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Philanthropy is undergoing a global transformation, and Africa sits at the heart of this change.
According to A Comparative Study of Strategic Philanthropy in MENA and Beyond, published by the Strategic Philanthropy Initiative at NYU Abu Dhabi, the continent is poised to witness a surge in philanthropic flows.
The report observes that “philanthropy, when approached as a long-term, development-centric initiative, serves as a key to alleviating growing global inequalities”.
For Africa, where socio-economic challenges remain acute, the implications are significant.
From poverty reduction to climate adaptation, strategic philanthropy is being reframed as a powerful lever to support resilient societies and drive inclusive growth.
The Wealth Shift Towards the Global South
The report highlights demographic and economic trends that are reshaping the geography of wealth and, by extension, giving.
It notes that “the next decade is set to mark a historic milestone, showcasing the most substantial intergenerational transfer of wealth the world has ever seen, estimated at 68 trillion dollars”.
In emerging markets, including Africa, this transfer will be profound:
“An estimated 26 trillion dollars is set to be transferred across generations in the next 20 years, while three-quarters of the global gross domestic product (GDP) is predicted to pivot towards the Global South,” it states.
Such redistribution not only alters global economic power but also positions Africa as a focal point for philanthropic innovation and investment.
Projections for Africa’s Philanthropy
The strongest forecast in the report is clear:
“An overwhelming majority, 89%, predict that Africa and Asia, including the Middle East, will see the most substantial surge in philanthropic giving over the next 25 years”.
This projection comes at a pivotal time.
Financing gaps for the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remain wide, and governments alone cannot bridge them.
The report emphasizes that “the key issue shifts from fund availability, which appears ample even by modest estimates, to the tactical employment of these resources to achieve maximum impact”.
For Africa, this means philanthropy must evolve from sporadic acts of charity into coordinated, evidence-driven strategies.
The continent’s young population, technological adoption, and rising wealth create both the urgency and opportunity for philanthropy to be more transformative.
Shaping a New Generation of African Philanthropists
The report also draws attention to demographic shifts that will redefine giving.
By this decade, it is projected that “ultra-high net worth individuals in the Middle East and Africa will burgeon by 32% and 17% respectively”.
This growth coincides with the rise of “a new, technologically adept generation of philanthropists” who demand accountability and efficiency.
These younger donors are “redefining generosity, demanding a more engaged, efficient, and outcome-driven approach” and calling for philanthropy that is “not only responsive but also responsible, upholding higher standards of governance, accountability, and transparency”.
In Africa, this generational shift could accelerate the embrace of impact investing, participatory grantmaking, and multi-sector collaboration models that align more closely with the continent’s needs and aspirations.
Strategic Partnerships for Systemic Change
The report emphasizes that Africa is already part of global collaborations linking philanthropy to systemic change.
One example is Africa Frontline First, a continent-wide initiative led by former Liberian president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Launched in 2022, the program “supports the scaling and strengthening of community health delivery in Africa” to combat maternal and child health challenges, HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.
This initiative is backed by major philanthropic actors such as the Skoll Foundation and The Global Fund, combining catalytic capital with government partnerships.
As the report notes, “this is an example of where the role of philanthropy can be catalytic in helping to allocate government funds to a high-leverage opportunity”.
Such collaborations demonstrate that Africa’s philanthropic landscape is not only about mobilizing resources but also about shaping global models of collective action.
What This Means for Africa’s Future
The projections and trends outlined in the report point to a decisive moment for Africa.
If harnessed strategically, the forecasted surge in philanthropy could help the continent tackle entrenched challenges of poverty, inequality, unemployment, climate change, and food insecurity while also positioning it as a hub for social innovation.
But the report warns that the impact will depend less on how much money is available and more on how it is used.
It argues that “reforming the regulatory framework surrounding philanthropy… is crucial for enhancing the strategic approach to giving and increasing overall enthusiasm for philanthropy”.
For African policymakers, philanthropists, and civil society, the message is clear: the continent must build robust infrastructure, strengthen networks, and create enabling environments for philanthropy to flourish.
Only then can Africa transform projected wealth transfers and rising giving into long-term, systemic impact.
