Why Give: Ndidi Nwuneli, Founder LEAP Africa, Managing Partner, Sahel Consulting, Board Member, APF

The African Philanthropy Forum (APF) is vital for bringing individuals together to share ideas, network, and pool resources to tackle Africa's significant challenges. No single person can solve Africa's problems, but like-minded individuals with shared visions and resources can connect through APF to take concrete action.

Effective philanthropy requires collaboration from the public and private sectors. The public sector needs to implement policies, such as tax incentives, that enable philanthropy and support the scaling of good ideas. The private sector, particularly corporations, should establish foundations and empower civil society. Grant-making organizations are also crucial to support non-profits and scale their innovative ideas. Everyone must leverage their core competencies to build the Africa they envision.

The next generation of philanthropists must combine passion and drive with the excellent business mechanisms learned in the corporate world. They should apply business principles to address the root causes of challenges affecting people. This blend of strong systems, structures, and institutions with a passion for social change is essential to transform the continent.

Philanthropists play a critical role as catalysts, bridge-builders, enablers, and credible voices for change in Africa. This is a crucial time for African philanthropists due to the enormous needs and a growing class of individuals committed to strategic giving.

Philanthropists must focus on addressing the root causes of issues. Success means not repeatedly solving the same problems. For instance, instead of sending disadvantaged children abroad for scholarships, efforts should concentrate on revising curriculum, changing policies, training teachers, and creating world-class schools within low-income communities in Africa. Impact is measured by the catalytic force that solves root problems and transforms lives through interventions.