Citizens’ mobilizations in several African countries, including Burkina Faso, Senegal, Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Congo Brazzaville, and Madagascar to name a few, have revolutionized democratic processes. These social movements are often born on the eve of elections in opposition to recalcitrant incumbents and the will of certain elites to perpetuate themselves in power.
In this session Papa Ismaila Dieng (Africtivistes) talks with social movements’ leaders from Africa institutions to share experience on governance and leadership challenges in building social movements. Tendisai Chigwedere (Trust Africa) will share the Zimbabwe case study of investing and building a national social movement, and linking it to Pan-African solidarity with scope for global connection; Muhamed Lamin (Africans Rising) will showcase the work done by Africans Rising; Ayak Chol (South Sudanese Social Mobilizer) will talk about Anatapan Movement; and Marcia Thomas (USA for Africa) who will discuss the governance and leadership challenges in building social movements. How can African citizens be mobilized to contribute to these causes? And what role for funders vis a vis social movement? Beyond financial support, how can African philanthropy support social movements?