The co-convenors of the 6^th African Philanthropy Conference (6APC) invite organisations, researchers and practitioners to submit session proposals for the conference. Under the theme “Sustainable Financing for Development in the Majority World”, 6APC will explore financing practices and models that enable African economic sovereignty, local agency and long-term sustainability.

Set to be hosted at The American University in Cairo in collaboration with the John D. Gerhart Center for Philanthropy, Civic Engagement and Responsible Business, the 6APC will welcome delegates from across Africa in what has grown into the continent’s largest gathering on philanthropy and development.

Conference Details

Theme: Sustainable Financing for Development in the Majority World

Dates: Tuesday, 29^th July to Thursday, 31^st July 2025

Venue: The American University in Cairo (AUC)

Call for Sessions

The African Philanthropy Conference practioner dimension is dedicated to real world applications by offering a platform for practitioners, policymakers, grassroots movements and researchers to curate or host sessions that profile innovations, insights and progressive solutions advancing philanthropy in Africa.

Proposals must align with one or more of the conference subthemes, and critically engage with experiences and ideas relevant to philanthropy, social development, or social entrepreneurship across the continent. Collaborative and cross-country submissions are strongly encouraged.

Subthemes

1. Decolonised funding structures
2. Local ownership and asset-based community development
3. Ethical and transparent financing practices
4. Gender-responsive financing for development
5. Technology-driven financial inclusion and digital economies
6. Diaspora and remittance-based financing
7. Financing models for education and knowledge capital
8. Land and resource-based financing in rural economies
9. Philanthropy-driven impact investment for the public good
10. Public health emergency funding and pandemic preparedness
11. Decentralised finance (DeFi) and community trust funds
12. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) metrics for impact accountability
13. Cultural preservation and Indigenous knowledge in sustainable resourcing

To support the preparation, contexts of the subthemes can be found at the end of this call.

Submission Guidelines

• Submissions should be between 300 and 500 words in length.
• Accepted languages: English, French, Arabic and Portuguese.
• Include the submitters name(s), organisation and contact details.
• Submissions should clearly indicate the alignment to a conference theme/s and how the session will contribute to the field of philanthropy.
• Submissions must indicate the following:
  • Proposed session speakers (name and organisation)
  • Format that the session will follow (roundtable, fishbowl, panel, skills sharing labs, etc)

Submission link

All proposals are to be submitted on the following link: https://africanphilanthropyconference.com/call-for-sessions/

Key Dates

• Submission deadline: Friday, 30 May 2025
• Notification of acceptance: Monday, 16 June 2025

Support for organisers and panellists

Participation in the conference is primarily self-funded. A limited pool of support may be available on a case-by-case basis for the following groups:

• Youth-led movements/organisations
• Grassroots movements/organisations

Support, where granted, may only cover the following costs:

• Flights
• Local transfers (airport shuttles and transport between hotels and the venue)
• Conference meals and materials

Participants receiving partial support are expected to cover their own accommodation and registration fees unless otherwise waived.

For enquiries, please contact:  Ogo Chukwudi (chukwudi@trustafrica.org) or Rouguiétou Khady Sow (sow@trustafrica.org)

Contexts of the conference subthemes

1. Decolonised funding structures explores strategies to dismantle legacy funding models that perpetuate dependency and external control. It calls for the creation of financing mechanisms rooted in African agency, values, and priorities. By challenging paternalistic donor practices, decolonised funding structures empower local actors to set agendas, direct resources, and define success. The aim is to foster financial sovereignty, reduce vulnerability to the shifting interests of foreign donors, and ensure that philanthropic capital truly advances African-led development.
2. Local ownership and asset-based community development focuses on financing models that prioritise community control and leverage existing local assets-social, economic, and cultural. It seeks to shift development from externally imposed solutions to those that harness community strengths and knowledge. Asset-based approaches empower communities to identify, mobilise, and manage resources for their own development, fostering resilience and sustainable impact.
3. Ethical and transparent financing practices examines standards, tools, and innovations that ensure integrity in resource mobilisation, allocation, and reporting. It addresses issues such as anti-corruption, participatory grantmaking, and open data practices. Submissions may consider frameworks that enhance transparency, safeguard against misuse, and promote ethical stewardship of funds, especially in contexts where regulatory environments may be weak.
4. Gender-responsive financing for development interrogates how financing models can be designed to address gender disparities and promote women’s empowerment. It highlights the need for funding mechanisms that recognise and respond to the unique challenges faced by women and gender-diverse groups. Sessions may present approaches that mainstream gender in financial decision-making, support women-led initiatives, and dismantle structural barriers to access.
5. Technology-driven financial inclusion and digital economies explores how technology-mobile money, fintech, blockchain, and digital platforms can drive financial inclusion, unlock new economic opportunities, and democratise access to capital. Sessions could examine the impact of digital economies on marginalised groups, regulatory challenges, and the role of philanthropy in supporting responsible tech adoption.
6. Diaspora and remittance-based financing investigates how remittances and diaspora-led investments can be harnessed for development impact. It seeks to move beyond informal transfers, exploring structured mechanisms for pooling resources, supporting enterprises, and funding social initiatives. Sessions may highlight innovative models or partnerships that amplify the developmental potential of diaspora engagement and address challenges such as high transfer costs, regulatory barriers, and impact measurement.
7. Financing models for education and knowledge capital examines innovative financing approaches that expand access to quality education, support research, and build knowledge capital. It invites analysis of scholarship funds, education bonds, public-private partnerships, and philanthropic investments in skills development. Sessions may unpack models that are contextually relevant, scalable and capable of addressing systemic inequities in African education systems.
8. Land and resource-based financing in rural economies explores models that leverage land, agriculture, and local resources to generate capital for community development. It aims to address challenges such as land tenure, resource governance, and equitable benefit-sharing. Sessions may present practical examples, frameworks or research on how resource-based financing can enable rural transformation and ensure environmental sustainability, while respecting community rights and Indigenous practices.
9. Philanthropy-driven impact investment for the public good investigates the role of philanthropy in catalysing impact investment across Africa, particularly in sectors underserved by traditional finance. It seeks submissions on blended finance, social enterprises, and public-private partnerships that prioritise the public good.
10. Public health emergency funding and pandemic preparedness addresses the need for agile, sustainable funding mechanisms to respond to public health emergencies. Sessions may reflect or unpack models for pooled funds, insurance schemes and rapid-response grants that strengthen preparedness and resilience.
11. Decentralised finance (DeFi) and community trust funds explores the potential of blockchain-based platforms, community trust funds, and peer-to-peer networks to democratise access to capital and enhance local control. Sessions may assess opportunities and risks, regulatory considerations and real-world applications of DeFi in African contexts.
12. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) metrics for impact accountability investigates frameworks and tools for integrating environmental, social, and governance considerations into funding decisions. Submissions should discuss best practices for ESG reporting, challenges in data collection, and the role of accountability in driving sustainable outcomes.
13. Cultural preservation and Indigenous knowledge in sustainable resourcing explores how philanthropic and financing models can support cultural preservation, promote Indigenous knowledge, and ensure that resource mobilisation aligns with community values. Sessions may demonstrate how centring culture and Indigenous wisdom can enhance the effectiveness and legitimacy of development interventions.