Africa Affinity Group

April 13, 2026: We are the Architects of the Future

Co-led by Mosun Layode, Executive Director of the African Philanthropy Forum; Nadia Kist, Executive Director of blood:water; and Evans Okinyi, Secretary to the board, East Africa Philanthropy Network.

Conversations that focus solely on the movement of money are insufficient. Moreso when the lens is only one directional: external looking in. Reliance on bilateral funding streams and single-source financing does little to disrupt entrenched cycles. Instead, we must recognize, invest in, and build upon the resources, innovation, and leadership that already exist across the African continent. This shift requires moving beyond single and external funding sources alone toward:

• Collaborative and blended finance models that diversify risk, strengthen sustainability, and unlock long-term impact. 

• The diversity and sizable significance of African philanthropy: Community-rooted giving, middle-income philanthropy, and high-net-worth Africans and family foundations originating on the continent. 

• Philanthropic partnerships that prioritize community asset building as…