The African Philanthropy Forum has announced the launch of the Africa Gender Initiative (AGI), a platform for African philanthropists to come together, mobilize funding, and work collaboratively to close the gender gap on the continent.
AGI has a 10-year fundraising goal of $50 million and will support the activities of Co-Impact and its Gender Fund, a $1 billion effort that was launched earlier this year. Before the pandemic, McKinsey Global Institute determined that progress toward gender equality was stalling in Africa. A recent World Economic Forum report estimates that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, gender parity in Africa is still at least 98 years away. According to Co-Impact, while most global philanthropic funding is going to Africa, only a fraction of this money reaches African non-governmental organizations, programs, or initiatives, with even less going to women-led organizations.
Tsitsi Masiyiwa, the philanthropist behind the initiative, is leading the cohort of African philanthropists, which also includes Beryl and Neverl Kambasha and their BeeNev Kambasha Foundation, Zimbabwean entrepreneurs Mayda and Trevor Mapondera of Catalyst Foundation and SHE Project, and South African impact investor Yellowwoods Foundation.
“I’m delighted to launch the Africa Gender Initiative alongside the African Philanthropy Forum and a group of funders that want to see a more progressive Africa. We are convinced that philanthropy can do more and want to encourage others to join our call for change,” said Masiyiwa. “We need to finally trust our own and drive funding in the hands of those that know the continent’s needs best. It is time for a new generation of African leaders that break down gender inequalities and allow everyone to reach their full potential.”
(Photo credit: Getty Images/ASphotowed)