Panel Conversation • 13:00 - 14:15 • Rococo

Rethinking Philanthropy: The Role of Civil Society in an African-led Development Agenda

As traditional aid from the UK, US, and EU continues to recede, philanthropic capital is assuming increasingly dynamic and transformative roles within Africa’s development landscape. The rationale for persisting with a purely aid-based model is, in many respects, becoming tenuous and difficult to sustain. 

This moment presents an opportunity to reimagine the architecture of development finance, whether labeled as aid, impact investment or private capital - and to foster a blended approach that aligns diverse forms of capital toward shared objectives. Such an approach must embrace the distinct criteria and ambitions of each funding stream, while embedding principles of transparency, accountability, and adaptability into every investment decision, regardless of its origin.

This session will examine the emergence of African-led growth models working to mobilise local capital to work alongside the growing influence of global players on the continent. We will explore how philanthropy can serve as a catalyst for sustainable investment in key sectors including health, climate, and how human capital can facilitate better impact and achieve greater returns on investments through cooperation and collaboration.