6th African Philanthropy Conference Call For Academic Abstracts

6th African Philanthropy Conference Call For Academic Abstracts

The convenors of the 6th African Philanthropy Conference (6APC) invite scholars, researchers, and practitioners to submit abstracts for the academic dimension of the conference. The 6th 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…

Transforming Philanthropy in Africa: Insights from Binaifer Nowrojee’s Lecture

Transforming Philanthropy in Africa: Insights from Binaifer Nowrojee’s Lecture

On 11 March 2025, Binaifer Nowrojee, President of the Open Society Foundations (OSF), delivered a powerful lecture at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. Hosted by the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI), the lecture and high-level panel explored the potential of philanthropy in addressing Africa’s systemic challenges in a sustainable manner,…

From the Pens of Write-hers: Reflections from the African Women Writing Retreat

From the Pens of Write-hers: Reflections from the African Women Writing Retreat

The published stories of Africa and her people have been predominately framed through Western and often patriarchal lenses. This has resulted in the marginalisation of the perspectives and the misrepresentation of the voices of African women. The limited body of literature by African authors across genres presents an urgency for a landscape which is a…

Call For Applications: Ph.D Writing and Methodology Workshop 

Call For Applications: Ph.D Writing and Methodology Workshop 

We are inviting applications for our annual Ph.D Writing and Research Methodology Workshop. Open to PhD students registered at African universities at any research stage, this workshop will offer delegates hands-on coaching from specialists, enabling them to sharpen their academic writing and research capabilities. Delegates will gain practical knowledge on aspects such as writing skills…

Stronger Humanitarian Engagement Requires Local Knowledge

Stronger Humanitarian Engagement Requires Local Knowledge

Stronger Humanitarian Engagement Requires Local Knowledge We are pleased to announce an upcoming webinar that will delve into the critical role of local knowledge in enhancing humanitarian engagement. This session is informed by a recent policy brief authored by Mohamed Aden Hassan and Nauja Kleist.   Webinar Details: Title: Stronger Humanitarian Engagement Requires Local Knowledge…

Reflections from 2024 CAPSI graduates

Zanele Makombe, Masters of Management in African Philanthropy, 2024 My journey began with a restlessness to pursue studies in a field outside my initial focus. During my search for opportunities, I came across the African Philanthropy Masters Programme, which piqued my interest in philanthropy. This new direction felt aligned with my experiences working with nonprofits,…

Reflections from our Post-Doctoral Fellows

Melody Mandevere and Tsele Moloi Resilient Urban Communities (RUC) The Resilient Urban Communities project is a collaboration that addressed the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals “sustainable cities and communities” and “quality education” through research and dissemination of knowledge related to the subject areas “good governance” and “local government”. Encompassing a research, networking and education component,…

Adɔyɛ: Profiling the impact of women in African Philanthropy

Thandi Makhubele The Adɔyɛ, Women in African Philanthropy Programme, embedded within CAPSI, continues to make remarkable progress in amplifying the voices and contributions of African women in philanthropy. Rooted in principles of inclusion, collaboration, and transformative leadership, Adɔyɛ is redefining the philanthropic landscape through a distinctly pan-African lens. Over recent months, the programme has achieved…

Publications: Growing the footprint of resources

Publications: Growing the footprint of resources

Xolani Dlamini The current year of 2024, leading to 2025 proves potential for CAPSI to continue contributing to the body of knowledge in various research areas of philanthropy and social investment across Africa and abroad, with new endeavours and different interpretations of the field. In response to perceived challenges faced by early career academics when…

Academic excellence in African Philanthropy: Running while others walk

Academic excellence in African Philanthropy: Running while others walk

Jacob Mati Over a decade ago, the late eminent African political economist, Thandika Mkandawire, invoked the ghost of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere in framing his inaugural lecture as the first ever Professor and Chair of African Development at the London School of Economics and Political Science, when he argued that in response to the many challenges …