Dear Members,
June has been a defining month for EAPN and our community, marked by a shared sense of purpose, connection, and bold vision for the future of philanthropy in our region. The most significant highlight was the successful convening of the 9th East Africa Philanthropy Conference, held in Kigali, Rwanda.
Bringing together over 500 philanthropic actors, development partners, private sector leaders, academia, and government representatives, the conference served as a timely platform to reflect on our progress and reimagine the role of philanthropy in shaping inclusive and resilient societies. Under the theme “Agile Philanthropy: Adapting to Economic, Social, and Political Shifts,” the three-day engagement sparked not only powerful conversations but also timely ones on how philanthropy can move beyond traditional grant-making to drive systems change, empower local solutions, and foster long-term sustainability.
We are especially proud of the strong presence and leadership from across the East African region and the rich diversity of experiences and insights shared. The energy, commitment, and innovation we witnessed in Kigali affirmed one thing: our region is not just responding to change—we are leading it.
The East Africa Philanthropy Network secretariat extends its sincere appreciation to all participants, speakers, partners, and our members whose contributions made this convening a success. We also recognize the Government of Rwanda and local partners for their invaluable support and hospitality.
This June edition also spotlights our other engagements in the month and the inspiring success stories from our members and partners who continue to drive impactful change in the sector.
As we look ahead, our focus remains on translating the outcomes of the 9th East Africa Philanthropy conference into tangible action. We encourage all members and partners to stay engaged in the post-conference activities and knowledge exchanges that will follow. The momentum is ours to sustain, and the future of philanthropy in East Africa depends on how boldly we continue to collaborate, innovate, and invest in local potential.
We thank you for your continued commitment to advancing philanthropy that is responsive to local needs and transformative in its impact.
Sincerely,
Evans Okinyi
CEO – East Africa Philanthropy Network.
