Thabo had the privilege of attending the 6th African Philanthropy Conference (APC), at the end of July at the American University in Cairo, Egypt. This year’s conference, hosted for the first time in North Africa, was a transformative experience, bringing together over 300 practitioners, academics, and activists from across the continent to chart a new, decolonised future for African development.
The central theme, “Sustainable Financing for Development in the Majority World,” resonated deeply with ACT Ubumbano’s mission of promoting economic, gender, and environmental justice. The conference served as a powerful platform for challenging the traditional aid model, which has often been external and donor-driven. Instead, the focus was firmly on African-led solutions, rooted in local knowledge and the lived realities of communities.
Over the five days, the discussions were rich and multifaceted. Key conversations revolved around several critical sub-themes that directly align with our work at ACT Ubumbano:
Decolonised funding structures: exploration around how to build funding systems that are not only sustainable but also free from the historical and geopolitical dependencies that have long dictated Africa’s development narrative.
Ethical and gender-responsive financing: sessions highlighted the importance of integrating a gender lens into philanthropic work, ensuring that funding empowers women and girls and addresses the root causes of gender inequality.
Climate-responsive philanthropy: The urgent need for African-led climate resilience initiatives was a major topic. The conference emphasised how local philanthropic efforts are essential for adapting to a changing climate and securing a sustainable future.
Reclaiming our story: the dialogue on leveraging our lived experiences as powerful resources for community development, in a form of documenting in innovative ways was another interesting session.
Beyond the formal sessions, the conference was a vibrant space for networking, exploring the historic Egypt and solidarity. The energy was palpable as we connected with a diverse group of change-makers, from grassroots movements to academic researchers, sharing experiences and forging new collaborations. It was a powerful reminder that our collective efforts are part of a larger, interconnected movement for justice and dignity across the continent.
Thabo returns from Cairo with a renewed sense of purpose. The insights and connections gained will be invaluable as we continue our work in ensuring that community voices and agency remain at the heart of our mission to build a more just and equitable world.
