Shaping the Future of African Giving

About SUURI

The Strathmore University Uhisani Research Initiative (SUURI) advances philanthropy through research, teaching, and public engagement. We champion African giving traditions and build locally rooted frameworks for sustainable, meaningful impact.

Our Vision

Anchor philanthropy in African identity and African development goals

Create research, training, and policy engagement on African giving

Problem Statement

Despite Africa’s rich traditions of giving, philanthropy often struggles to achieve its full potential. Key challenges include:

  • Limited capacity: Weak institutional, policy, and human resources for philanthropy in Africa.
  • Lack of localisation: Philanthropic practices often imported, with little grounding in African contexts.
  • Missed alignment: Giving is not fully connected to Africa’s own development priorities and agendas.

Philathrophy Initiatives at Strathmore University

Strathmore has a long history of philanthropy, evolving through different stages of support:

1960s Fundraising mechanisms driven mainly by Western partners to support infrastructure and scholarships.
Later Years Shift toward institutional funding through local fundraising for infrastructure and scholarships.
Today The next frontier is individual giving—engaging staff, students, alumni, and high-net-worth individuals.

Internal Piloting at Strathmore University

Strathmore University is testing a range of initiatives to nurture a culture of giving.

These can be grouped into core pilots and supporting initiatives:

Core Pilots Supporting Initiatives
Volunteering Challenges Philanthropy Workshops and Seminars
Simulation Games Student Philanthropy Grant Programs
Philanthropy Research Projects Campus Giving Campaigns
Alumni & Donor Engagement Panels Service-Learning Projects

Sustainability Strategy

Our commitment goes beyond the present—we are laying the foundation for a lasting future of giving in Africa.

  • Leveraging Strathmore University’s strength as a hub for knowledge, research, and learning.
  • Launching with seed capital for two years, while charting a bold 10-year growth plan.
  • Establishing an Institute of Giving to nurture home-grown philanthropy and inspire generations to come.

SUURI Structure

Join us in shaping the future of African philanthropy. Whether you’re an organisation seeking insights, a funder looking to support sustainable giving, or a researcher passionate about African traditions of generosity, there’s a place for you at SUURI.

Ways to Engage

  • Participate in our Training & Capacity-Building Programs
  • Collaborate on Research & Knowledge Exchange
  • Support Pilot Projects in Giving & Innovation
  • Partner with Us to Advance a Culture of Philanthropy

Signup to SUURI

Join the SUURI community and stay connected to the latest in African philanthropy. Be the first to receive updates on research, training, and opportunities to engage in meaningful giving.

Why Sign Up?

  • Access training and capacity-building programmes.
  • Stay informed on events and networking opportunities.
  • Receive updates on research, funding, and pilot initiatives.
  • Gain thought leadership on African giving and philanthropy.

Click here to sign up

Contact

For more information, reach out to ambandi@strathmore.edu or call +254 703 034 414.

Pillars

Training

Develop demand-driven training

We design practical learning programmes that meet the real needs of Africa’s philanthropy sector.

Consultancy & Research

Provide consultancy and research services

We deliver insights and solutions to strengthen giving practices and strategies.

Think Tank

Serve as a think tank for innovative giving

We generate ideas and frameworks that inspire new models of philanthropy.

Awareness

Partner to raise awareness on philanthropy

We collaborate with stakeholders to promote a deeper culture of giving across Africa.

The Global and African Philanthropy Landscape

Globally

  • USA: A strong culture of private giving, supported by legal incentives and grassroots fundraising.
  • Europe: State-driven models where direct giving plays a smaller role.
  • Asia: Ancient traditions blend with modern corporate social responsibility frameworks.

In Africa

  • Giving has long been part of culture but often undervalued.
  • Philanthropy is closely tied to civil society and activism.
  • Governments and wealthy Africans are showing growing interest in structured, impactful giving.

What has been done so far

  • Yetu Initiative – AKF – Corporate Giving in Kenya – 2019
  • Part of the EAPN Summit Member
  • Hosting AROCSA Conference – 2022
  • Collaboration with Lilly School of Philanthropy on training
  • Published a white paper on “Building an understanding of African philanthropy in higher education” with Lilly School of Philanthropy – 2024
  • Contributor to a workshop on, “Africa as a Source of Philanthropy: Investing in Youth Agenda”, funded by Carnagie Corporation of New York – 2023
  • Engagement with Economics of Mutuality (EoM) on business working for a common good hub at SBS – 2023

Accelerating Action on Non-CO₂ Emissions in Africa

Accelerating Action on Non-CO₂ Emissions in Africa

The Africa Methane Community of Practice (CoP) was founded by a consortium of leading institutions, including the Environmental Compliance Institute (ECI), University of Pretoria, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Stockholm Environment Institute Africa, UNEP Regional Office for Africa, Strathmore University Business School, and the General Directorate of Meteorology (Morocco).

The CoP focuses on three key areas:

  • Science & Policy – led by the University of Pretoria
  • Governance – led by the Environmental Compliance Institute
  • Finance & Investment – led by Strathmore Business School

Capacity building is a cross-cutting priority across all work areas. The initiative has received initial funding from the Global Methane Hub and is actively seeking further support to achieve its five-year goals.

As part of the Finance & Investment stream, Strathmore Business School is inviting collaboration with financial and investment institutions across Africa to explore the demand, profitability, and scalability of methane management best practices, with the aim of attracting and sustaining investment in this vital area.