Africa’s annual remittances—estimated at over $100 billion—are increasingly being reimagined not merely as familial support or acts of generosity, but as powerful levers for structural transformation, particularly in promoting gender equality and community-led development.
This was the central theme at the Regional Conference on Sustainable Philanthropy and Remittances for Gender Equality, co-hosted by UN Women and the Ford Foundation from June 2–3, 2025, in Dakar, Senegal. The conference convened over 150 influential voices from finance, technology, philanthropy, civil society, and public institutions to re-evaluate the untapped potential of diaspora contributions in shaping a more equitable African future.
Central to the conversations was the call to harness remittances and philanthropic flows as strategic capital—directed intentionally toward women-led businesses, grassroots initiatives, and inclusive financial ecosystems.
“This is not about aid—it’s about shifting power and building systems,” said Dr. Catherine Chi-Chi Aniagolu, West Africa Regional Director for the Ford Foundation. “We must build a new architecture of giving—one that centers African women’s voices and leadership.”
Traditionally viewed as short-term relief or consumption-based transfers, remittances now represent a significant untapped financial resource. Experts emphasized that channeling even a fraction of this $100 billion into gender-responsive investment models could fuel sustainable change across sectors such as maternal health, agriculture, education, and manufacturing—sectors where women are already playing central roles.
According to Paul-Harry Aithnard, Regional Director at Ecobank Group, the remittance infrastructure must evolve beyond mere money transfers to include investment products and inclusive financial services that empower women, especially in underserved and rural communities.
“With the right policies, diaspora capital can become a strategic engine for development,” he said.
Participants shared success stories of feminist-aligned funding models. The Tony Elumelu Foundation, which once had predominantly male applicants, now sees women constituting 45% of its grant beneficiaries, thanks to targeted outreach and support programs.
“Our goal is to build an ecosystem where women can thrive and lead,” said Oniye Okolo, Policy and Partnerships Officer at the Foundation. “This includes mentorship and access to finance for informal sector entrepreneurs.”
Elisa Desbordes, CEO of Ecobank Foundation, added that the financial sector must adopt inclusive policies that intentionally prioritize women. “In all our advocacy, we strive to address the funding and mentorship gap that women face, especially in informal and rural economies.”
Key stakeholders called for policy reforms, digital innovation, and inclusive fintech to break down systemic barriers limiting women’s financial participation. Representatives from the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) highlighted their strategy to place women at the center of financial inclusion.
“When women thrive, everyone benefits,” said Ms. Ndeye Amy Ngom Seck of the BCEAO. “Reallocating even a portion of diaspora remittances toward women’s empowerment could be truly transformational.”
The conference also explored new ways to engage Africa’s diaspora—not only as senders of remittances but as development partners bringing knowledge, innovation, and networks that can advance local development.
Kofi Appenteng, President of the African American Institute, cautioned against abstract theories and underscored the importance of listening to both senders and recipients of remittances. “We must make African women and girls visible—not just as beneficiaries, but as architects of change.”
Dr. Maxime Houinato, UN Women Regional Director for West and Central Africa, delivered a passionate closing call to action:
“We must shift from viewing remittances and philanthropy as acts of charity to seeing them as strategic levers for inclusive, sustainable change.”
As Africa grapples with funding gaps in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and gender equity, the strategic deployment of remittances offers a game-changing opportunity. By realigning policies, financial tools, and philanthropic models, the continent can unlock a new era of homegrown development—driven by its diaspora and powered by its women.