Lessons Learned: Building and Informing a Community of African Philanthropists

A need exists for strategic philanthropy and formal homegrown philanthropic institutions in Africa, where few foundations are endowed and giving is often ad hoc and in response to short-term emergencies. High net worth individuals (HNWI) are seeking to engage in systematic and strategic philanthropy, but many lack the infrastructure for setting strategies, vetting potential grantees, and measuring impact. A significant opportunity exists for Africa to meet its own development needs by leveraging indigenous talent and wealth. African philanthropists have a pivotal and catalytic role to play, leveraging their standing, giving, investing, and voice to address the root causes of problems. The APF aims to fill a special niche as a community of indigenous wealth creators connected to a global peer-learning network. This network provides opportunities for learning, influence, and partnership with peers from other countries and continents. The APF's success has been attributed to its capacity to leverage its Core Group, supporters, staff leadership, and partnership with the Global Philanthropists Forum (GPF). The Core Group of Advisors has played a crucial role in engaging leaders who provide time, advice, and tap their networks on behalf of the organization. The success of the APF's initial conferences and video-taped "Why Give" series has stemmed from the active participation of Core Group members, who serve as role models for African philanthropy. The APF has also benefited from partnerships with funders on both sides of the Atlantic, including Western foundations like the Rockefeller Foundation and the MasterCard Foundation. These partnerships have validated the APF's legitimacy and global importance, providing a reminder that they are on the world stage. Staff leadership has been effective in establishing a culture of innovation and learning, with interim leader Ndidi Nwuneli and permanent director Mosun Layode possessing the necessary skills and drive to position the APF for success. The partnership with the GPF has been critical to launching the APF, allowing it to leverage the GPF network, reputation, expertise, and core capabilities. This affiliation has enabled APF members to reach into the GPF membership, leverage learning, and inform grants made in Africa from abroad. The partnership has also provided access to core capacity within the World Affairs Council and the GPF team, including program design and execution, web design and management, outreach and media relations, fundraising, and back office functions.