The 6th African Philanthropy Conference (6th APC) will take place from Sunday 27 July to Thursday 31 July 2025 at the American University in Cairo (AUC), Egypt, under the theme:
“Sustainable Financing for Development in the Majority World.”
Hosted by the John D. Gerhart Center for Philanthropy, Civic Engagement, and Responsible Business at the Onsi Sawiris School of Business at AUC, this year’s convening comes at a time of increased urgency for African-led funding models, as traditional aid flows become more unpredictable due to global economic instability and shifting donor priorities.
A Platform for Transformative Dialogue
The APC continues to serve as a platform for progressive dialogue, learning, and collaboration among practitioners, academics, civil society actors, funders, and public sector leaders within the philanthropic ecosystem.
Building on the legacy of previous gatherings, the 6th edition aims to explore how Africa can lead its own development financing future — one that is inclusive, resilient, decolonised, and rooted in Indigenous knowledge and values.
Subthemes to Be Explored
Delegates will engage with a programme centered around critical topics such as:
- Decolonised funding structures
- Ethical and transparent financing practices
- Gender-responsive financing for development
- Diaspora and remittance-based models
- Decentralised finance (DeFi) and community trust funds
- Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics
- Financing for public health, education, and knowledge capital
Programme Highlights
The conference will feature:
- Panel Discussions
- Plenary Sessions
- Collaborative Workshops
- Exhibitions
- Community Engagement Activities
- Academic Sessions on African Philanthropy
- The Prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award
Past recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award include:
- Akwasi Aidoo
- Graça Machel
- Gerry Salole
- Tade Aina
Leadership Perspective
“The African Philanthropy Conference is a collective response to Africa’s economic and social challenges, especially under the current political moment,”
said Prof Bhekinkosi Moyo, Director of the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI) and Chair of the APC.“This year’s convening will move us closer to financing systems that reflect our priorities, values, and realities.”
A Growing Movement
First conceptualised in 2018 and launched in 2019, the APC has grown in reach and impact. It now attracts a diverse set of participants from across Africa and the Majority World, challenging dependency on externally driven models and reimagining the role of philanthropy in Africa.
This year’s hosting at AUC is part of a strategic effort to increase engagement in North Africa and Arabic-speaking regions, ensuring a truly continent-wide conversation.
About the Host Institution
Established in 2006, the John D. Gerhart Center promotes:
- Social Responsibility
- Active Citizenship
- A Culture of Philanthropy
- Civic Engagement
- Responsible Business Practices
It serves as a core pillar of AUC’s mission to shape the intellectual, social, and cultural life of the Arab world.
Register Now
Places are limited, but there’s still time to reserve your spot.
For more information and to book, visit:
www.africanphilanthropyconference.com
Conference Partners
Co-Convened by:
- Africa Philanthropy Forum (APF)
- African Philanthropy Network (APN)
- Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI)
- East Africa Philanthropy Network (EAPN)
- Southern Africa Trust
- TrustAfrica
Local Partners:
- Sawiris Foundation
- Arab Foundations Forum
- Waqfeyat Misr Foundation
Hosted by:
John D. Gerhart Center for Philanthropy, Civic Engagement, and Responsible Business
Onsi Sawiris School of Business, AUC
Media Contact
Abdarahmane Wone
Communication Officer, TrustAfrica
+221 77 9538466
wone@trustAfrica.org