World Giving Report 2026 by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) report cover page./photo ;a screen grab
Africa has emerged as a standout region in the newly released World Giving Report 2026 by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), which offers a detailed look at how people around the world support good causes and what shapes their willingness to give.
The report draws on insights from more than 60,000 people across 105 countries, examining how individuals contribute through donations, religious giving, and direct assistance to people in need.
It also explores the social and cultural factors that influence generosity, from personal values to community ties.
Across Africa, the findings point to a strong and consistent culture of giving.
The continent records some of the highest levels of generosity when measured by the share of income donated, with people giving an average of 1.6% of their income to good causes higher than the global average of around 1%.
But beyond the numbers, the report highlights something more deeply rooted: how giving is often woven into everyday life.
Much of the support captured across African countries is directed towards family members, neighbours, and people within local communities, rather than only formal organisations.
This form of giving reflects long-standing traditions of mutual support, where helping others is often seen as a shared responsibility rather than an occasional act of charity.
In many cases, religious communities also play a central role in organising and encouraging support for those in need.
The report also finds that social connection plays a major role in shaping generosity.
Where people feel a stronger sense of belonging to their communities, giving tends to be higher.
Across many African societies, those bonds are reinforced through extended family systems, faith groups, and local networks that provide everyday support during times of need.
CAF Managing Director Mark Greer said the findings show that giving is shaped by people’s lived experiences and environments.
“Giving is deeply personal based on different factors including values, circumstances and experiences,” he said. “By understanding these influences and how they appear around the world, we can learn what drives vibrant cultures of giving to support the resilience of civil society.”
Globally, the report finds that 61% of people donated to good causes in the past year, though participation varies from region to region.
Overall, the World Giving Report places Africa at the centre of global conversations on generosity, not only for the levels of giving recorded, but for the strong sense of community that underpins it.
In many ways, the report suggests, giving across the continent is less about formal systems and more about everyday acts of solidarity that help people get through difficult times.
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