The 9th East Africa Philanthropy Conference illustration by EAPN
The 9th East Africa Philanthropy Conference is finally here!
The event will officially kick off in Kigali, Rwanda on June 11, 2025, and will run until June 13, 2025.
This year’s theme, “Agile Philanthropy: Adapting to Economic, Social, and Political Shifts,” reflects the evolving landscape of philanthropy and the need for adaptability.
The conference will bring together leaders, innovators, and changemakers to discuss practical solutions for driving impactful change.
What the Conference Aims to Achieve
- Assess Global Shifts – Examine economic, political, and societal changes affecting philanthropy’s sustainability.
- Strengthen Collaboration – Foster cross-sector partnerships for systemic and sustainable impact.
- Shape Policy & Regulation – Define philanthropy’s role in safeguarding civic space and financial autonomy.
- Innovate Financial Models – Secure long-term resilience through new funding and capital strategies.
- Reimagine Governance – Embrace participatory, locally-led, and trust-based funding approaches.
- Leverage Technology – Integrate AI and digital tools while addressing ethical risks.
- Drive Proactive Change – Position philanthropy as a forward-thinking force for systemic transformation.
- Meet and Connect: Join over 500 participants, including foundation executives, government officials, community organizations, academics, and investors from East Africa and beyond.
- Learn from Experts: Gain insights into philanthropy’s latest trends, from economic changes and political shifts to technological advancements and evolving community needs.
- Build Meaningful Partnerships: Work with key players across different sectors to drive long-term change and ensure philanthropy continues making a difference.
- Embrace Innovation: Explore how technology, including AI, is shaping the future of philanthropy and learn how to use digital tools effectively while addressing ethical considerations.
Highlights from the 8th Conference
The last conference, held from June 28th to 30th, 2023, in Zanzibar, Tanzania, focused on “Systems Transformation: Catalysing Collective Action.”
It brought together over 300 participants from 11 countries, uniting charitable organizations, foundations, and development experts to collaborate on practical solutions for regional challenges.
Some of the key takeaways included:
- Masterclass on Power Dynamics: A session that emphasized the importance of transparency and co-creation in philanthropic initiatives.
- Launch of the Social Justice Grant-Making Charter: A framework promoting equity, participation, and human rights in philanthropy.
- Introduction of the Africa CSO Platform: A digital resource developed with EPIC-AFRICA to strengthen relationships between donors and civil society organizations(CSOs).
