In Conversation: Siyasanga Hayi-Charters on Building African Philanthropy That Lasts

As development assistance to Africa declines, wealthy Africans are increasingly turning their attention to philanthropy. But can their growing wealth strengthen African-led organizations, give communities more influence over development priorities, and build institutions that outlast their founders? In this interview, Siyasanga Hayi-Charters, senior manager at Bridgespan Africa, discusses the opportunities and challenges facing the continent's growing philanthropic sector.

Ogar Monday

Nov 5, 2026

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In Conversation: Siyasanga Hayi-Charters on Building African Philanthropy That Lasts

Regulator and Partner: What Is Government’s Role in Philanthropy?

For decades, African governments have used laws to regulate philanthropy and civil society, balancing oversight with efforts to support their work. Uganda’s NGO Act, 2016, seeks to create an enabling environment for NGOs while strengthening oversight. Kenya’s Public Benefits Organizations Act, 2013, provides a framework for registration, accountability, and collaboration with the government. South Africa’s Nonprofit Organisations Act, 1997, aims to create an environment in which nonprofits can flourish. Nigeria, meanwhile, is considering the Foreign Aid (Regulation, Transparency, and Disclosure) Bill, 2026, which would tighten oversight of foreign aid and donor-funded projects.

Small grants, early capital: what the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s 15-year report says about funding African entrepreneurs

An African-funded grant program has backed more than 24,000 founders since 2015. Its results show where philanthropy fits in closing the small-business finance gap.

We Have The Wisdom: Why Are The Systems Missing?

For years, we have rightly celebrated and documented Africa’s rich traditions of giving, solidarity, mutual aid, and community-led resilience. But documenting this wisdom is not enough. How do we move it from story to practice, from narrative to influence? How can African traditions and ways of organizing inform the systems, policies, institutions, and practices that shape philanthropy on the continent? And, ultimately, how can they influence not only how capital is mobilized but also how power is held and distributed?

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We Keep Funding Africa’s Problems. What About Its Possibilities?

Ojoma Ochai·Sep 24, 2026

We Keep Funding Africa’s Problems. What About Its Possibilities?

When we talk about philanthropy in Africa, we often default to international foundations and development agencies. But African giving is much broader than the forms captured in conventional philanthropic data. It includes wealthy individuals paying school fees for dozens of children, families supporting hospitals and community projects, corporate foundations, hometown associations, diaspora giving, and long-standing systems of mutual aid.

As Global Aid Dwindles, Can African Philanthropy Fill the Gap?

Olufunke Baruwa·Sep 15, 2026

As Global Aid Dwindles, Can African Philanthropy Fill the Gap?

The contraction of global aid is exposing the fragility of a development system that has relied heavily on external resources and priorities. But it is also creating an opportunity to build African philanthropy ecosystems that mobilize local resources, strengthen institutions, and give African actors greater power over the futures they are trying to build.

Building Safe Spaces For the Next Generation

Philanthropy Circuit·Aug 27, 2026

Building Safe Spaces For the Next Generation

The organizations doing the most meaningful work in African communities are rarely the ones with the loudest voices. In the Narrative is our response to that reality. Each month, we profile one selected organization doing real community-driven work on the continent and make sure their stories reach the people who need to hear them. These are their stories, told in their own words. This edition features Peter Kimani, Chairperson, Blossoms of Ghetto, a community-based organization working with vulnerable children and families in Mathare, Nairobi, and here is what he had to say.

When Celebrities Turn Influence Into Social Impact

Ogar Monday·Aug 12, 2026

When Celebrities Turn Influence Into Social Impact

Kanu's foundation was part of an early wave of celebrity philanthropy in Africa. Today, athletes, musicians, actors, and many other celebrities across the continent are doing more than donating money to causes they care about. By making their giving public, they encourage millions of people to participate, drawing attention, resources, and volunteers to issues that might otherwise remain overlooked.

Here is How this Organization is Fighting Gender Violence in Northern Nigeria

Philanthropy Circuit·Jul 28, 2026

Here is How this Organization is Fighting Gender Violence in Northern Nigeria

Women and girls across Nigeria often experience domestic and gender-based violence (GBV) in absolute silence, often with nowhere to turn to for help. This organization is changing that reality.

What an Umlazi Savings Circle Reveals About Philanthropy

Tatenda Mbili·Jul 21, 2026

What an Umlazi Savings Circle Reveals About Philanthropy

How South African households, communities, and institutions quietly finance resilience outside dominant aid narratives.

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Mozilla Foundation Fellowship 2027–2028

Supports innovators developing technology that promotes a more open, accessible, and people-centred internet, with funding of up to $125,000 and mentorship.

Mozilla Foundation

Deadline: Dec 17, 2026

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Nieman Fellowship for Journalism 2027–2028

The fellowship offers journalists an opportunity to spend an academic year at Harvard, develop their professional skills, explore new approaches to journalism, and engage with other media professionals.

Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard

Deadline: Dec 1, 2026

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Internet Society Fellowship 2027

A 10-month fellowship for people working in internet policy, connectivity, safety, and security. Applicants must complete pre-fellowship training first.

Internet Society

Deadline: Nov 20, 2026

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