On September 11, 2025, Hexa Media Africa and AfricanNGOs co-hosted a special Ask the Expert edition of NGO Power Talk, drawing hundreds of changemakers from across the continent. The theme was both urgent and practical: “African NGOs & Fundraising: Ask the Experts.”
With institutional funding shrinking and donor competition intensifying, the session brought together four seasoned practitioners who offered unfiltered insights on what it takes for African NGOs to fundraise effectively in today’s landscape. Moderated by Emmanuela Imo (Hexa Media Africa) and David Barnard (AfricanNGOs), the discussion ranged from strategy and systems to donor engagement and local opportunities.
The Experts
- Allwell Akhigbe – Co-Founder & CEO of Travaille Ensemble – LinkedIn | Website
- Michael Kiragu – Founder & Principal Consultant of Bell Consultants – LinkedIn | Website
- Lucy Njue – Founder of the Online Fundraising School – LinkedIn | Website
- Chantel Cooper – CEO of the Children’s Hospital Trust – LinkedIn | Website
What We Learned
1. The funding landscape is shifting
Allwell Akhigbe underscored how traditional donor flows, especially from bilateral and UN sources — are contracting. But this doesn’t mean NGOs are without options. He urged organizations to look inward, map local philanthropic resources, and actively build corporate and community partnerships. “There’s more money in your community than you think. The challenge is identifying it and creating value-driven partnerships,” he stressed.
2. Fundraising must be strategic
Dr. Michael Kiragu reminded participants that fundraising is not an afterthought; it should sit at the heart of an NGO’s strategy. He argued that NGOs must sharpen their positioning, back their stories with data, and invest in systems that make fundraising consistent, not ad hoc. “A spotlight that shines everywhere lights up nowhere,” he noted, pointing to the importance of focus and clarity.
3. Start small and build credibility
For smaller or newer NGOs, Lucy Njue offered practical advice: begin with what is within reach. That might be sub-grants, local fundraising events, or volunteer-driven campaigns. Over time, NGOs can explore more ambitious avenues like social enterprise and blended finance, but credibility is built step by step, with transparent records and demonstrated results.
4. Donor engagement is everything
Chantel Cooper emphasised governance and stewardship as critical for fundraising success. Boards that are credible, active, and engaged send powerful signals to funders. Beyond that, she reminded NGOs that fundraising is not just about asking — it’s about thanking, reporting, and sustaining trust. “Your board is absolutely critical. And every donor deserves consistent communication,” she said.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t wait for donors to find you, map your local ecosystem and start building relationships now.
- Fundraising is strategic work; invest in systems, staff, and clear positioning.
- Start small, show results, and build credibility before scaling.
- Governance matters: your board and reporting culture shape donor trust.
- Crowdfunding and digital tools only work when you’ve cultivated a network in advance.
Why This Matters
The conversation made it clear that there is no shortcut to sustainable fundraising. Success requires clarity, consistency, and courage to reimagine where resources can come from. Crowdfunding, corporate partnerships, and local philanthropy are not silver bullets — but when combined with trust, transparency, and strategy, they can reshape the future of African NGOs.
Watch the Replay
Couldn’t join live? The full replay of NGO Power Talk: African NGOs & Fundraising: Ask the Experts is now available here: Watch the replay
Stay Connected
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🔹 Follow AfricanNGOs / David Barnard: LinkedIn | X (Twitter)