Publications

The easing of the COVID-19 induced lockdown is ongoing, and some sectors of the economy have recommenced operations. The curfew in the country was extended from 19:00hrs to 21:00hrs. Some shopping malls are now open, and they must comply with the COVID-19 standard operating procedures issued by the Ministry of Health. Public transport has resumed around the country.

Uganda is one of several countries in Africa, which have adopted legal measures constraining legitimate activities of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), including philanthropy organisations, through a myriad of laws.1 The legal framework in Uganda has encouraged government meddling in the sector, above and beyond regulation, while simultaneously building obstacles in the operational environment of CSOs. This legal framework violates commitments undertaken by Uganda under international and regional human rights treaties, in particular those related to freedoms of association, and assembly, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), both of which have been ratified by Uganda and provisions of which are also expressly provided for in the Constitution.

In the months just after CivSource Africa was born, one of the things we knew we wanted to do was to understand and tell stories of giving in Africa broadly and in Uganda in particular, since that is where we are located. We started a campaign called #OmutimaOmugabi (A Heart that Gives), to enable us find, highlight, document and celebrate the ways in which we as Africans give.

The Power of multi-stakeholder conversation 29 April 2020″]This Report, Rapid Assessment of The Legal Environment for Civil Society Including Philanthropic Organisations In Ghana, was commissioned by the African Philanthropic Network (APN) and the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). Gratefully, we acknowledge the professionalism and efforts of the lead assessor, Mr Edem Kwami Senanu and his team for data collection and analysis; as well as the leadership and guidance of Ms. Stigmata Tenga, the Executive Director of APN and Ms. Nana Asantewa Afadzinu, the Executive Director of WACSI through the entire process.

This report was edited by Omolara Balogun, Head, Policy Influencing and Advocacy Unit at WACSI, Ngnaoussi Elongué Cédric Christian, Programme Officer, Knowledge Management Unit and Nana Ekua Awotwi, Programme officer, Policy Influencing and Advocacy Unit, WACSI.

In the Philanthropy & Development in Southern Africa series, three related research papers; on philanthropy and resource governance (Shauna Mottiar), on illicit flows and tax (Khadija Sharife), and on illicit flows and the potential and policy required to change economic structures (Sarah Bracking), all focus on the contemporary and enduring problem of economic injustice in Africa in the context of huge and increasing outflows of illegally transferred wealth.

Value. Voice. Collective Impact. Philanthropy networks, their leaders, members and funders alike, are looking to build a future in which these core elements are reflected in their work. How can networks define and realize new value propositions and amplify voice in a way that is responsive to members yet also shapes the field? What role can tech and data solutions play in enhancing value? What strategies in advocacy and thought leadership can elevate the voice and visibility of the sector? How can philanthropy support networks go beyond focusing solely on organizational impact to creating more collective impact across the sector? This guide combines thoughtful concepts, frameworks and practical approaches that all philanthropy networks can use to prepare their organisations for the next decade.

ORKING IN THE PHILANTHROPY SECTOR OVER THE YEARS, it was always evident to me that there was very little information available to government, the corporate sector, civil society, the media, academia and the public at large aboutthe state of philanthropy in South Africa. This has resulted in misunderstandings about the role of philanthropy and how it works, as well as expectations that philanthropic money can simply be diverted to fit with government policy or the needs of specific sectors. In addition, philanthropy has come under increasing scrutiny globally around issues of accountability and even possible abuse. Philanthropy and its practice continually evolve in the fast-changing, complex world in which we live.

The APN Assembly 2018 was held on 8 – 9 November 2018 at the Intercontinental Balaclava Hotel in Mauritius. The assembly brought together more than 200 delegates from 26 countries across the world. The Assembly participants list is given in Annex 1. This Assembly with the theme: African Philanthropy: Who is Giving and Whose Power? was launched amidst plenty of excitement and anticipation from participants.