Philanthropists in Africa Changing Lives

Devoted to Africa

There are several exceptional individuals who are devoting countless hours and dollars to improving the lives of others in Africa. The continent has many problems that include poverty, lack of healthcare services and educational limitations. Despite the unique difficulties faced by African countries, these philanthropists work diligently towards raising the quality of life for the continent and its people.

Extraordinary Givers

It takes a remarkable person to devote their resources to others. On this website, we explore the lives of some of these individuals, who are making a drastic impact on African lives.

Philanthropy is thriving in Africa like never before

Philanthropy on the African continent has been transformed in unexpected ways. Between 2000 and 2013 the number of very wealthy individuals grew by 150%. This means that Africa now has over 160,000 super rich people with a net worth of more than US$660 billion. This has given rise to a strategic and sophisticated culture of formalised philanthropy targeting health, education, disaster relief and more. While funding has become increasingly available, it takes a philanthropic heart to distribute the funding into the necessary channels.

The Face of African Philanthropy is Shifting

Rising from the depths of the global economic downturn, there is a new kind of philanthropist in Africa. Instead of the customary once-off donations, this generation of givers are actively digging deep and giving back to their communities. They are making long-term commitments to sustainable growth in the local communities. It goes beyond the super wealthy shelling out extra money – their initiatives are about creating genuine change.
Philanthropists are increasingly focused on the underprivileged youth of Africa, and on developing their futures by providing previously impossible opportunities for improvement and growth. There is also a trend of contributing directly to community needs by improving infrastructure, healthcare and job opportunities. Philanthropists are highly responsive to national calamities like famine, floods and the outbreak of diseases.

Extraordinary Givers

It is estimated that over US$7 billion is given by philanthropists in Africa every year. It takes a remarkable person to devote their resources to others. Although Africa’s greatest philanthropists are extremely wealthy, most of them are also self-starters with an entrepreneurial spirit. These individuals are embracing the concept of, ‘paying it forward’ and they are passionate about supporting and developing others through creating opportunity and providing support required.

Africa’s great givers not only consist of businessmen, artists, professional athletes and celebrities, there are also many philanthropists who only give anonymously. This could be for personal or spiritual reasons, or simply because they are humble and prefer not to have the limelight on them. While it is not possible to give the anonymous donors credit for their selfless contributions, we can celebrate those who are known. On this website we explore the lives of the exceptional philanthropists in Africa who are making a massive positive impact on African lives.

Prince Arthur Eze

Prince Arthur Eze Place of Birth Lagos, Nigeria Industry Oil Business Known as the eighth wealthiest person [...]

Tony Onyemaechi Elumelu

Tony Elumelu – A Driving Force Behind the African Economy Place of Birth Lagos, Nigeria Industry Banking, financial services, energy, [...]

Lusanda Gwayi

Lusanda Gwayi Place of Birth Cape Town, South Africa Industry Legal, Philanthropic and Ministerial Business After [...]

Katherine Brink

Katherine Brink Place of Birth Cape Town, South Africa Industry Charity Business Katherine Brink grew up in Cape Town and [...]

Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma

General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma Place of Birth Nigeria Industry Military, shipping, energy, investment and politics Business [...]

Aliko Dangote

Alhaji Aliko Dangote Place of Birth Kano, Kano State, Nigeria Industry Building materials, commodities, energy and telecommunications [...]

Karen Ansara

Karen Ansara Industry Public Policy and Community Counseling Business Karen Ansara received her B.A. in Political [...]

Jim Ovia

Jim Ovia Place of Birth Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria Industry Banking and Telecommunications Business Banking [...]

Naushad Merali

Naushad Merali Place of Birth Nairobi, Kenya Industry Businessman, Industrialist, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist Business Naushad Merali was [...]

Manu Chandaria

Manilal Premchand Chandria (Manu Chandaria) Place of Birth Nairobi, Kenya Industry Businessman, Industrialist, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist [...]

Mike Adenuga

Michael Adeniyi Agbolade Ishola Adenuga Jr – known as Mike Adenuga Place of Birth Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria Industry Oil and [...]

Mo Ibrahim

Mo Ibrahim Place of Birth Sudan Industry Telecommunications Mo Ibrahim Photo by: Foreign and Commonwealth Office Business [...]

Charles Stuart Mott

Charles Stuart Mott Place of Birth Newark, USA Industry Automotive and later politics Business Charles Stewart [...]

Grace Garey

Grace Garey is the co-founder of the healthcare charity Watsi and has been passionate about making positive change in the world from a young age.

Arpad A. Busson

Belinda Stronach is a powerful business woman, politician and philanthropist who is devoted to improving lives in Africa and Canada.

Belinda Stronach

Belinda Stronach is a powerful business woman, politician and philanthropist who is devoted to improving lives in Africa and Canada.

Scott Harisson

Scott Harrison is a former New York event organiser who has made the decision to dedicate his life to improving the lives of others through his organisation called charity: water.

William Jefferson ‘Bill ‘ Clinton

William Jefferson 'Bill ' Clinton (born William Jefferson Blythe III) Place of Birth Hope, Arkansas, United States Industry Politician and [...]

Mark Shuttleworth

Mark Shuttleworth Place of Birth Welkom, Free State, South Africa Industry Technology, social and economic development Business Mark Shuttleworth is [...]

Francois van Niekerk

Francois van Niekerk Place of Birth Paarl, South Africa Industry Social development and community services Business [...]