Philanthropy in Nigeria - ACT Foundation

Among Africa's diverse countries, the west African country of Nigeria has several distinctions.  It is Africa's most populated country, with over 220 million people, and according to the International Monetary Fund, it is Africa's biggest economy largely due to its oil and gas. It also has a robust film industry. It produces more films than America's Hollywood, but not as many as India' s Bollywood. And although English is the official language, Nigeria also has 500 different languages.

American foundations are active in Nigeria. According to the State of Global Giving by U. S Foundations (2022) report , between 2016 and 2019 Nigeria ranked among the top four countries by geographic focus. It also ranked first of the countries in the sub-Saharan Africa region. But Nigeria also has a robust philanthropy sector of its own. The 2019 Pulse article highlights Nigeria's top ten philanthropists and how they are using their wealth to benefit communities both close to home and across Africa.

Among the foundations operating in Nigeria is the Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation, which has quite a track record for a foundation that was established in 2016. It's grantmaking is complemented by research and active community engagement. To learn more about the work of the ACT Foundation, listen to our recent "Conversation With" podcast episode with its CEO, Osayi Alili. During our discussion we touched upon the philanthropy landscape in Nigeria, and how ACT's "listening" approach has contributed to its success in building strong relationships with the organizations they work with and the communities they serve. Alile describes how ACT views its role beyond making grants, including acting as an advocate and bridge builder among various stakeholders.