Throughout 2025, doctoral fellows and country research partners affiliated with the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI) at the University of the Witwatersrand marked important milestones in their academic and professional journeys. Their reflections reveal a year shaped by intellectual growth, collaborative research, fieldwork across the continent, and the strengthening of scholarly communities focused on youth employment, philanthropy and social investment in Africa.
Finding Confidence, Community and Scholarly Direction
Palesa Mofokeng, PhD Fellow
“2025 marked a transformative phase in my doctoral journey. Successfully defending my research proposal affirmed the academic direction of my study and strengthened my confidence as a developing scholar. Receiving conditional ethics clearance further signalled meaningful progress, allowing me to refine the methodological and ethical dimensions of my work with the continued support of my supervisors.
“My academic horizons expanded significantly through participation in scholarly spaces. Attending an international conference in Cairo exposed me to diverse research perspectives and valuable networking opportunities within a global academic community. Presenting at the Wits Annual Postgraduate Symposium deepened my engagement with critical dialogue and constructive feedback.
“The PhD writing and methodology retreat hosted by CAPSI in Mpumalanga, together with faculty-level writing retreats, played a crucial role in sharpening my academic writing and sustaining momentum. These spaces reminded me of the value of scholarly community, particularly given how isolating the PhD journey can be. Being part of the inaugural PhD cohort at the Wits Doctoral Academy has also been a source of motivation and resilience. Despite academic and personal challenges, this year laid a strong foundation for the next stages of my PhD.”
Strengthening Stakeholder Engagement in Zambia
Nalukui Milapo, Zambia Lead Researcher
“In Zambia, the CAPSI study on the contributions of the non-profit sector to dignified and fulfilling work for young people began in December 2023 following a collaborative agreement between Wits University and the University of Zambia. In 2025, our focus shifted towards deepening stakeholder engagement and implementing fieldwork.
“I participated in early methodology and stakeholder workshops in South Africa, Kenya and Mombasa, alongside senior government officials. These engagements helped strengthen relationships between academia, government and the non-profit sector, making subsequent local stakeholder meetings and project activities much smoother.
“From the beginning of 2025, our team prioritised buy-in beyond government institutions by engaging youth-focused non-profit organisations. A stakeholder workshop held in March 2025 provided valuable insights that informed our quantitative data collection, conducted across five provinces between May and August. The strong foundation built through early engagement proved critical in navigating challenges and advancing towards data analysis and reporting.”
Coordinating Large-Scale Research in Nigeria
Paul Appiah-Konadu, Country Lead – Nigeria
“2025 was a defining year for the CAPSI–Mastercard project in Nigeria. We began by recruiting enumerators across the six geopolitical zones, ensuring strong gender representation. Comprehensive virtual and in-person training strengthened our team’s understanding of the survey instruments, ethics and data quality standards.
“The data collection phase, conducted between July and September, was intensive but highly rewarding. Weekly reporting sessions allowed us to reflect on challenges in real time and adapt accordingly. As a result, we exceeded expectations, recording a 101% response rate for the NPO survey and 118% for the youth survey.
“Beyond data collection, we completed data cleaning and analysis and began drafting the country report. Participating in regional workshops with other country teams strengthened learning and collaboration, positioning the project well for its next phase.”
Consolidating Research in Mozambique
Carlos Fernandes, Country Partner – Mozambique
“In 2025, the Mozambique component of the regional study entered a consolidation phase. Fieldwork was intensified in Maputo City and Maputo Province, areas selected for their high concentration of non-profit organisations.
“Our youth survey exceeded its original target, reaching 1,002 respondents by September 2025. While engagement with NPOs proved more challenging due to institutional barriers, structured supervision, ethics training and continuous monitoring supported steady progress.
“A key milestone was the national stakeholder engagement meeting held in Maputo in April 2025, which strengthened visibility and national ownership of the study. By the final quarter of the year, fieldwork was completed, data analysis was underway, and drafting of the country report had begun.”
Building Academic Confidence Through Continental Exchange
BI TIE Roland Tizie, PhD Fellow (Côte d’Ivoire)
“2025 was marked by challenging and enriching academic activities, including seminars, writing workshops in South Africa, and the Sixth African Philanthropy Conference in Egypt. Presenting my research to a large audience for the first time pushed me beyond my comfort zone and helped me overcome fear and stress. Visiting the pyramids in Cairo was also a deeply memorable experience. This year strengthened my research skills, particularly in data collection, and expanded my academic confidence.”
Expanding Research Networks and Methodological Rigor
Addis Bekele Simie, PhD Fellow (Ethiopia)
“2025 was a critical period in advancing my PhD research in Development Studies, with a focus on rural development. I spent significant time refining my research proposal through literature reviews and close engagement with supervisors and peers.
“As a CAPSI Fellow, participating in international and regional forums, including conferences and PhD retreats, enriched my understanding of contemporary academic debates and strengthened my research design. These spaces provided invaluable opportunities to exchange ideas and build collaborative networks. I am deeply grateful to the CAPSI team for fostering such supportive and intellectually stimulating environments.”
Learning Through Dialogue and Field Engagement
Adaorah Iloanya, PhD Fellow (Nigeria)
“Being part of the CAPSI Youth Project in 2025 has been a significant learning opportunity. The CAPSI PhD Seminar Series provided a space to present my research and receive constructive feedback, helping me sharpen my presentation and critical engagement skills.
“I also participated in conference preparation workshops that enabled me to develop abstracts accepted at international conferences. Beginning fieldwork through key-informant interviews has been eye-opening, allowing me to engage directly with the realities of youth employment beyond the literature. Overall, the fellowship year brought clarity, growth and renewed commitment to my research journey.”
Finding Rhythm and Resilience
Emmanuel Okello, PhD Fellow (Uganda)
“When I reflect on 2025, what stands out is the quiet but meaningful growth. Writing retreats, seminars and webinars became anchors that allowed me to step back, reflect and reconnect with my research. While balancing multiple responsibilities was challenging at times, I learned the importance of slowing down and showing up again each day. This year helped me find my rhythm, grow in confidence, and appreciate the supportive academic community around me.”
