In this 10th edition of the Ubuntu Spotlight, we take a moment to reflect on a remarkable journey of shared purpose, collaboration, and growth across the region. Throughout the year, each edition has celebrated one of the seven pillars that anchors East African philanthropy – one anchored in generosity, resilience, and innovation, shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future for all. This 10th edition continues that tradition, spotlighting the collective efforts driving meaningful change across our network.
These reflections belong to all of us: our members, partners, and the EAPN Secretariat, whose tireless dedication has not only strengthened the network’s role as a thought leader, a knowledge centre, convener, and catalyst for transformative change. Your contributions – whether through knowledge exchange, co-hosting dialogues, and driving impactful programs – have expanded the reach and relevance of philanthropy in the region.
October was a month of impactful engagements and shared learning. In Kenya, the national conversation has just gained momentum through two in-person sessions: “Endowment Thinking in East Africa” on 16th October 2025, and “Sustaining Resilience: Understanding and Advancing Social Entrepreneurship for Organisational Resilience in East Africa” on 29th October 2025. Both forums spotlighted the role of endowments and social enterprises as critical pathways for long-term institutional resilience and sustainable change.
On 30th October 2025, in Rwanda, we hosted the virtual session “Demystifying Taxation for CSOs”, which unpacked the complexities tax rules for civil society organizations. The discussion highlighted key issues such as compliance, opportunities while identifying practical steps to promote compliance, transparency, and an enabling operating environment for CSOs.
Across the region – from Uganda, where we convened “Advancing Social Entrepreneurship for CSOs” in October 2025, to Tanzania where we hosted by “Endowment Thinking: The Architecture of Sustainability” and “Sustaining Resilience” on 6th and 7th November 2025, the regional conversation on embedding sustainability and innovation within organisational models, reinforcing the importance of long-term vision and adaptive financing mechanisms.
As we step into November, we remain focused and forward-looking. On 6th November 2025, we will host a Virtual Issue Lab on “Demystifying the Operating and Taxation Environment for CSOs in Kenya” that will be followed by Endowment Thinking dialogue sessions in Tanzania on 6th and 7th November 2025. “Endowment Thinking: The Architecture of Sustainability” and “Sustaining Resilience” on 6th and 7th Advancing Social Entrepreneurship for Systemic Resilience and Change” on 7th November. Participation in these sessions will be crucial as we continue to collectively address the sector’s most pressing issues and co-create lasting change.
This edition also features some of the exemplary initiatives led by our members and partners. Inspiring stories of innovation, resilience, and community-centered impact that demonstrate the strength of East African philanthropy. Stay tuned to our updates on upcoming events, learning opportunities, and sector highlights that reflect the dynamic nature of our collective work.
Through this edition, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing a strategic, connected, and sustainable philanthropic ecosystem, one that is locally rooted, regionally integrated, and globally recognized. We continue to build a future of shared prosperity and lasting change for communities across East Africa.
Evans Okinyi CEO – East Africa Philanthropy Network
