The Manifesto
THE PROBLEM: THE $190 BILLION DOLLAR FUNDING GAP
Africa, a continent with immense potential and pressing needs, faces significant challenges in achieving sustainable development. Despite its rich natural resources and burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit, the continent struggles with widespread poverty, environmental degradation, and insufficient infrastructure. These challenges undermine progress and hinder the realization of long-term development goals.
Philanthropic funding plays a crucial role in addressing these issues by supporting initiatives that drive economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability. However, there is a notable gap in the allocation of philanthropic resources to Africa, particularly for projects aimed at sustainable development. This funding shortfall limits the capacity of local organizations and communities to implement and scale solutions that are essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) estimates that Africa needs approximately $200 billion annually to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. This figure encompasses funding for health, education, infrastructure, economic development, and climate resilience.
Funding Gap: The annual philanthropic contribution of $10 billion represents only a fraction of the estimated $200 billion needed. This results in a significant funding gap of approximately $190 billion annually. This gap reflects the disparity between current philanthropic investments and the comprehensive funding required to achieve sustainable development goals across the continent.