Africa’s youth population is projected to double by 2050.
Organisations such as the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI), housed at the Wits Business School (WBS), are questioning whether work for the youth is dignified and fulfilling.
The CAPSI has used its anniversary this year to reflect on 10 years of existence.
Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Vice-Chancellor, University of the Witwatersrand said “CAPSI represents the kind of African-led, globally relevant scholarship that defines Wits University’s mission. Over the past decade, it has established itself as a leading centre of excellence, not only on the continent, but increasingly in global conversations on philanthropy, development, and social investment.”
Through its academic and executive programmes, the Centre has built a growing global network of alumni across government, civil society, philanthropy, and the private sector, equipped with systems thinking, ethical grounding, and a deep understanding of African development contexts.
Programmes such as Adɔyɛ (“Love in Action”) further extend this impact by advancing women’s leadership in African philanthropy, amplifying often under-recognised contributions across communities, institutions, and the diaspora.
Over the past decade, CAPSI has developed thought leadership platforms, to host high-level dialogues and public engagements.
These have included podcasts, public lectures, and partnerships with major organisations.
Professor Bhekinkosi Moyo, Director of CAPSI, said “over the past decade, CAPSI has helped to reframe African philanthropy, not as an act of charity, but as a powerful expression of agency, solidarity, and systemic change. As we look ahead, our focus is on deepening this work and ensuring that African voices continue to shape the future of development on the continent.”
CAPSI has extended this work beyond traditional academic outputs, to include pan-African youth competition, invite young people to translate research into creative formats, from digital storytelling to podcasts, ensuring that knowledge is accessible, relevant, and shaped by youth voices themselves.
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