Dear Reader,
As 2026 takes shape, I am delighted to connect with you and to sincerely thank you for your continued engagement with the East Africa Philanthropy Network. This year is already proving to be one of deepened purpose and collective action, reaffirming EAPN’s role as a trusted platform where members, partners, and stakeholders not only convene but actively shape the direction of philanthropy policy, practice, and partnerships across the region.
At the East Africa Philanthropy Network (EAPN), our work has always been grounded in the principle of collective responsibility, the understanding that our humanity is deeply interconnected, and that lasting progress is built through shared power and mutual accountability. In 2026, this principle is not aspirational, it is strategic. The challenges facing philanthropy today cannot be solved by isolated institutions, short-term interventions, or top-down solutions. They require systems that are coordinated, trusted, locally anchored, and resilient to volatility.
At the heart of our work are our members. Across the region, EAPN members are leading conversations on domestic resource mobilisation, rethinking grant-making approaches, strengthening community philanthropy, and advancing more inclusive and locally grounded development solutions. Their leadership continues to inform the network’s advocacy priorities and learning agendas, ensuring that EAPN remains firmly rooted in the lived realities and aspirations of philanthropy actors in the region.
I extend my deepest appreciation to our partners who have stood alongside us in amplifying member voices through strategic partnership. Through collaboration, we have continued to influence regional and national policy conversations, particularly around enabling environments for civil society, accountable governance of philanthropic resources, and the recognition of philanthropy as a critical development actor. These partnerships remain essential as we collectively push for policy frameworks that support locally driven and sustainable impact.
I would also like to acknowledge the EAPN staff, whose dedication and professionalism have been instrumental in advancing the network’s work. Their efforts to curate relevant knowledge, convene strategic dialogues, and support member-led initiatives ensure that EAPN remains responsive, credible, and impactful in a rapidly evolving philanthropy landscape.
As the year unfolds, EAPN will continue to prioritise spaces where members can influence agendas and shape solutions together. Preparations are underway for the 10th East Africa Philanthropy Conference, scheduled for June 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This landmark convening will not only mark a decade of collective learning and collaboration but also provide a platform for members and partners to reflect on progress, interrogate policy and practice gaps, and co-create forward-looking strategies to strengthen philanthropy systems in the region. The conference will spotlight member-led innovations, policy engagement experiences, and cross-sector partnerships that are redefining what effective philanthropy looks like in East Africa.
Beyond convenings, EAPN’s engagements in 2026 will continue to highlight the growing role of philanthropy in influencing public discourse and policy. Through member-driven dialogues and shared learning, the network is elevating perspectives on regulatory reform and the strategic use of data, technology, and evidence to inform decision-making. These conversations reflect a growing ecosystem that is increasingly confident in asserting its voice and shaping its future.
Looking ahead, EAPN remains committed to strengthening its members’ capacity to engage meaningfully in policy processes, foster collaboration across borders, and anchor philanthropy within broader development and governance frameworks. Guided by our strategic priorities and the collective wisdom of our membership, we will continue to serve as a connector between practice, policy, and people.
Thank you for your continued trust, leadership, and participation. For those interested in engaging more deeply with EAPN’s work or contributing to our ongoing initiatives, please feel free to reach out directly or contact us through programmes@eaphilanthropynetwork.org. We encourage you to subscribe to the newsletter to stay connected to member stories, policy insights, and opportunities for collaboration.
Sincerely,
Evans Okinyi, CEO, East Africa Philanthropy Network
