Philanthropy in Africa:
Tips for Success

The Committee to Encourage Corporate Philanthropy (CECP) offers these seven "Tips for Success in New Philanthropic Initiatives in Africa."  For more information about corporate philanthropy in Africa, see CECP's fall 2006 newsletter.

1. Do your research; don't pick a project out of a hat.

Decide on a geographic area and then visit the location to gather as many facts about it as you can. Partner with local organizations (or USAID) that know Africa, have been on the ground, and have vast experience. What works in America is not necessarily effective elsewhere.

2. Don't assume that local communities have nothing to contribute.

Engage them in determining the best approach and get their buy-in. Figure out what they can bring to the table, then use it!

3. Stay grounded; don't think you can solve all of Africa's problems single-handedly overnight.

Pick a project in one programmatic area and in one geographic area that is of interest to your company and stick with it. For example, instead of improving education in Country X, decide instead to improve math and science education for girls in two districts in Country X.

4. Ensure that a senior executive from your organization will be personally involved.

The passion, the purpose, and the productivity of your activity skyrocket when someone influential truly cares.

5. Factor in sustainability issues during the planning stages, not when the program is close to sunset.

Consider how the improvements you hope to make in Africans' lives can be sustained.

6. Get involved.  Working in Africa is a joy.

No one has ever traveled to Africa and returned to his or her home country unchanged. It should not be a simple matter of giving money; it should be a comprehensive mission in line with your corporate interests. If the project has a direct link to your company (like clean water does to Coca-Cola), even better.

7. Jump in.  Don't waste years evaluating and studying.

You can adjust your plans going forward, but each year you wait to take action is a missed opportunity.