes for this year include:

• Decolonised funding structures
• Ethical and transparent financing practices
• Gender-responsive financing for development
• Diaspora and remittance-based models
• Decentralised finance (DeFi) and community trust funds
• Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics
• Financing for public health, education, and knowledge capital

The conference programme features panel discussions, plenary sessions, workshops, exhibitions, and community engagement activities, alongside academic sessions on African philanthropy.

The Lifetime Achievement Award will also be presented to individuals with exceptional contributions to philanthropy in Africa.

Past awardees include notable figures such as Akwasi Aidoo, Graça Machel, Gerry Salole, and Tade Aina.

“The African Philanthropy Conference is a collective response to Africa’s economic and social challenges, especially under the current political moment,” said Prof. Bhekinkosi Moyo, Director of the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI) and Chair of the APC.

“This year’s convening will move us closer to financing systems that reflect our priorities, values, and realities.”

Since its launch in 2018, APC has grown into a pan-African platform challenging dependence on externally driven models, attracting participants from across Africa and the Majority World.

Hosting the 2025 conference at AUC marks a strategic effort to strengthen engagement in North Africa and Arabic-speaking regions, ensuring a continent-wide conversation.

Registration costs US$500, covering access to all conference sessions, site visits, and the gala dinner.

The event welcomes broad participation from donors, nonprofits, development practitioners, corporate actors, academics, media, and government agencies committed to driving impact through philanthropy.

For more information and to register, visit:
www.africanphilanthropyconference.com