Cairo, Egypt: This week, at an event under the stars on the campus of the American University in Cairo (AUC), the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award in African Philanthropy was presented to feminist, philanthropist, and movement-builder, Bisi Fayemi.
The award ceremony, part of the 6th African Philanthropy Conference, marked a powerful moment of recognition for a woman whose work has reshaped the continent’s philanthropic landscape and expanded what leadership can look like.
Established to honour those who have dedicated decades to building and shaping the sector, the award recognises leadership, commitment, and the long-term impact of those who have driven meaningful change. It serves to preserve institutional memory, affirm transformative leadership, and elevate the stories that continue to inspire and guide the sector’s future, reflecting the values and vision at the heart of African philanthropy.
Lifetime Achievement Awards Chairperson, Sarah Mukasa, said: “Bisi is a most deserving winner of this award. She is a pioneer, a tireless warrior, an intellectual tower house and strategic player who has built the institutional frameworks that have raised the profile of the very rich traditions of giving in Africa. As co-founder of African Women’s Development Fund, Bisi built an institution that is one of the most influential feminist funds which at the time of her exit in 2010 had become the largest feminist fund globally, with over $55 million in grant making to women led initiatives in over 40 countries on the continent.
For over three decades, Bisi Fayemi has been a force behind Africa’s feminist and philanthropic movements. From founding the African Women’s Development Fund and the African Women’s Leadership Institute to influencing national policy as First Lady of Ekiti State, Nigeria, her impact has spanned borders, sectors, and generations.
In his tribute, Professor Bhekinkosi Moyo, Director of the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI), reflected on her legacy: “Today, we see African-led research and a sector once dominated by men now shaped by bold, creative young women. That evolution is a direct testimony to the kind of leadership Bisi has given. Even after achieving so much, she continues to innovate, reminding us that leadership is not about resting on laurels, but planting seeds for the future.”
In a moving surprise, her husband, H.E. Dr. Kayode Fayemi, took to the stage and said: “We have walked this journey together, from reclaiming democracy in Nigeria to building more just systems across Africa. Bisi has never looked away from injustice. She finds principled, practical ways to confront it. As she always says: ‘The sky is not the limit. The sky is just the beginning.’”
The Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honour conferred by the African Philanthropy Conference. Past recipients include Graça Machel, Akwasi Aidoo, Gerry Salole, and Tade Aina. The award celebrates individuals whose long-standing commitment has shaped the infrastructure, thinking, and values of African philanthropy.
In her acceptance speech, Bisi said: “This moment has taken me completely by surprise, and I receive it with deep humility. I have dedicated my life to the dream of a just, feminist Africa. To be honoured in this way, by this community, reminds me that every policy pushed, every programme launched, every conversation had, it all mattered. I share this with every woman, every activist, and every builder of this movement. We have so much more to do.”
Held under the theme “Sustainable Financing for Development in the Majority World,” the 6th African Philanthropy Conference runs at the American University in Cairo until 31 July. The conference convenes researchers, funders, policymakers, and activists committed to reshaping Africa’s development narrative and financing future.
Media Contact
To arrange interviews with Bisi Fayemi or for more information on the awards or conference:
Jane Lewis
E: jane.balnaves@wits.ac.za
M: +27 76 538 3243
Website: www.africanphilanthropyconference.com
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About
Running from 27–31 July, the 6th APC features a full week of dialogue, plenaries, workshops, site visits, stakeholder engagement, and a gala dinner. The conference will also honour the recipient of the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising outstanding leadership in African philanthropy.
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For more information on 6th APC, visit: www.africanphilanthropyconference.com
The APC is co-convened by the following partners:
- The Africa Philanthropy Forum (APF)
- The African Philanthropy Network (APN)
- The Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI)
- The East Africa Philanthropy Network (EAPN)
- The Southern Africa Trust
- TrustAfrica
APC local partners include:
The 6th APC is hosted by: John D. Gerhart Center for Philanthropy, Civic Engagement, and Responsible Business at the Onsi Sawiris School of Business at AUC