Future-Proofing Africa; Why It’s Time to Invest in Resilience and Innovation
Africa stands at a crucial crossroads. On one side is the legacy of aid dependence and fragmented development efforts; on the other, a bold new vision: one driven by innovation, catalytic capital, and African-led solutions for long-term resilience and growth. At the core of this shift is the growing understanding that safeguarding Africa’s future requires […]
The $42 Billion Gap: Why Gender-Smart Investing Must Go Deeper
Across the continent, women are holding up entire industries, from township stalls to tech startups, from rural agriculture to green infrastructure. They are building, selling, creating jobs, and sustaining livelihoods. But there is a disconnect: while women are powering Africa’s economies, they’re largely locked out of the capital needed to scale their work. That’s not […]
Africa’s 50Billion Dollar Question: Will We Invest in Our Youth?
Africa is at a pivotal moment. Recent global disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions, to sharp declines in foreign aid, have exposed the continent’s structural vulnerabilities. At the same time, Africa is home to the world’s youngest population, with over 60% under the age of 25. As development aid shrinks by an estimated […]
How AI Can Unlock Africa’s $15.7 Trillion Opportunity
Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers Africa a new and inspiring opportunity to move forward alongside the rest of the world, shaping its path and contributing to steering the future in a positive direction. With a median age of 19.3, Africa boasts one of the youngest populations globally, a demographic that is a goldmine for technology, innovation, […]
Beyond the Numbers: Strengthening Impact Transparency in Africa
As Africa navigates a rapidly shifting funding landscape, impact transparency has never been more critical. Global aid is declining, and traditional funding sources are under pressure. This shifting terrain compels us to answer a critical question: How can African economies pivot from aid dependency toward locally anchored, sustainable development models? This will be a defining […]
Why Future-Proofing Africa Matters: The 2025 AVPA Conference
In November 2025, global leaders in finance, philanthropy, government, and innovation will gather in Nairobi for the 2025 AVPA Conference. These leaders will be united by a single mission: to future-proof Africa. Themed “Future-Proofing Africa: Driving Sustainable Investments and Innovations for Resilient Growth,” this year’s convening is more than a dialogue. It is a strategic […]
Uncomfortable truths about achieving gender equity in Africa’s diverse investment landscape
By Southern Africa Regional Director, AVPA – Matebe Chisiza Last month, the Africa Venture Philanthropy Alliance (AVPA) hosted a landmark conversation on gender-smart investing, one that went beyond the usual talking points. Rather than rehashing the business case for investing in women, the webinar surfaced fresh, and even uncomfortable truths about what’s needed to achieve […]
AVPA Welcomes Precious Wilson Nkandu as Chief Operating Officer
The African Venture Philanthropy Alliance (AVPA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Precious Wilson Nkandu as Chief Operating Officer, bringing nearly two decades of cross-continental leadership experience in strategy, operations, resource mobilisation, and impact investment. Nkandu joins AVPA at a pivotal time as the organisation continues to advance its mission of mobilising capital for […]
Reimagining Impact: Lessons from the 2025 Skoll World Forum
By Sharon Lwane, Communications Manager, AVPA The 2025 Skoll World Forum held from April 1st-4th in Oxford, UK, convened social innovators and change leaders committed to advancing global equity. This year’s theme, “Together We Can Mend What is Broken,” focused on addressing pressing global challenges while highlighting some of the most promising and impactful solutions. […]
Enhancing Africa’s Ability to Future Proof Itself Against Future Shocks
By AVPA CEO Dr. Frank Aswani Africa’s vulnerabilities Over the past five years, Africa has faced three significant crises, each highlighting the continent’s vulnerabilities. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic revealed our limited vaccine production capacity, placing us at the end of the queue for vaccine supplies. The Russia-Ukraine war underscored our heavy reliance on food […]