Catalysing Change: African Philanthropy in a Shifting Global Landscape

This event is a public lecture by Binaifer Nowrojee, President of the Open Society Foundations (OSF), at the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI), Wits Business School, on March 11, 2025. The lecture, titled “The role of Philanthropy in achieving agreed global compacts, transformative national development and sustainable social justice in the global south,” will explore philanthropy’s role in the context of recent global agreements like the UN’s Pact for the Future and the upcoming G20 Summit in South Africa. It will also address the increasing importance of African philanthropy in supporting civil society and social justice causes, particularly in light of shifting global aid dynamics. The lecture will be followed by a panel discussion. The event highlights the OSF’s support for institutions in South Africa and Africa and CAPSI and WBS’s role in fostering discussions around philanthropy and social investment.

Highlighting the role of philanthropy: The core purpose is to explore and emphasize the crucial role philanthropy plays in achieving global compacts (like the UN’s Pact for the Future), driving transformative national development, and fostering sustainable social justice, particularly in the Global South.

Discussing the changing landscape of development funding: The event aims to address the evolving context of development funding, including the increasing importance of African philanthropy as traditional aid models shift. It acknowledges the need for creative and sustainable financing solutions for civil society and social justice causes.

Positioning African philanthropy: The lecture and subsequent discussion seek to position African philanthropy as a vital force in addressing critical global challenges.

Showcasing OSF’s work and partnerships: The event serves to highlight the Open Society Foundations’ work in supporting institutions and initiatives in Africa, as well as their partnerships with organizations like CAPSI and Wits Business School.

Facilitating dialogue and knowledge sharing: The public lecture and panel discussion are designed to stimulate dialogue and facilitate knowledge sharing among attendees on the role of philanthropy in a changing world.

Raising awareness: The event aims to raise awareness about the importance of philanthropy and its potential to contribute to positive social change. It also seeks to raise awareness about the work of CAPSI and Wits Business School in this area

Open Society Foundation, Nelson Mandela Foundation, Graca Machel Trust, Business Unity SA, Independent Philanthropy Association SA, Southern Centre for Inequality Studies

• Venue: Hybrid, DG and Zoom