April 23–24, 2026 · Hôtel 2 Février, Lomé, Togo
Rethinking African Philanthropy
From Solidarity to Impact Investment
The West African Impact Philanthropy Forum (FOAPI) brings together for the first time foundations, philanthropists, public institutions, donors, businesses, and innovation actors to structure a new African philanthropic ecosystem that is sovereign and impact-oriented. Transitioning from traditional philanthropy to a strategic, measurable, and transformative approach in service of sustainable development in the West African region—this is the vision and ambition of FOAPI.
A Profound Transformation
African philanthropy is evolving. Traditional charitable models are giving way to structured, impact-oriented approaches driven by complex regional challenges, the end of major aid programs (including USAID), the rise of new African philanthropists and foundations.
In addition, the end of USAID assistance in parts of Africa has triggered a major crisis. These funds represented over a third of the resources for some civil society organizations, many of which have now halted their activities. This crisis weakens West Africa’s social and solidarity economy and invites a rethinking of development financing, emphasizing endogenous resources to meet social and societal needs.
Why the FOAPI?
Active Foundations
Local Funding
“Structuring the ecosystem has become a strategic imperative.”
The Response: FOAPI
The West African Impact Philanthropy Forum (FOAPI), driven by the BOAD Foundation, the Atlantic Group Foundation, and Future Africa Family Philanthropy, with support from partners, aims to become the leading platform dedicated to coordinating, harmonizing, and improving the quality of impact philanthropy in West Africa.
As the international environment evolves and becomes more fragile, West Africa seeks a stronger positioning. Just like Anglophone Africa, Francophone Africa has a decisive role to play in major development issues. FOAPI is that voice and crossroads that convenes foundations and philanthropists.
The Inaugural Edition
FOAPI in Lomé aims to:
Gather
Convene foundations, philanthropists, public institutions, donors, and private actors around a structured dialogue.
Position
Position philanthropy as a lever for sovereignty and social investment for the sub-region.
HARMONIZE
Establish a harmonized regional dynamic grounded in governance, transparency, impact measurement, and financial innovation.
Structure
Define common standards and launch structural tools such as the Impact Evaluation Mechanism (MEI) and the Lomé Declaration.
THE 3 CO-ORGANIZING FOUNDATIONS
BOAD Foundation
The BOAD Foundation is the social and cultural arm of the West African Development Bank (BOAD), a leading financial institution in the WAEMU area for over 50 years.
Atlantic Group Foundation
Corporate foundation committed to education, health, and entrepreneurship in West Africa.
Future Africa, Family Philanthropy
Platform dedicated to African family philanthropy and impact investment on the continent.
STRUCTURE
Federate and structure philanthropy and social investment actors around a shared regional vision.
MODERNIZE
Promote modern African philanthropy grounded in governance, transparency, and impact measurement.
HARMONIZE
Launch joint regional initiatives, including a West African alliance of foundations and a Philanthropic Impact Evaluation Mechanism (MEI).
DEFINE A REGIONAL FRAMEWORK
Define a common framework to harmonize practices, tools, regulations, and intervention standards.
The Objectives of FOAPI
FOAPI in Numbers
300
Participants
50+
African Foundations Mobilized
60+
Strategic Partnerships Initiated
MEI
Launch of the Impact Evaluation Mechanism
Expected Impact
- Establishment of a formalized regional impact philanthropy network.
- Harmonized governance and evaluation process.
Standards and Tools
- Adoption of a common impact measurement framework (MEI).
- Launch of the FOAPI 1.0 Barometer.
Forum Ambition
The first structuring platform for impact philanthropy in West Africa.
A framework to harmonize practices, governance, and regional collaboration.
FOAPI Targets
- African and International Foundations
- Regional Institutions: WAEMU, ECOWAS, BOAD, BRVM
- Private Philanthropists
- Corporate Donors
- Funding Partners
- Universities and Research Centers
- Young Innovators and Impact Incubators
AXIS 1 – AFRICAN SOVEREIGNTY, ENDOGENOUS DYNAMICS, AND MAPPING
- Regional Mapping
- Family, Religious, Community, and Corporate Philanthropy
- Link Between Wealth Management and Philanthropy
- Emergence of Structured Funds and Foundations
- Hybrid Financing with Philanthropy as a Development Lever
- Role of Endogenous Mechanisms in Sovereignty
Axis 2 – Regulatory Framework, Governance, and Transparency
- WAEMU / ECOWAS / OHADA Harmonization
- Legal Obligations, Taxation, Compliance
- Governance and Social Responsibility of Foundations
- Improvement of Practices
Axis 3 – Measurement, Accountability, and Impact Culture
- International Standards Adapted to the Philanthropy Context
- Social and Environmental Impact Measurement Methods
- Proposal for the Impact Evaluation Mechanism (MEI)
Guiding Thematic Axes
Join the FOAPI Community
Together, let us build an ambitious, measurable, and transformative African philanthropy.
