African philanthropists are changing the continent and reshaping the narrative. These visionary leaders are using their wealth, platforms, and influence to create lasting change. These individuals are going beyond charity; they’re investing in long-term solutions that address systemic issues such as poverty, education, healthcare, youth unemployment, and gender inequality.
Here are five African philanthropists who are changing the continent, not only by giving, but by building sustainable systems for Africa’s future.
Tony O. Elumelu, CFR – Nigeria
Founder, Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF)
Focus: Entrepreneurship, Youth Empowerment
Tony Elumelu, the founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation and Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA), is one of Africa’s most influential philanthropists. In 2015, he committed $100 million to empower 10,000 African entrepreneurs over ten years through the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme.
To date, over 2.5 million youths across all 54 African countries have been trained and mentored, while over 21,000 entrepreneurs have received funding for their businesses, making TEF the largest philanthropic initiative of its kind on the continent. Elumelu champions Africapitalism, the belief that African private sector investment can transform the continent.
Mo Ibrahim – Sudan
Image credit: The Mo Ibrahim Foundation
Founder, Mo Ibrahim Foundation
Focus: Good Governance, Leadership, Accountability
Mo Ibrahim made his fortune in telecommunications and now dedicates his energy to building strong leadership across Africa. Through the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, he promotes transparent governance and recognises excellence in African leadership with the Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership, the world’s largest individual annual award.
His foundation also provides valuable data on governance through the Ibrahim Index of African Governance, driving accountability and reforms in public institutions.
Strive Masiyiwa – Zimbabwe
Image credit: Econet Group
Founder, Higherlife Foundation, Econet Group
Focus: Education, Health, Entrepreneurship
Strive Masiyiwa, founder of Econet Wireless, is a leading voice in African philanthropy. Through the Higherlife Foundation, which he co-founded with his wife Tsitsi, the couple has supported over 250,000 scholarships for underprivileged students across Zimbabwe, Burundi, and Lesotho.
He has also been instrumental in healthcare initiatives, including Ebola response efforts and COVID-19 vaccine access through the African Union. Masiyiwa serves on several international boards, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and UNICEF, amplifying Africa’s voice in global development.
Tsitsi Masiyiwa – Zimbabwe
Image credit: Forbes Africa
Co-Founder, Higherlife Foundation
Focus: Girls’ Education, Digital Learning, Health
Tsitsi Masiyiwa is a powerhouse in her own right. With a strong focus on girls’ education, Tsitsi advocates for inclusive learning and leadership development for young women. She is particularly passionate about technology in education, launching initiatives to bring digital learning platforms to rural and underserved communities.
Tsitsi is also the Executive Chair and Co-Founder of Delta Philanthropies, which invests in scalable solutions across education and health in sub-Saharan Africa.
Ashish J. Thakkar – Uganda
Image credit: The Wall Street Journal
Founder, Mara Foundation
Focus: Entrepreneurship, Youth Mentorship
Ashish Thakkar, a Ugandan entrepreneur and founder of the Mara Group, started the Mara Foundation to support young African entrepreneurs through mentorship and seed funding. He launched Mara Mentor, a mobile platform connecting aspiring business owners with experienced mentors across Africa.
Apart from giving back, Thakka also focuses on creating ecosystems where African youths can innovate, thrive, and lead. His work empowers startups and promotes financial literacy and self-reliance.
Redefining African Philanthropy
These philanthropists are reshaping Africa’s narrative as one full of opportunity, innovation, and potential. Their strategic giving goes beyond aid, targeting root causes of underdevelopment and focusing on long-term impact.
Philanthropy in Africa is evolving, and so is the role of African philanthropists. With leaders like Tony Elumelu, Mo Ibrahim, Strive and Tsitsi Masiyiwa, and Ashish Thakkar, the continent is experiencing a wave of transformative giving that empowers rather than enables and builds rather than bandages. These five individuals all share a vision of an Africa that grows from within, led by its people.
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