Africa’s Wealthiest Make Notable Gifts in Their Countries

As part of its first-ever accounting of Africa’s 40 richest individuals and families, Forbes examines the philanthropy of the continent’s wealthiest people.

While noting that “only a small fraction” of those on the list are “noteworthy givers,” the magazine reports the growing prevalence of major donations, such as Nigerian oil executive Theophilus Danjuma’s $100-million endowment last year of a foundation that makes grants to domestic education, health, and antipoverty groups.

Among other donors profiled are telecommunications mogul Strive Masiyiwa of Zimbabwe, whose Capernaum Trust provides scholarships and tuition aid to more than 28,000 orphans, and Africa’s richest person, Aliko Dangote, a Nigerian-born commodities tycoon who gave $15-million to a loan fund for local businesses.

Read a Chronicle of Philanthropy article about burgeoning philanthropy in Africa.