Philanthropy in Africa and the future of EU’s development policies : useful synergies?

Abstract

Three archetypical forms of philanthropy in a rapidly transforming Africa should be distinguished: foreign philanthropies operating in Africa, Africa-born philanthropy on the model of Western organisations and numerous African redistribution practices expressing a variety of societal features of giving. This diversity will most probably play a substantial role in reshaping development policies, debates and concepts on the continent in the years to come. The question therefore is to what extent will philanthropy be a game changer in European development policies in Africa. In that respect, it could be useful for development-policy makers in the EU to 1) monitor and understand current trends in the philanthropic community in Africa in the view to 2) identifying areas of common interest and action.