Why We Invested
African visionaries are achieving remarkable impact by partnering with communities to build accessible health infrastructure, inclusive education systems, strong local economies and equitable societies. Grantmaking practices, however, are often biased and unjust, perpetuating inequities and the centuries long impact of colonization and structural racism. Foreign-led organizations in Africa still receive the bulk of funding at the expense of local organizations. According to a study by the Village Capital, across the East African region, only 10% of funding for startups went to African entrepreneurs; while funding mostly has gone to white foreign founders. We believe that proximity matters in improving lives, and African visionaries are best positioned to deliver impact. Africa Visionary Fund provides catalytic, unrestricted funding to propel impactful solutions, drive systems changes and transform development across the continent.
Locally-led organizations are essential to sustainable development across Africa. Donors need to trust, center, and value African changemakers. We have to invest in African organizations and then step back and let them do their impactful work.