Cairo, Egypt — The 6th African Philanthropy Conference (APC) will take place from Sunday, 27 July to Thursday, 31 July 2025 at the American University in Cairo (AUC), Egypt, under the theme:
“Sustainable Financing for Development in the Majority World.”
Hosted by the John D. Gerhart Center for Philanthropy, Civic Engagement, and Responsible Business at the Onsi Sawiris School of Business (AUC), the conference convenes at a time of growing urgency for African-led funding models. Traditional aid flows are becoming increasingly unpredictable due to global economic instability and shifting donor priorities.
A Platform for African-led Development
Since its launch in 2019, the African Philanthropy Conference has grown in reach and influence, becoming a key space for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration. It brings together practitioners, academics, civil society leaders, funders, and public sector stakeholders to chart a path forward for development that is rooted in African realities and values.
The 6th APC will explore how Africa can define and lead its own financing agenda—one that is inclusive, decolonised, resilient, and grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems.
Conference Sub-Themes
Participants will engage with a programme centred around key topics, including:
- Decolonised funding structures
- Ethical and transparent financing practices
- Gender-responsive development financing
- Diaspora and remittance-based models
- Decentralised finance (DeFi) and community trust funds
- Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics
- Financing for public health, education, and knowledge capital
Programme Features
The event will feature:
- Plenary sessions and panel discussions
- Academic forums and exhibitions
- Community engagement activities
- A Lifetime Achievement Award recognising contributions to African philanthropy
(Past honourees include Akwasi Aidoo, Graça Machel, Gerry Salole, and Tade Aina)
“The African Philanthropy Conference is a collective response to Africa’s economic and social challenges, especially under the current political moment,” said Prof Bhekinkosi Moyo, Director of the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI) and Chair of the APC. “This year’s convening will move us closer to financing systems that reflect our priorities, values, and realities.”
Background and Host Institution
The APC was established in 2018 as a pan-African convening space to challenge dependency on externally driven models and to reimagine the role of African philanthropy. Since then, it has become a flagship platform for the Majority World.
The 2025 conference is strategically hosted at AUC to increase engagement in North Africa and Arabic-speaking regions. The John D. Gerhart Center, established in 2006, is committed to advancing social responsibility, civic engagement, and a culture of philanthropy and responsible business across the Arab world.
Participation and Booking
While places are limited, registration is still open.
Visit www.africanphilanthropyconference.com for full details and to secure your place.
Convening Partners
- Africa Philanthropy Forum (APF)
- African Philanthropy Network (APN)
- Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI)
- East Africa Philanthropy Network (EAPN)
- Southern Africa Trust
- TrustAfrica
Local Partners:
- Sawiris Foundation
- Arab Foundations Forum
- Waqfeyat Misr Foundation
Host:
John D. Gerhart Center for Philanthropy, Civic Engagement, and Responsible Business
Onsi Sawiris School of Business, American University in Cairo (AUC)
Contact:
Abdarahmane Wone
Communication Officer, TrustAfrica
Tel: +221 77 9538466
Email: wone@trustAfrica.org
