African Giving Practices: Understanding a Tradition of Generosity and Community Support
African giving practices are an integral part of the continent’s rich cultural tapestry. They reflect a profound understanding of the importance of community, shared responsibility, and mutual aid. Credit: Shutterstock
By Tafadzwa Munyaka
HARARE, Apr 25 2025 (IPS)
Across Africa, giving is not just an act of charity; it’s a deep-rooted tradition embedded in culture, community, and mutual care. The concept of giving has evolved through generations, often taking on forms that are as diverse as the continent itself.
African giving practices emphasize collective well-being over individual gain, creating a web of support that binds communities together in times of need. One dimension has remained constant in African giving practices and that is the fact that the giving does not come from excess but rather, on the prevailing need.
The Spirit of Ubuntu: community before self
At the heart of many African cultures lies the philosophy of Ubuntu, a term that translates roughly to “I am because we are.” It emphasizes interconnectedness and mutual respect, where the welfare of one is seen as the welfare of all.
Ubuntu is often practiced through giving, both in material and emotional forms. Whether it’s offering food to a neighbour, providing shelter for the homeless, or sharing wisdom with younger generations, Ubuntu encourages individuals to look beyond themselves and work for the common good.
In many African societies, this sense of communal responsibility extends beyond close family ties. Giving to the broader community — the village, the extended family, or even strangers — is seen as a deeply moral duty.
African giving practices emphasize collective well-being over individual gain, creating a web of support that binds communities together in times of need. One dimension has remained constant in African giving practices and that is the fact that the giving does not come from excess but rather, on the prevailing need
The underlying belief is simple yet profound anchored on the idea that when one person prospers, they have a responsibility to share their success with others. This strengthens the social fabric and ensures that no one is left behind, even in times of hardship.
For example, I remember vividly from my childhood how, during times of bereavement, the entire neighbourhood would mobilize around the grieving family. Relatives of the deceased would go from household to household, collecting whatever anyone could offer — be it a few coins, a bag of mealie-meal, cooking oil, or even just a bunch of vegetables.
These small yet meaningful contributions would be pooled together to feed mourners, assist with funeral arrangements, or purchase essentials for the burial.
The act of giving, no matter how modest, was never questioned — it was expected, because in that moment, the burden of loss was shared by all. Another common example is that of supporting children’s education whereby the extended family chips in to ensure the child does not drop out of school – some even sell their prized livestock to cover that gap.
Informal and formal forms of giving
- Social networks and informal giving
In many African countries, informal giving practices play a significant role. This often occurs through social networks that span family, friends, and neighbours. These networks create a system of reciprocity, where individuals help each other with the understanding that the favour will be returned when needed.
These exchanges can range from lending money to providing emotional support during difficult times. This is in direct contrast to the ever-expanding compliance regime imposed by donors.
One widely practiced form of informal giving is the susu (in West Africa) or stokvel (in Southern Africa), which is a form of communal savings. A group of people agree to contribute a set amount of money regularly, and each member takes turns receiving the lump sum of contributions.
It is common cause that the informal financial institutions have long served as essential vehicles for collective economic empowerment, particularly in contexts where access to formal banking and credit systems is limited or exclusionary.
These informal savings schemes are not only practical for financing projects but also serve as a tool to strengthen bonds of trust and solidarity within communities.
There is no attendant expectation of demonstrating results, impact or accounting for how the money received was utilised. This relieves pressure and gives greater autonomy to the individuals to attend to their most pressing needs in ways they deem fit.
This autonomy is particularly empowering in African contexts where formal giving models — often shaped by donor-driven paradigms — can be rigid and administratively burdensome.
By contrast, as an example, susu and stokvel systems recognize the dignity and agency of individuals, allowing them to respond flexibly and swiftly to their most pressing concerns.
They also demonstrate the collective ethic of support and solidarity that underpins many African cultures — where giving is not a matter of surplus charity, but a deliberate investment in mutual upliftment.
The enduring popularity of such models speaks not only to their practicality but also to their cultural resonance. In many ways, they are emblematic of an African philanthropy that is people-centred, trust-based, and deeply rooted in lived realities.
- Giving through faith and religion
Religion plays a central role in African societies, and giving is often a key practice in religious communities. Tithing, or the practice of giving a portion of one’s earnings/farm produce to the church or mosque, is common across the continent. However, it’s not just about financial contributions. Giving to others in need, whether through offering time and skills is seen as a way to fulfil religious duties.
In many African communities, faith-based organizations are instrumental in mobilizing resources for community development. These organizations often run programs focused on education, health, and poverty alleviation, with support from both local and international donors.
- Giving for special occasions
Life events such as births, weddings, funerals, and other significant milestones often prompt collective giving. In some cultures, it’s customary to give in the form of cash or material gifts, while in others, the giving may take on a more symbolic form, such as providing labour or sharing knowledge.
These practices not only help support those undergoing major life events but also reinforce the sense of community and solidarity.
For instance, in Zimbabwe, the practice of contribution is often used to gather support for funerals or weddings, and this tradition reflects the notion that it is important to help one another during times of joy or sorrow.
The role of African philanthropy today
In contemporary Africa, traditional giving practices continue to flourish, albeit in new forms. Many African billionaires and business leaders have embraced philanthropy, using their wealth to address issues such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
Figures like Aliko Dangote, Strive Masiyiwa, and Mo Ibrahim have made significant contributions to various causes, showcasing a modern extension of the African spirit of giving.
However, giving in Africa is not limited to the wealthy. Everyday people continue to donate time, skills, and resources to causes that matter to them. Whether it’s through crowd-funding platforms or local charity events, African communities continue to demonstrate resilience and ingenuity in finding ways to support one another.
Challenges and the Future of African Giving
While the practice of giving remains strong, there are challenges facing African philanthropy. The continent’s vast wealth inequality, economic instability, and the pressure of large-scale development needs can sometimes hinder the full potential of giving practices.
Additionally, there are concerns about the role of international aid, which, though well-meaning, can sometimes undermine local giving traditions by creating dependency rather than empowering local solutions.
That said, the future of African giving seems to be one of empowerment and sustainability. Increasingly, there is a push to support initiatives that build local capacity, empower communities, and create lasting impact. This means focusing on education, health, and business development — areas where giving can help transform lives for generations to come, for example.
A tradition that endures
African giving practices are an integral part of the continent’s rich cultural tapestry. They reflect a profound understanding of the importance of community, shared responsibility, and mutual aid.
Whether through informal social networks, religious tithes, or large-scale philanthropy, giving remains a cornerstone of African life, serving as a reminder that true wealth is found not in the accumulation of possessions but in the well-being of the collective.
As the world continues to evolve, the spirit of African generosity will undoubtedly remain a force for positive change — a testament to the enduring power of human connection and compassion.