Philanthropy has been an integral part of Africa’s development narrative, with significant contributions made by various stakeholders towards addressing pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. However, despite the substantial investments and efforts, traditional philanthropic models have often struggled to achieve lasting impact and sustainable change within communities. The limitations of top-down approaches, coupled with issues of dependency and disempowerment, have underscored the need for innovative and participatory approaches to philanthropy.

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the potential of youth-led philanthropy to address these shortcomings and foster resilience within African communities. This emerging trend reflects a shift towards more inclusive and grassroots-driven models of giving, where young people are actively engaged in decision-making, resource allocation, and implementation processes. Research indicates that youth-led philanthropy holds promise as a catalyst for transformative change, offering unique strengths and opportunities to address complex development challenges in Africa.

According to a study by the Foundation Center, youth-led philanthropic initiatives are on the rise globally, with young people increasingly taking on leadership roles in philanthropy and social activism. The study highlights the importance of youth engagement in philanthropy, citing their ability to bring fresh perspectives, innovative solutions, and a deep understanding of local contexts to development efforts. In Africa, this trend is reflected in the growing number of youth-led organizations, networks, and movements focused on addressing issues such as education, health, gender equality, and environmental sustainability.

Furthermore, research conducted by the Africa Grantmakers’ Affinity Group (AGAG) emphasizes the importance of investing in youth-led initiatives as a means of building resilient communities in Africa. The report highlights the unique strengths of youth-led organizations, including their agility, creativity, and ability to mobilize resources and networks. It also underscores the need for greater support and recognition of youth-led philanthropy within the broader development ecosystem, including partnerships with governments, donors, and civil society organizations. In light of these findings, there is a growing consensus among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers on the potential of youth-led philanthropy to drive sustainable development and resilience in Africa.

This webinar seeks to explore this phenomenon in greater depth, examining the challenges, opportunities, and best practices associated with youth-led philanthropy in building resilient African communities. Through dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration, we aim to harness the power of young people as agents of change and catalysts for positive transformation in Africa.