UNNGOF Participates in the 2024 APN Assembly
The 2024 Africa Philanthropy Network (APN) Assembly took place from 4th – 8th November in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe as a critical gathering, offering a safe space for delegates from across Africa and around the world to meet, exchange experiences, and collectively address the challenges faced by African communities. The Assembly’s theme, “Collective Freedom from Collective Struggle,” captured the essence of the gathering as it explored the intersectionality of issues affecting African communities. With the aim of promoting agency within African communities, the Assembly sought to facilitate a collaborative approach that moves beyond fragmented methods to tackle these challenges in a holistic and enduring way.
As part of the Assembly, participants had the unique opportunity to reflect on the responsiveness of African philanthropy, its policies, and practices, with a focus on how philanthropy can serve as a transformative force for social change. The Assembly not only celebrated successes but also explored new ideas and solutions for Africa’s most pressing issues, setting an agenda for how philanthropy can be used as a durable strategy for development.
The official opening of the 2024 APN Assembly took place on November 5, 2024, with remarks from Mr. Nicholas Moyo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Zimbabwe. Mr. Moyo emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in addressing the complex challenges faced by African communities. “Our strength lies in our ability to work together towards achieving common goals. Together we can go far!” he stated, calling for a collective approach that involves governments, development agencies, and community organizations. He further highlighted the significance of the arts and culture in driving social change, noting their ability to empower marginalized voices and inspire transformative action.
In his address, Mr. Moyo also linked philanthropy to African cultural values, particularly the concept of ubuntu/unhu, which emphasizes community, justice, and reciprocity. He urged participants to integrate these values into their philanthropic work, advocating for a model of giving that reflects Africa’s rich cultural legacy. “Let us harness our collective wisdom and experiences to elevate existing and emerging practices of African philanthropic giving,” he said, underscoring the role of culture in philanthropy’s potential for lasting change.
Telling the Tale of APN: From Seed to Forest
A key moment during the Assembly was the panel discussion titled “Telling the Tale of APN,” featuring influential thought leaders such as Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, Janet Mawiyoo, and Bhekinkosi Moyo. Moderated by Stigmata Tenga, the panel offered insights into the evolution of African philanthropy, discussing its challenges, growth, and the shift toward a more decolonized approach.
Bhekinkosi Moyo shared reflections on the growth of African philanthropy over the past two decades, noting the influence of foreign ideals in the early days of philanthropic foundations. “African organizations must develop structures and platforms that mirror their values, seeing development moved to the people themselves,” he said. He recalled the importance of gatherings like those hosted by the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) in 2009, which laid the groundwork for the African Philanthropy Network (APN) and promoted the agency of African organizations in shaping their philanthropic practices.
Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi echoed these thoughts, recalling the early struggles to establish African philanthropy as a legitimate force for change. She emphasized the need for African philanthropists to embrace their cultural identity and take ownership of their philanthropic practices. Janet Mawiyoo highlighted the growth of young institutions and the need for collaboration within the diverse ecosystem, calling for unity despite the complexity of the sector.
The panel discussion culminated in a powerful call for documenting and sharing knowledge to build a resilient network for future generations. Bhekinkosi Moyo urged the Assembly to rethink how they organize, stressing the importance of collaboration across different forums and regional blocs. As the session concluded, the words of Akwasi Aidoo resonated strongly: “The African Philanthropy Network was originally created in 2009 as the African Grantmakers’ Network to provide space for African grantmaking institutions and professionals to bridge, bond, and build a pan-African infrastructure for African voices and philanthropic practices to thrive.”
Keynote Address: Celebrating Ubuntu and Collective Efforts
The keynote address was delivered by Diakhoumba Gassama, Program Officer at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. Diakhoumba’s speech emphasized the centrality of the Assembly’s theme, “Collective Freedom from Our Collective Struggles,” drawing inspiration from Southern Africa’s historical liberation movements and the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality across the continent.
Diakhoumba celebrated the African philosophy of Ubuntu, which stresses community, reciprocity, and interconnectedness. She reflected on the enduring legacy of shared values, urging the Assembly’s participants to unite in pursuit of a prosperous, free, and just Africa. “Standing on the shoulders of our forefathers and foremothers, we can only celebrate the legacy of thousands of years of our shared value systems based on the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity,” she stated.
In her address, Diakhoumba called for the recognition and celebration of marginalized voices in philanthropy, highlighting the role of African philanthropic initiatives such as the Africans Rising Movement, the African Women’s Development Fund, and the Southern Africa Trust. She also celebrated UHAI EASHRI, Africa’s first indigenous activist-led fund, which supports LGBTIQ, gender minorities, and sex worker organizations, as well as the Black Feminist Fund, which provides long-term flexible funding to movements across Africa and beyond.
She concluded her speech with a powerful call to action, urging participants to reflect on how they could integrate the principles of Ubuntu into their work. “Let us harness our collective wisdom and experiences to elevate existing and emerging practices of African philanthropic giving,” she said, inspiring attendees to embrace unity and solidarity in their philanthropic endeavors.
The 2024 APN Assembly highlighted the importance of collective action, culture, and collaboration in addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges. Through these values, African philanthropy is poised to continue its vital role in shaping the continent’s future and driving sustainable transformation.
