Caritas Africa is exploring new approaches to fundraising and philanthropy to strengthen its financial sustainability and support the charitable mission of its member organisations across the continent.

The initiative was among the objectives of Caritas Africa’s participation in the 2026 African Philanthropy Forum (APF) Conference, held in Cape Town, South Africa, from 25 to 27 October, under the theme “Bridge the Divide; Reimagine the Future.”

Speaking to the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) Communication Office, Lucy Afandi Esipila, Regional Coordinator of Caritas Africa, said the gathering provided an opportunity to connect with foundations, philanthropists and development organisations while exploring alternatives to traditional funding models.

“Caritas Africa has been reflecting for a while now on how to diversify our fundraising strategies because we need to reflect on the sustainability of the Secretariat itself and also the Caritas Africa member organisations,” she said.

The organisation is developing a fundraising strategy that will include individual giving, partnerships with high-net-worth individuals and income-generating activities, alongside its existing donor relationships.

Esipila believes these approaches can build on the African tradition of collective giving, where communities contribute towards funerals, weddings, medical needs and other challenges.

“We come to realise these things happen every day in our lives, and all of us are philanthropists,” she said, adding that such generosity could be better organised to support Caritas initiatives.

She emphasised that fundraising must remain consistent with Catholic Social Teaching and the ethical principles guiding the Church’s mission.

Caritas South Africa’s renewed presence

Esipila also welcomed the revitalisation of Caritas South Africa under its newly appointed National Coordinator, Fr Stan Muyebe OP.

She recalled the contribution of Sr Maria De Lourdes Lodi Rissini MSCS in coordinating national Caritas structures and strengthening diocesan networks. Following her departure in 2023, Caritas South Africa experienced a period of reduced activity at national level, although its work continued in dioceses and parishes.

“For us, it is now nice to see that this revamping is happening,” she said, expressing hope that the renewed structure would develop into a strong national organisation with a dedicated team to support diocesan Caritas initiatives.

She encouraged Caritas South Africa to participate in the Caritas Africa General Assembly scheduled for 2027 in Lomé, Togo, highlighting the country’s important contribution to the Church’s work with migrants and refugees.

“South Africa is a host country. We rely on South Africa to help us drive this agenda on human mobility and see how we can welcome, support and defend migrants and refugees,” she said.

A culture of solidarity

Esipila also highlighted the importance of financial sustainability in strengthening Caritas’ capacity to respond to humanitarian emergencies, including floods, disease outbreaks and climate-related disasters.

She explained that Caritas Africa supports member organisations through disaster risk reduction training, emergency preparedness and mechanisms for mobilising resources when communities are affected.

However, she stressed that supporting the Church’s charitable mission does not necessarily require substantial financial contributions. “You can give $5, and it can help to buy a packet of milk somewhere. It can help to buy a sanitary towel,” she said.

Her appeal is for Catholics, individuals, and institutions to embrace a culture of giving and take responsibility for sustaining Caritas at national, diocesan and parish levels. “The problems in Africa are big and complex, but I’ve come to realise we need to be okay with doing small things in small ways,” Esipila said.