The FOAPI

Shaping the future of philanthropy in West Africa

An institutional framework to structure, measure, and amplify philanthropic impact in the region.

Context and Rationale

West Africa is undergoing a profound transformation of its philanthropic landscape. Over the past decade, impact funding flows have increased significantly, driven by the emergence of local foundations, social investment funds, and a new generation of donors committed to the region’s sustainable development.

However, this growth remains fragmented. Initiatives often lack regional coordination, impact data is insufficiently shared among stakeholders, and regulatory frameworks struggle to keep pace with innovation in the sector.

FOAPI was born from the conviction that an institutional space for convergence is essential to unite stakeholders, harmonize practices, and collectively build the foundations of a strategic, transparent, and truly transformative philanthropy for West Africa.

Key Figures

8 WAEMU countries involved in the regional philanthropic ecosystem

Over 2.5 billion USD in annual philanthropic flows in West Africa

OUR VISION

A global laboratory for strategic philanthropy

FOAPI holds an ambitious vision: to make West Africa a benchmark model for impact philanthropy, based on measurement, transparency, and institutional collaboration.

Measurement and Accountability

Establish rigorous impact measurement and accountability frameworks to ensure the transparency and effectiveness of philanthropic investments.

Collaboration Structure

Create coordination mechanisms between governments, foundations, the private sector, and civil society to maximize collective impact at the regional level.

Social Innovation

Catalyze social innovation by supporting replicable local solutions that sustainably transform West African communities.

OUR IMPACT

A space to rethink impact

FOAPI creates a unique environment where West African philanthropy stakeholders can collectively rethink their approaches, share impact data, and co-create innovative solutions.

Beyond the forum, a permanent community is being built to sustainably transform the regional philanthropic ecosystem.

Strategic Objectives

Structuring impact financing

Developing innovative financing frameworks to channel resources toward projects with high social and environmental impact in the region.

Strengthening institutional coalitions

Building sustainable alliances between public institutions, foundations, and multilateral organizations to coordinate regional philanthropic action.

Promoting transparent governance

Establishing governance and transparency standards that strengthen the trust of donors, beneficiaries, and institutional partners.

Accelerating measurable results

Implementing clear indicators and evaluation mechanisms to document the real impact of philanthropic initiatives on the ground.

Expected Results

Regional Collaboration

FOAPI unites stakeholders from 8 countries in the WAEMU zone around a common ambition: to build an integrated philanthropic ecosystem where resources, knowledge, and best practices flow freely for the sustainable development of West Africa.

Join the FOAPI Community

Together, let’s make impact philanthropy a pillar of sustainable development in West Africa.