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. Organised by the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI), the event explored the transformative potential of philanthropy in addressing Africa’s systemic challenges. The lecture was followed by a panel discussion featuring distinguished speakers, including H.E. Graça Machel and Dr Naledi Pandor, moderated by Nicolette Naylor.
Nowrojee opened her address by reflecting on the pressing challenges facing Africa and the world today, including climate change, rising inequality, and democratic backsliding. She described these as “interlocking systemic failures” that require new ways of thinking and acting.
“We have climate change, we have rising inequality, we have doubts about democracy, we have eroding trust in institutions. And they’re not isolated crises—they’re interlocking systemic failures. If we’re going to solve them, we’re going to need new ways of thinking and acting—all of us.”
Binaifer Nowrojee
Her remarks emphasised that philanthropy must evolve beyond its traditional frameworks to address these challenges holistically. She questioned whether institutional philanthropy, often tied to systems that perpetuate inequality, can truly be a force for justice without undergoing significant transformation. A key theme of Nowrojee’s lecture was the need to decolonise philanthropy by shifting power dynamics and empowering local communities. She highlighted Africa’s rich tradition of communal giving, rooted in the philosophy of Ubuntu, as a model for rethinking global philanthropy.
Nowrojee called for a shift from donor-driven interventions to locally led solutions that prioritise sustainability and self-reliance. She argued that philanthropy must move beyond funding individual projects to nurturing ecosystems of collaboration and mutual support.
The lecture was followed by an engaging panel discussion moderated by Nicolette Naylor. H.E. Graça Machel emphasised the importance of solidarity in addressing Africa’s challenges:
“We must confront the structural challenges that loom ahead of us. Solidarity alone is not enough—we need to build systems that empower communities to lead their own development.”
H.E. Mrs. Graça Machel
Dr. Naledi Pandor echoed this sentiment, advocating for strengthened democratic institutions and community-driven solutions as essential components of sustainable development. The panel reinforced Nowrojee’s call for grassroots leadership and collaboration across sectors to address systemic issues effectively.
In conclusion, Nowrojee articulated a bold vision for philanthropy—one grounded in equity, sustainability, and collective responsibility. She urged funders to embrace humility and amplify the voices of those most affected by systemic crises, adding, “We are not here to save anyone,” she stated. “We are a humble partner and an ally in the work of justice.”
This event served as both a call to action and an inspiring reminder of philanthropy’s potential to drive meaningful change when grounded in local realities and partnerships. As Africa continues its journey toward self-determined development, this lecture underscored the importance of rethinking traditional models and embracing innovative approaches that prioritise justice and empowerment. For researchers, practitioners, and policymakers alike, this gathering offered valuable insights into how philanthropy can evolve to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world—placing African leadership at its heart.
