2023 Edition

4th African Philanthropy Conference, Dakar and Saly

The fourth edition of the conference was held in 2023 under the theme “African Philanthropy at an Inflection Point”, through which it explored the dimensions of People, Power, Policy, and Practices. Hosted for the first time in West Africa, the conference provided a forum for exchanging knowledge about various models and approaches to African philanthropy, defining the sector’s narratives and roles across different domains, and developing strategies for the collective and sustainable development of the philanthropic and social investment sector on the continent.

The keynote addresses were delivered by Mamadou Biteye, Executive Secretary of the African Capacity Building Foundation, Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Gerry Salole of Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI). The conference enjoyed performances from celebrated artists Baaba Maal, Youssou N’Dour and Berita.

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The proceedings ran over three days, with delegates hearing from panellists whose contributions were structured within the following sub-themes:

Sub-theme 1: People

Sub-theme 2: Power

Sub-theme 3: Policy

Sub-theme 4: Practices

The second academic conference saw the presentation of informative academic papers followed by insightful peer engagement, with the keynote address delivered by Prof. Mame Samba Mbaye, Deputy-Vice Chancellor of the Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar. Over 50 presenters prepared dynamic abstracts which offered rich contributions to the growing body of knowledge on philanthropy and social investment on the continent.

 The Lifetime Achievement Award honoured Gerry Salole, who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment in using his extensive experience and expertise to contribute to the advancement of a more equitable and sustainable world. His contributions have left a lasting impact on the philanthropic sector, making him a deserving recipient of this esteemed award.

The proceedings report offers a blow-by-blow review of the convening.
Download / View Programme

This edition was a collaborative effort between the following organisations: