The 2022 APN Assembly Kicks Off!

Published By UNNGOF |  November 9, 2022

 The long-awaited APN Assembly kicked off in Entebbe at Imperial Resort Beach Hotel yesterday.

The 2022 Assembly brings together over 400 philanthropy actors from Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, South Africa, Tanzania, the Netherlands, Burkina Faso, Zambia, the Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Mozambique, Morocco, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and Belgium among others.

The Assembly is held to provide a platform for members and other delegates from the continent and globally to actively engage with issues of agency facing African communities. Participants also examine the responsiveness of African philanthropy practices, cultures and policies.

It is a space for them to celebrate ideas, share practical solutions of African-generated and African-owned philanthropy, and make recommendations with concrete actions to unlock philanthropy’s potential in driving social and systemic change.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr Moses Isooba, Executive Director – of UNNGOF, emphasised that Africans are givers. “We give in all ways. Giving is our way of life and anything that contradicts that is a hindrance which we detest,” he said.

Mr Evans Okinyi, CEO of the East African Philanthropy Network, urged actors to be united in purpose and place communities and youth at the centre of our conversations.

Hon Nyirabashitsi Sarah Mateke, Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs graced the opening day of the Assembly as the guest of honour. She appreciated the role of philanthropy in reaching communities that governments may not be able to.

She also received several knowledge products from UNNGOF as part of the exhibition tour.

The gathering is a clear indicator of our unity in the purpose of positioning African philanthropy as a driver of change.

The Assembly will run until 10th November, and over the following days, we will have a cocktail of sessions and activities, including the second edition of the Annual Philanthropy Symposium organised by UNNGOF and Open Space Centre, as well as the session on local fundraising, during which we will examine whether all types of organisations can raise funds locally.