Introduction
The African Philanthropy Conference is a highly anticipated annual gathering of philanthropic institutions and stakeholders from across the continent. It serves as a platform for sharing experiences, engaging in collective reflection, and advancing the practices of philanthropy and social investment in Africa. The conference facilitates networking opportunities and supports research initiatives that deepen the understanding of the complexities within the field of African philanthropy. Building upon the success of previous editions, the 4th African Philanthropy Conference (4APC) and the 2nd African Philanthropy Academic Conference (2APAC) will be hosted under the overarching theme of “African Philanthropy at an Inflection Point.”
Overview
The 4APC and 2APAC will be momentous events held in Saly, Senegal, and Dakar, Senegal, respectively. We are pleased to invite members, partners, and stakeholders to submit abstracts for session proposals that align with the conference’s objectives. The conference provides a unique opportunity to explore the evolving landscape of African philanthropy and contribute to shaping its future.
Theme: African Philanthropy at an Inflection Point
In the context of African philanthropy, an inflection point represents a critical moment of transformation and adaptation in response to systemic challenges. The recent global and regional crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, have demonstrated the need for innovative thinking and collaborative approaches to address the pressing issues facing African communities. African philanthropy is at a crossroads, requiring concerted efforts to shape the future and effectively respond to emerging needs.
Thematic Areas
The conference theme, “African Philanthropy at an Inflection Point,” is structured into four sub-themes that enable inclusive dialogue and participation:
- People: The People dimension of philanthropy in Africa is experiencing significant inflection points. We invite abstracts that explore the emergence of new actors in philanthropy, including impact investors, social entrepreneurs, corporate social responsibility programmes, sports personalities, artists, diaspora, and high-net-worth individuals. Additionally, abstracts focusing on pan-African and feminist philanthropies and the role of youth in shaping philanthropy in Africa are welcomed.
- Power: The Power dimension encompasses the distribution and exercise of power within the sector. We encourage abstracts that delve into power dynamics and local ownership, philanthropy’s contribution to system change, and the potential for cooperation between African philanthropies and international actors.
- Practice: The Practice dimension reflects the strategies, methods, and tools employed by philanthropic organisations. We seek abstracts that showcase innovative technology for resource mobilisation, explore the evolution of faith-based and traditional philanthropy, and highlight the strength of community philanthropy in driving local development.
- Policy :The Policy dimension relates to the regulatory and institutional frameworks that shape the sector. We invite abstracts that examine regulatory frameworks, explore new financing models, and emphasise the importance of governance and leadership in the philanthropic sector.
Submission Guidelines
We encourage members, partners, and stakeholders to submit abstracts that align with the conference’s theme and thematic areas. The abstracts should not exceed 250 words and should include a clear title and a concise description of the session. Please indicate the preferred format(s) for your session, prioritizing informative and interactive approaches. Submissions should be in English and include the name(s), affiliation(s), and contact information of the presenter(s).
We look forward to receiving your abstracts and the opportunity to showcase diverse and inspiring sessions at the African Philanthropy Conference. Together, let us shape the future of philanthropy in Africa and inspire shared learning among philanthropic practitioners and stakeholders.
Criteria for Session Proposals
When submitting your session proposal, please adhere to the following criteria:
- Title: The titles of the sessions were suggested to reflect the ideas illustrated by the subtheme’s description. Please feel free to propose alternatives that clearly convey the essence of your session and capture participants’ attention.
- Description: Provide a concise and informative description of your session. Clearly outline the objectives, key topics, and expected outcomes. Emphasize the innovative and non-conventional approaches that your session will showcase.
- Format: Select the most suitable format(s) for your session. Aim for interactivity and engagement with the audience. Consider incorporating panel discussions, workshops, case studies, interactive presentations, or other dynamic formats that encourage dialogue and exchange of ideas.
- Relevance: Ensure that your session aligns with the conference theme of “African Philanthropy at an Inflection Point” and relates to one or more of the identified thematic areas: People, Power, Practice, and Policy. Clearly articulate the connections between your session and the broader conference objectives.
- Innovation: Highlight the innovative aspects of your session. Share how your approach, methodologies, or practices differ from traditional philanthropic approaches and how they contribute to advancing philanthropy in Africa.
- Learning Outcomes: Clearly state the expected learning outcomes for participants. Describe how your session will inspire shared learning, foster new perspectives, and provide practical insights that can be applied in the field of philanthropy.
- Presenter Information: Include the names, affiliations, and contact information of the presenter(s). Briefly outline their expertise and experience in the field of philanthropy or related areas.
Submission Process
To submit your session proposal, please send an email to hello@africanphilanthropyconference.com (copying sow@trustafrica.org and thandi.makhubele@wits.ac.za) with the subject “Session Proposal – [your session title]”. Attach your abstract, ensuring it does not exceed 250 words, and provide all the necessary presenter information as outlined above.
The deadline for abstract submission is Friday, 16 June 2023. After the review process, selected presenters will be notified of their acceptance and provided with further instructions for session preparation.
We encourage you to seize this opportunity to share your innovative approaches, inspire collective learning, and contribute to the advancement of African philanthropy. We look forward to receiving your abstracts and creating a dynamic and impactful conference programme.
Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact Rouguietou Khady Sow (sow@trustafrica.org).