This paper attempts to explore the nuances around the evolution of aid/development cooperation and philanthropy in Africa and the possibilities of leveraging a progressive relationship between the two forms of giving in development work. It should be noted at the outset that philanthropy and development aid have existed for quite some time as tools for financing and supporting development.

While the story of philanthropy dates back to the Greek formulation of philanthropy as ‘love for humanity’ and the seminal
works of influential capitalist like Andrew Carnegie in his article the ‘Gospel of Wealth’,vphilanthropy has significantly evolved. In its numerous historical epochs, philanthropy has been posited as a tool for addressing the social deficits in society by helping the poor,
contributing to social causes and many such interventions.