The convenors of the 6^th African Philanthropy Conference (6APC) invite scholars, researchers, and practitioners to submit abstracts for the academic dimension of the conference. The 6^th APC, under the theme “Sustainable Financing for Development in the Majority World, will explore financing models that ensure African economic sovereignty, local agency, and long-term sustainability.

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

Conference Details

• Theme: Sustainable Financing for Development in the Majority World
• Dates: 27^th July to 31^st July 2025
• Venue: The American University in Cairo (AUC)
• Host Partner: John D. Gerhart Center for Philanthropy, Civic Engagement and Responsible Business

Call for Academic Abstracts

The academic dimension will provide a platform for scholars, researchers and practitioners to present work that advances the field of philanthropy in Africa. Abstracts submitted should align with the conference subthemes while critically engaging with the themes of decolonised financing, ethical philanthropy, climate resilience, digital finance and community-led development.

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

Submission Guidelines

• Abstracts should be between 300 and 500 words in length.
• Submissions should highlight key arguments, methodology (if applicable), and expected contributions to the field of philanthropy.
• Abstracts must be submitted in English, French, Arabic and Portuguese, with the author’s name(s), affiliation, and contact details included.
• Abstracts that are accepted must progress to full paper submissions, which must be submitted for review for scholarship consideration. The submission date is no later than one month before the conference.

Submission link

All abstracts are to be submitted on the following link: https://bit.ly/3QRTH1p

Key Dates

• Abstract submission deadline: Wednesday, 30 April 2025
• Notification of acceptance: Thursday, 15 May 2025
• Full Paper submission deadline (for scholarship consideration): 30 June 2025

Support for Delegates

• Convenors will cover the following costs:
  • Conference meals
  • Local transfers (airport shuttles and transport between hotels and the venue)
  • Conference materials
• Presenters must cover their own flights to Cairo and hotel accommodation

Limited scholarships will be available for participants who submit full papers within the specified deadline.

Consideration may be given to waiving registration fees for presenters upon written request, subject to approval.

For enquiries, please contact the coordinator for the academic dimension, Wycliffe Ouma on wycliffe.ouma@wits.ac.za