This year marked important milestones for Adɔyɛ, CAPSI’s programme dedicated to amplifying women’s leadership and contributions across Africa’s philanthropic landscape.
Adɔyɛ (meaning “love in action” in the Akan language) centres around women’s under recognised roles across Africa’s philanthropic landscape, from everyday givers and community leaders to high-net-worth donors and philanthropy professionals, including the African diaspora. Established to address critical gaps in research, visibility, and support, Adɔyɛ works to recognise, amplify, and strengthen women’s leadership in philanthropy across the continent.
This year marked a series of key highlights for Adɔyɛ. In July, the programme hosted a public lecture in Johannesburg featuring Sibongile Mkhabela, a respected education leader and social justice advocate, alongside Ambassador Barbara Masekela, a veteran anti-apartheid activist, diplomat, and cultural leader. The hybrid event explored memory, culture, and women’s roles in liberatory philanthropy, with a knowledge report to follow under the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund project.
At the 6th African Philanthropy Conference in Cairo, Adɔyɛ convened a Dialogue Series session moderated by Coumba Touré, with Nana Afadzinu of the West Africa Civil Society Institute, Jackie Asiimwe of CivSource, and Tsitsi Midzi of Urgent Action Fund Africa. The discussion surfaced alternative approaches to giving and highlighted how African women are reshaping philanthropic practice and leadership.
Adɔyɛ also expanded its team this year, welcoming consultants to strengthen academic research, programme design, and Francophone and broader African perspectives. Ongoing studies in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and Kenya are exploring the roles of young women in philanthropy.
With a growing footprint, deepening partnerships, and visible impact across regions, Adɔyɛ continues to build inclusive spaces for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and stronger infrastructure to support women in African philanthropy.
Read more about Adɔyɛ here. https://www.capsi.wits.ac.za/ad%C9%94y%C9%9B-women-in-africa-philanthropy/
