Communal Giving: The Lifelong Tradition of Fundraising in Africa
When communities lead investments, directing resources to where they’re needed most, we accelerate change that resonates and endures.
The recent convergence of global leaders at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) week in September 2024 and the African Philanthropy Forum (APF) in October 2024, highlighted the critical role of community-led development in driving Africa’s progress. During UNGA, African philanthropist Tony Elumelu emphasized empowering local communities—especially youth—as a sustainable pathway to economic growth. Similarly, at the WINGS side-event, "From Commitment to Action: Global & Local Philanthropy for Locally-Led Development," participants discussed the importance of grassroots philanthropy in fostering effective, lasting change across Africa.
At the APF Forum, these themes were expanded through sessions like “People Power: Catalyzing Transformation through Trust-Based Philanthropy and Civic Engagement,” which explored how civic involvement and trust-based giving promote accountability and resilience in communities. Another session, “Accelerating Transformation through Strategic Engagements with Government,” underscored how aligning philanthropic initiatives with government policy can amplify impact. Together, these events have reignited attention on Africa’s rich tradition of communal giving—an approach where communities are not only recipients but active agents of their own transformation.
Across Africa, communal living and giving have long been foundational, and deeply embedded in the fabric of society. This tradition of mutual aid underpins Africa’s approach to philanthropy, far preceding modern fundraising methods. Long before the term "philanthropy" became common in development circles, African communities practised a form of giving that was inherently collective, ensuring that no one was left behind.
Today, as modern philanthropy evolves, it is vital to recognize that Africa's communal giving practices are not a new phenomenon—they are a continuation of ancient traditions that have always emphasized mutual aid and community-driven development. This article explores how Africa’s deep-rooted giving traditions continue to shape philanthropy today, demonstrating that community remains at the heart of impactful development.
Botswana: Cattle Contributions for Higher Education
One of the most remarkable examples of communal giving in Africa took place in Botswana during the 1960s. As a newly independent country, Botswana faced a critical need for higher education to foster national development. Building a university required funds that the government did not have, so President Seretse Khama turned to the spirit of communal giving that defines Botswana. A nationwide call went out, encouraging families to donate their most valuable asset—cattle—to raise money for what would become the University of Botswana.
This communal effort led to the establishment of the university in 1982, paving the way for generations of educated citizens who would contribute to the country’s growth. Today, Botswana’s free public schooling and emphasis on education are part of the legacy of that initial communal investment.
Kenya: Harambee Drives for National Development
In Kenya, the spirit of community is embodied in the concept of Harambee, meaning "pull together." Popularized by Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya’s first president, Harambee became a rallying cry for collective development after independence. Through Harambee drives, communities organized fundraisers to build schools, hospitals, and other infrastructure projects that would have been impossible without collective financial contributions.
The impact of Harambee is evident in projects like the Kenyatta National Hospital, which remains the largest referral and teaching hospital in East Africa, and Starehe Boys' Centre, which has provided quality education to underprivileged students for decades. Today, the Harambee spirit continues to inspire grassroots fundraising efforts, often using mobile money and crowdfunding platforms to bring people together for community upliftment.
Nigeria: Esusu for Lifelong Support
In Nigeria, the tradition of Esusu—also known as Ajo—is a testament to the power of community-driven financial support. Esusu groups are informal savings and credit associations that allow members to pool resources and provide financial assistance to each other for major life events. These associations have been pivotal in enabling community members to start small businesses, fund education, and support families in times of need.
In modern Nigeria, Esusu has laid the foundation for the microfinance industry, which provides much-needed financial services to those who are otherwise excluded from the formal banking system. The resilience of Esusu practices extends beyond Nigeria’s borders; members of the Nigerian diaspora continue to participate in Esusu, pooling resources to support projects back home. This demonstrates that communal giving is not just a local concept—it is a lifelong support system that travels wherever communities do.
South Africa: Ubuntu and Stokvels—Solidarity in Action
In South Africa, the philosophy of Ubuntu, meaning "I am because we are," represents the deep connection between community and individual well-being. Ubuntu inspired South Africans to come together during the years of apartheid, providing mutual support through difficult times. Stokvels, informal savings clubs, became essential tools for raising money for education, healthcare, weddings, and even funerals.
Today, Stokvels continues to be a major part of South Africa's informal economy, with millions of members contributing billions of rand annually. These communal savings groups have been instrumental in financing housing projects and covering educational expenses, providing opportunities for many to improve their lives. Ubuntu-driven philanthropy emphasizes that individual prosperity is tied to community well-being, an idea that remains central to both traditional and modern forms of giving.
Egypt: Waqf as a Model for Modern Endowment
In Egypt, the tradition of Waqf—an Islamic charitable endowment—has long been a cornerstone of community-driven philanthropy. A waqf is typically established to fund public services such as education, healthcare, and welfare for the vulnerable, creating lasting community benefits.
The legacy of waqf continues in Egypt today, where it supports institutions like Al-Azhar University, a globally recognized center of learning, and numerous public hospitals that provide healthcare to those who need it most. The concept of waqf is an enduring model for how endowments can support societal welfare, illustrating that structured giving is far from a new concept in African communities. It highlights the sustainability of communal philanthropy—how contributions from individuals create legacies that endure for generations.
Community Giving Beyond Borders
The African diaspora has taken the values of communal giving to new shores, establishing networks to support projects at home. Diaspora organizations and associations such as the African Diaspora Network, continue to act as vehicles for community-led philanthropy, bridging the gap between Africans living abroad and their home countries.
For example, Kenyans in the United States frequently organize Harambee fundraisers to support schools, healthcare, and infrastructure back in Kenya. Similarly, Nigerians in the UK continue to participate in Esusu to not only support each other but also to channel funds back home to support local development projects. The African Diaspora Network has become a key platform for Africans living abroad to contribute meaningfully to the continent's growth, demonstrating that communal giving is not confined by geography but remains a lifelong commitment.
Community First: A Tradition That Transforms
The legacy of communal giving in Africa is clear—from the cattle donations that helped establish Botswana’s first university, to the Harambee projects in Kenya that built hospitals and schools, to the informal savings groups in Nigeria and South Africa that have empowered countless people. These examples show that philanthropy in Africa has always been, and continues to be a community-first endeavor.
In today’s world, African philanthropy continues to evolve, but its essence remains the same. Mobile money donations, crowdfunding campaigns, and diaspora contributions all reflect the communal spirit that has sustained African societies for generations. As Africa continues to face new challenges, the age-old practice of coming together to uplift the community will remain a powerful driver of progress. True change comes when people rise together, and in Africa, the community will always come first.
#updated October 30, 2024