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The African Philanthropy Forum (APF) hosted a transformative regional convening in Lagos, Nigeria, under the theme “Catalyzing Local Philanthropy for Social Impact.”
The event convened philanthropists, private and corporate foundations, as well as SMEs engaged in the social impact sector. Their collective goal was to explore innovative strategies aimed at fostering a robust philanthropic network in Nigeria, thereby amplifying and deepening the impact of their initiatives.
In a thought-provoking keynote address, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Co-Founder of Tengen Family Office and Chairman of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, highlighted the pivotal role of development in propelling national progress.
Aig-Imoukhuede stressed the necessity of addressing the root causes of challenges in Africa, advocating for sustainable solutions over temporary fixes. He underscored the significance of state support for sustainable interventions in social housing and education.
During the session, it became evident that while there exists a culture of giving on the continent, a major hurdle lies in the informal nature of giving, which often goes unrecorded. Dabesaki Mac-Ikemenjima, Senior Program Officer for West Africa at the Ford Foundation, urged Nigerian philanthropists to broaden discussions on philanthropy to include conversations about tax incentives.
He emphasized the potential impact of incentivizing corporate social responsibility and infrastructure investments, stating that it could alleviate challenges faced by nonprofit organizations and enhance the overall philanthropic landscape.
Mac-Ikemenjima outlined Ford Foundation’s commitment to understanding philanthropic giving in Nigeria, aiming to break down barriers and leverage tax incentives to encourage private giving. He acknowledged the untapped potential for organized civil society and non-governmental organizations to benefit from a structured system of incentives.
The Lagos convening provided a platform to unveil the findings of the Philanthropy Ecosystem Mapping exercise in Nigeria. This comprehensive study sheds light on the demographics of philanthropists, exploring factors such as age, gender, and religious affiliation. The report revealed a multigenerational engagement in philanthropy, with significant contributions from Gen X, Baby Boomers, and Gen Y.
Mr. Gbenga Oyebode, APF Board Chair, emphasized the importance of the Lagos event, emphasizing its focus on social impact within philanthropy. He highlighted the newly launched APF Philanthropy Ecosystem report as a pivotal tool that will inspire increased commitment to impactful work in Nigeria. The report encapsulates valuable lessons and knowledge derived from the sector, offering a blueprint for future endeavors.
Mosun Layode, Executive Director at the African Philanthropy Forum, expressed gratitude for the report, recognizing its potential to enhance their efforts in growing philanthropy for a more aligned and effective approach to giving.
Commissioned by APF and funded by the Ford Foundation, this landmark report delivers invaluable insights into philanthropic trends, motivations, issues, and geographical distribution. The report’s recommendations aim to foster a more diverse and inclusive philanthropic environment in Nigeria.
As APF remains steadfast in its commitment to deepening knowledge about local philanthropy, this report stands as a cornerstone in contributing to positive changes that will shape the future of philanthropy in Nigeria and beyond.
About the African Philanthropy Forum (APF):
The African Philanthropy Forum is a network of African philanthropists and social investors who are committed to inclusive development on the African continent. APF aims to promote home-grown philanthropy and strengthen the sector’s ability to tackle pressing challenges in African communities.
About Nigeria Network of NGOs (NNNGO):
NNNGO is the first generic membership organisation for nonprofits in Nigeria dedicated to improving the operational environment for nonprofits.
NNNGO brings together more than 3,700 nonprofits from around the country focused on education, health, environment, gender, agriculture, social protection, youth, poverty, good governance, and other areas of progressing national development.
Since 1992, NNNGO has worked to advance the common interests of the sector, providing programs that advance national development, civil society legitimacy, transparency, and accountability. – https://nnngo.org/
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