The Dawood Research Institute has announced its 3rd International Conference on African philanthropy, set to take place from April 21 to 23, 2026, in Abuja.
The conference, themed “Contemporary Practice of Philanthropy in Africa: Prospects and Challenges,” is expected to bring together participants from across the continent and beyond to reflect on how giving is shaping development in Africa.
At its core, the gathering will explore how philanthropy on the continent is changing.
While many African communities have long traditions of mutual support, there is growing interest in more structured and institutional forms of giving.
The conference will create space to examine how these approaches intersect and what they mean for sectors such as health, education, and poverty reduction.
Organisers say the event is open to a wide range of participants, including researchers, policymakers, civil society actors, and development practitioners.
It is designed as a meeting point for those working in philanthropy to exchange ideas, share experiences, and build connections.
Several major foundations are expected to participate, including the Ford Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, TY Danjuma Foundation, BUA Foundation and TrustAfrica.
Their involvement is likely to provide insight into how both international and locally rooted organisations approach philanthropy, as well as the opportunities for collaboration between them.
The programme will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions and research presentations.
It will be organised into two main tracks one focusing on academic research and the other on practical experiences from foundations and non-governmental organisations.
Workshops and networking sessions are also planned, with an emphasis on encouraging interaction among participants.
Key discussions will centre on the role of philanthropy in development, the challenges facing charitable institutions, and the shifts currently shaping the sector.
These include the rise of community-based giving and the increasing use of digital platforms for fundraising.
Questions around collaboration and the impact of changing funding patterns on development work in Africa are also expected to feature prominently.
Beyond the discussions, the conference is positioned as an opportunity to better understand how philanthropy operates within African contexts and how it can be strengthened.
By bringing together different perspectives, organisers hope it will encourage partnerships and shared learning among those working to address the continent’s development challenges.
For those interested in the future of giving in Africa, the Abuja meeting offers a chance to engage in conversations that continue to shape the sector.
