Ecobank Foundation highlights why the private sector must be fully integrated as a strategic partner.
On 22 October 2025, Elisa Desbordes, CEO of the Ecobank Foundation, spoke on the panel “Moving Beyond Transactions: How to Fully Integrate the Private Sector in Humanitarian Response” at AidEx 2025 in Geneva. She advocated for a shift from transactional engagement to real strategic partnership between humanitarian actors and the private sector, especially across Africa.
Philanthropy is not dead. In Africa, it is thriving.
Reacting to the claim that “philanthropy is dead,” Elisa clarified:
“On the African continent, philanthropy is far from being dead. It is actually booming.”
She shared two key indicators of this transformation:
Africa now counts more than 20 USD billionaires, the highest number ever recorded.
Over 65% of African nonprofits now receive funding directly from Africans, whether on the continent or in the diaspora.
She noted that more and more companies are also establishing their own corporate foundations, creating a philanthropic ecosystem that is more structured, more coordinated, and increasingly visible.
A unique strength: trust, networks and deep local understanding
Elisa highlighted that the value of African philanthropy does not lie only in funding amounts:
“What makes African philanthropic foundations unique is our networks, the trust we build, and our ability to coordinate fragmented efforts.”
She explained that foundations like Ecobank’s bring contributions that are often underestimated but essential:
Strong trust within communities and among local organizations
Cultural and contextual understanding that accelerates implementation
The ability to prevent misunderstandings or misinformation during rapid humanitarian deployments
Extensive on-the-ground networks that support more coordinated and credible action
This proximity, she emphasized, is essential for ensuring that communities “are well informed and well aware of what is happening,” especially in fast-moving humanitarian contexts.
Building more representative partnerships
With the humanitarian system strained by overlapping crises and reduced funding, Elisa argued that African philanthropy and the private sector are well positioned to help drive innovation:
testing new approaches,
providing agility and flexibility,
amplifying local solutions,
strengthening community-led structures.
A call to recognise African philanthropy as a real partner
Her message was clear:
African philanthropy is not an accessory to humanitarian response, it is a strategic pillar, offering trust, legitimacy, local networks and the ability to engage communities meaningfully.
Watch Elisa’s full AidEx intervention: https://youtu.be/C7Fy5nQJptE?si=bUp9jldH1NnqeHyY