AYPN envision to become the platform for shaping an agenda for African Youth and Next-Gen Philanthropy by enhancing policies and practices through coordination, knowledge sharing and capacity building of African youth philanthropic, social impact and social investment organizations.

We seek to influence the agenda for youth giving and philanthropy across the African continent by acting as a support system and a catalyst for development.

In response to the lack of youth philanthropy support platforms, policies and programs in the continent, the Global Alliance for Development Foundation (GADeF)-now GADEF International, NEXUS Africa and Self Help Foundation (SHF) began consultative discussions with regional youth philanthropy networks, youth-led foundations and the African Grantmakers Network (AGN) which resulted in the convening of the first African Youth in Philanthropy (AYP) Conference in Arusha, Tanzania on the 29th of June, 2015. This was a 2-day interactive conference with 35 youth delegates from 8 African countries and the diaspora. The conference was convened under the theme; ‘African Youth in Philanthropy: Participation, Policies and Practices’. It hinted on a prime objective and an energized focus towards youth-focused policies, practices and their broader inclusion in Africa’s development agenda. The outcome of the conference resulted in the launch of the African Youth in Philanthropy Network (AYPN).