Philanthropy has played an important role not only in alleviating human suffering but also in socio-economic development, in the evolution of science, in the development of culture and the arts, and so on. If the practice of philanthropy is generalised, its expressions, however, vary considerably and its forms can differ from one society to another. As a phenomenon of society, the modes of expression and organisation of philanthropy are profoundly marked by the cultures of the societies in which they unfold. This research report focuses on philanthropy by high net worth individuals (HNWIs). As an attempt of the institutionalisation of philanthropic activities, HNWIs’ interventions and foundations’ work constitute one of the best entry points for the explanation of the dynamics of philanthropy in French-speaking countries, namely Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, and Mali. The lack of institutionalization and the cult of secrecy are among the main features of philanthropy by HNWIs in French-speaking countries. This report assesses the HNWIs’ sources of income, their giving strategies, as well as the sectors targeted by their philanthropic actions.