Dear friends in giving,
The World Cup reminds me of something beautiful: people can come together even when they don’t share a country, language, or team.
Over the past few days, I’ve watched people passionately support nations they’ve never visited. Families negotiating rights to the remote, workplace group chats are buzzing with banter, and friendships are growing stronger through a shared love of the game.
At its heart, that’s what generosity does too. It invites us to celebrate victories, share disappointments, and show up for people whose stories may be very different from our own. Sport gives us a glimpse of what is possible when people unite around a common purpose. Every day, generosity does the same.
In this edition, you’ll find the latest generosity updates, GivingTuesday in action, and opportunities and events you can be part of. As you read, consider this your invitation to get off the sidelines and onto the pitch—because generosity is a team sport, and there's always room for one more player.
With gratitude,
Anuoluwapo
Communications Associate, GivingTuesday Africa
Why wait till the end of the year when we can be generous together today?
TogetherTuesday is a GivingTuesday initiative, in partnership with Be The People, that encourages people to show generosity through simple acts of kindness in their communities. Whether it's helping a neighbor, supporting a local cause, sharing a meal, or volunteering your time, TogetherTuesday reminds us that small acts of care can make a big difference.
While the initiative is currently based in the United States, organizations, communities, and individuals across Africa can draw inspiration from it as a mid-year reminder that generosity doesn't have to wait for GivingTuesday.
Explore the TogetherTuesday Playbook for practical ways to get involved and inspire generosity where you are.
The latest CAF World Giving Report confirms what many across Africa already know: generosity is a big part of everyday life on the continent.
The report found that 72% of Africans gave to good causes, higher than the global average. It also found that Nigerians gave the highest share of their income globally.
Another key finding was that people are more likely to give when they feel connected to their community. Across Africa, this spirit of community is seen every day as people support neighbours, family members, local causes, and one another.
This is a celebration of the culture of giving, solidarity, and community that continues to shape and strengthen lives across the continent.
One thing we’ve discovered through the #GoGrandma campaign is that some of the most powerful acts of generosity are often hidden in plain sight. We expect them and benefit from them, but forget to document them.
Take Grandma Tumi from Nigeria. Through hard work and determination, she raised five children as a single mother, creating opportunities that continue to shape her children and grandchildren today.
Then there are grandmothers like Chief (Mrs.) Nike Okundaye, whose generosity is visible through decades of mentoring artists, preserving culture, and creating opportunities for others through art.
Different stories and journeys. Both reminders that grandmothers shape our lives, communities, and futures in ways that deserve to be remembered.
Still haven’t shared your grandmother’s story or one you admire? Share a photo, written story, video, or voice note using #GoGrandma on social media or send as an email to givingtuesdayafricamedia@gmail.com
In celebration of National Tree Day in Togo, GivingTuesday Togo Spark leaders brought their community together for a reforestation activity, demonstrating how generosity can extend beyond people to the environment.
Participants planted trees as a collective act of care for their communities and future generations. The initiative served as a reminder that small actions today can create lasting impact tomorrow, helping to build healthier, greener, and more resilient communities.
As part of the #JeSaigneEtPuisCestTout campaign and Menstrual Hygiene Month, GivingTuesday Congo Spark leader, Thérèsa GOMAH-SONICKA led a menstrual hygiene awareness session for women and girls at Actions de Solidarité Internationale.
The session combined open conversations, learning activities, and practical demonstrations to help participants better understand the menstrual cycle and healthy hygiene practices. It also created a safe space for women and girls to discuss menstrual health without shame or stigma.
The event was organized in partnership with the Ladies Section of Butterfly NGO and the Republic of Congo Chapter of the YALI RLC East Africa Alumni Network.
On May 24, 2026, GivingTuesday Cameroon Spark Chapter, hosted a youth workshop at a local orphanage in Douala themed “Giving Beyond Money: Building a Culture of Generosity Among Youths.”
The workshop brought together 15 young people aged 7 to 25 for a day of learning, sharing, and connection. Through interactive discussions, participants explored the many ways people can give beyond financial contributions, including sharing their time, talents, knowledge, creativity, and emotional support.
By the end of the session, participants committed to practicing generosity in their everyday lives and helping build kinder, more supportive communities.
Africa Sustainable Futures Awards 2026 is an initiative by the Financial Times and the World Bank Group’s Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA). It recognizes innovative private sector solutions driving sustainable development, job creation, and economic growth across Africa.
Awards will be presented in categories including access to energy, critical infrastructure, agribusiness, manufacturing, and early-stage innovation. Most categories require applicants to meet minimum annual revenue thresholds, while the Innovation Showcase is open to promising early-stage ventures with no minimum revenue requirement.
Deadline: June 30, 2026
Watch Info Session | Learn more | Apply
The Africa Fellows in Education Program (AFEP) 2026/2027 is a two-year fellowship supporting early-career African researchers working to strengthen education policy and outcomes across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Fellows receive advanced research training, mentorship, international networking opportunities, and up to USD 35,000 in research funding, alongside additional support for policy engagement and professional development.
The program is open to African researchers aged 35 and below with a Master’s or PhD degree and strong quantitative research skills.
Deadline: June 30, 2026
The ACET Youth Policy Lab 2026 is a policy simulation program that places young Africans in the role of national policy leaders tackling challenges in employment, innovation, and economic transformation.
Open to Africans aged 18–35 who are fluent in English or French and interested in policy, governance, entrepreneurship, technology, climate, education, health, and development.
Deadline: July 7, 2026
Apply here
The Humanitarians of Africa (HOA) Awards 2026 recognize individuals, organizations, volunteers, social entrepreneurs, and innovators who are driving positive change across Africa.
Nominees must demonstrate at least one year of verifiable impact, with their work contributing to one or more of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Nominations close: August 21, 2026
Submit a nomination
The Social Impact Marketing Summit (SIMS) 2026 is a free virtual gathering for nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, communicators, and social impact professionals across Africa.
Taking place on November 19–20, 2026, the summit will explore the theme “AI for African Nonprofits: Powering a New Age of Social Impact,” with practical insights on using artificial intelligence to strengthen fundraising, storytelling, and programme impact.
Register: www.summit.hexamedia.africa
Some gifts come wrapped in ribbons, others as cheques. But sometimes the most meaningful ones often come as belief, encouragement, the courage to uplift others, and countless other acts.
On International Women’s Day, GivingTuesday Africa shared the #WomenGive Playlist—a collection of deeply personal and heartwarming gratitude notes honouring the women who have made a difference in people's lives.
If you missed it, now is the perfect time to listen and celebrate the power of women’s generosity.
Tune in here: Spotify | Apple Podcast | Amazon Music | Youtube
Learn more here
As we anticipate a new podcast season, catch up on past episodes of the Ubuntu Giving Podcast on Spotify and revisit conversations that inspire generosity and impact!
#SankofaTogether honours Africa’s rich traditions of generosity, sharing stories, insights, and reflections from Africans across the continent and in the diaspora.
Tune in to explore how Africa’s giving heritage inspires action today and shapes a brighter, more generous future.
Listen on Spotify and YouTube here!
This newsletter edition was produced while listening to “Grace” by Rimon. To listen to our Spotify playlist, click here
We hope you’re finding our newsletter insightful and inspiring!
If you have exciting news from your organization or community? We’d love to hear from you!
You can also send your updates to africa@givingtuesday.org
You might see your story featured in our next edition!
If you find value in our content, please share it with your friends, colleagues, and networks.
Thank you for helping to grow this movement of generosity even further!
With Gratitude,
GivingTuesday Africa hub
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.