Philanthropy Spotlight: Billionaire Donations During the Festive Season

Oluwatosin Racheal Alabi -

Key Points

  • African billionaires embrace the festive season with generous donations.
  • Their charitable efforts focus on education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.
  • Contributions bring hope and change to underserved communities across the continent.

The festive season is known for its spirit of giving, and during this time, several African billionaires have been actively engaged in philanthropy, contributing to various causes, helping the needy, and enhancing their communities. These billionaires donate substantial portions of their wealth to their charitable foundations, personal donations, sponsorships, and other efficient business solutions. Corporate social responsibility is most visible during the holiday season, and this compilation highlights the philanthropic activities of eight prominent African billionaires, showcasing their contributions to education, health, and other causes aimed at improving the living standards of individuals.

1. Strive Masiyiwa

Strive Masiyiwa, a Zimbabwean billionaire and philanthropist, is known for his humanitarian efforts, especially during the festive season. In 2014, he encouraged public donations during the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, urging people to contribute to healthcare workers fighting the virus. Masiyiwa also pledged to support an elderly woman in Zimbabwe who walked to donate to cyclone survivors, providing her with a house and a lifetime monthly allowance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Masiyiwa’s foundation contributed $10 million to support healthcare workers in Africa.

2025 Philanthropic Outlook

Masiyiwa is expected to continue his extensive philanthropic work, focusing on education, healthcare, and disaster preparedness across Africa.

2. Aliko Dangote

As Africa's richest man, Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote has a strong history of philanthropic contributions. In December 2024, Dangote Petroleum Refinery reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit to ease financial burdens during the festive season. His foundation also distributed rice to vulnerable communities in Lagos. In previous years, Dangote has supported internally displaced persons, contributed millions to victims of the Boko Haram insurgency, and donated to disaster relief efforts.

2025 Philanthropic Outlook

Dangote is expected to expand his contributions to healthcare, education, and community support, especially with the completion of his refinery projects.

3. Patrice Motsepe

Patrice Motsepe, South Africa's first Black billionaire and founder of African Rainbow Minerals, has been actively involved in philanthropy through the Motsepe Foundation. His “Christmas with Our People” campaign has distributed food hampers and toys to underprivileged families since 2011, benefiting nearly a million children. Additionally, Motsepe has supported education with over $18 million in bursaries and pledged $2 million after the 2022 KwaZulu-Natal floods.

2025 Philanthropic Outlook

Motsepe is likely to expand his philanthropic efforts, focusing on education and healthcare initiatives in South Africa.

4. Tony Elumelu

Tony Elumelu, a renowned Nigerian economist and philanthropist, is known for supporting entrepreneurship. In December 2024, he donated 1,800 bags of rice to families in his hometown of Onicha-Uku to ensure a dignified holiday season. Through the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Elumelu has empowered thousands of African entrepreneurs, contributing to economic growth across the continent.

2025 Philanthropic Outlook

Elumelu is anticipated to enhance his support for African entrepreneurship through his foundation, focusing on funding and mentorship for startups.

5. Allan Gray

Allan Gray, a South African entrepreneur, has made significant philanthropic contributions through the Allan & Gill Gray Charitable Trust and the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation. These foundations support education, entrepreneurship, and human dignity. His organizations have advised on financial management during the festive season, emphasizing budgeting and responsible spending.

2025 Philanthropic Outlook

Gray's foundations will likely continue to support education and entrepreneurial development, introducing innovative programs to nurture future business leaders.

6. Femi Otedola

Femi Otedola, a Nigerian businessman, has been a generous philanthropist, particularly during the festive season. In 2024, Otedola donated ₦1 billion to improve security in Lagos State. During previous holidays, he contributed millions to educational causes, including scholarships to students at Augustine University, and provided significant donations to individuals in need, such as a family welcoming quadruplets.

2025 Philanthropic Outlook

Otedola is expected to continue his support for healthcare, education, and community welfare in Nigeria in 2025.

7. Nicky Oppenheimer

Nicky Oppenheimer, a prominent South African businessman, has contributed to various causes, including conservation and community support. His family established the South African Future Trust during the COVID-19 pandemic, donating R1 billion to support small and medium-sized enterprises. Oppenheimer has also contributed to wildlife preservation and education across Africa.

2025 Philanthropic Outlook

Oppenheimer is expected to focus on conservation and education, with potential new partnerships aimed at preserving biodiversity.

8. Mohammed Dewji

Tanzanian billionaire Mohammed Dewji has demonstrated his commitment to improving the lives of Tanzanians through the Mo Dewji Foundation. His foundation has provided scholarships, organized medical camps, and supported rural communities in Tanzania. Dewji’s philanthropic activities extend beyond the festive season, focusing on education and poverty alleviation.

2025 Philanthropic Outlook

Dewji is likely to enhance his philanthropic initiatives, focusing on poverty alleviation, education, and healthcare in Tanzania and East Africa.

Through their charitable contributions, these African billionaires continue to make a lasting impact on society, improving the lives of individuals and communities during the festive season and throughout the year.