The Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI) at Wits Business School has released a landmark report exploring how Africa’s non-profit sector contributes to the creation of dignified and fulfilling work opportunities for young people across the continent.
This pioneering research initiative, funded by the Mastercard Foundation, is the first of its kind to focus comprehensively on this significant theme across Africa. Titled Contributions of the Non-Profit Sector to the Creation of Dignified and Fulfilling Work for Young People in Africa: A Synthesis Literature Review, the report consolidates evidence and perspectives from 17 African countries.
Conducted in collaboration with several autonomous African-led networks of researchers and institutions, the review highlights emerging trends, identifies gaps in existing research, and proposes policy recommendations to accelerate youth employment. Importantly, it also amplifies the voices of young people themselves and promotes their agency in shaping their futures.
Key findings include:
The non-profit sector’s unique capacity to foster skills development and social innovation, bridging gaps left by government and private sector initiatives.
Persistent barriers young people face, such as limited access to finance, skills mismatches, and structural exclusion from decision-making.
The need for coordinated policies and investment to scale effective non-profit models across the continent.
“The findings are clear: the non-profit sector is not just filling gaps but actively shaping new pathways to dignified work for Africa’s youth,” said Prof Bhekinkosi Moyo, Director of CAPSI. “With the support of the Mastercard Foundation, this research underscores the potential of collaborative approaches to address youth unemployment.”
Next in Focus: Country Literature Reviews and Regional Dialogues
Building on the continental synthesis, CAPSI will launch a series of country-specific literature review reports, beginning with Southern Africa in 2025. These reports will offer more targeted insights to inform national strategies and programmes.
To share these findings and promote action, CAPSI will host a webinar series featuring scholars, representatives from the 17 partner institutions, non-profit organisations, government agencies, businesses, youth organisations, and development partners.
The full synthesis report is available here:
Read the report
About CAPSI
The Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment at Wits Business School is the leading hub for advancing knowledge, policy, and practice in philanthropy and social investment in Africa. Through rigorous research and multi-stakeholder engagement, CAPSI drives evidence-based solutions to the continent’s most pressing challenges.
Media Enquiries:
Jane Lewis
Digital and Communications Officer
Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment
University of the Witwatersrand
E: jane.balnaves@wits.ac.za
M: +27 76 538 3243
W: www.capsi.co.za
