For generations, African philanthropy has been rooted not in boardrooms or big foundation grants, but in daily acts of generosity among families, friends, churches, workmates and communities.
From contributing mealie meal for a funeral to helping a friend with bus fare or raising school fees for a relative, or guzzlers tipping each other at a bar, giving has always been personal, social and face-to-face.
But in Zambia, financial technology, especially mobile money platforms, social media and digital payment systems are rapidly reshaping how Zambians give, receive support and mourn together, marking a shift in the country’s philanthropic culture.
In the Zambian context, death is one of the clearest events when African solidarity shows itself.
Traditionally, sobbing neighbors and relatives would arrive in person, carrying food, firewood, money and other supplies in hand.
But today, monetary contributions increasingly move through accessible financial technology, especially mobile money systems.
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“People who are not able to travel send contributions instantly from Lusaka, Chipata, South Africa, London or Dubai to bereaved families send their contributions through mobile money or in the bank using specific banking applications and ensuring this support is received,” said William Phiri, a lanky youthful entrepreneur who has invested in a series of mobile money booths in Lusaka.
For Chilufya Bwalya, a digital governance enthusiast digital giving has become more trackable as some families are able to create specific spreadsheets in groups on platforms like WhatsApp and recording, who has contributed what, improving transparency and reducing tension, especially in large families where a small accountability matter has the capacity to instigate a family Tsumani.
One aspect that has also been facilitated by technology are appeals such as school fees, medical emergencies, accommodation payments and drinks donations whereby, instead of writing letters or visiting locations physically, fundraising appeals are done through WhatsApp inbox,
Facebook appeals and TikTok live fundraising, among others.
“There was this unavoidable workmate I shared an office with, she would raise a substantial amount, even beyond her official monthly income, by simply posting a casual appeal on her social media statuses and usually, it was the not so innocent generosity guys in town who would out-do each other in making donations for lunch, fuel, hair, make-up and even drinks on Fridays,” narrated Xavier Muchinshi, a Lusaka resident.
One aspect of African community philanthropy that is usually not appreciated is the casual, everyday financial support men give to each other, including the fundraising for drinks after work, contributing fuel for a friend’s vehicle to the stadium for a local football derby or supporting a colleague, who is “broke until payday.”
This informal philanthropy continues, but it is now thriving because of digital convenience.
Bank transfers and mobile payments have reduced the shame of borrowing. Someone can simply send a message to his boys’ WhatsApp group.
“We have a friends group on WhatsApp and all I do is say, guys, anyone with a loose K2000, payable after two days and before I know, friends would have volunteered via inbox to support my appeal,” said Joseph Banda.
“And within minutes, money is sent digitally, protecting me from shame, embarrassment and avoiding that awkward face-to-face request, especially in the presence of members of the other gender.
“This subtle revolution in men’s social giving reflects how digital tools are expanding financial inclusion while strengthening emotional and social bonds.”
The Zambian diaspora has always played a significant role in supporting families back home.
Technology has amplified this aspect of family support.
With online banking, money transfer applications, and other financial technology channels, people abroad now contribute to weddings, funerals, land purchases, church projects, School fees and other expenses.
The digitalisation of giving means even small contributions K100, K200 or K1000 can be sent instantly and without an extra cost.
This has woven diaspora communities more closely into everyday life in Zambia, strengthening links between global Zambians and local families.
While mobile money dominates, the future of African philanthropy could expand even further through innovation and entrepreneurship that is happening in areas such as crowdfunding platforms, donation tracking using blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI) for donor matching and digital saving circles.
Some Zambian innovators are already experimenting while others are implementing social finance platforms for village banking and savings and these will allow communities to manage collective contributions more transparently and with better reporting.
However, digitalising philanthropy comes with new challenges such as online scams targeting generous donors, fraud through fake appeals, digital exclusion for rural/ peri-urban or elderly community members who are challenged by digital literacy.
Additionally, the challenge of limited or utter absence of connectivity will continue to haunt the citizens who remain unconnected, including those who have to climb a tree or an anthill to access networks.
To sustain trust, digital financial literacy, digital security, safety, hygiene, especially scam awareness must be popularised alongside innovation and entrepreneurship.
Stakeholders in internet governance should also propound on issues of connectivity as an urgent issue.
Despite the technological shift, the essence of African philanthropy remains unchanged.
Whether it is spending K200 at a tarven, sending K500 to a friend for lunch, contributing K500 for a funeral or coming together to support a hospital bill, Zambians are giving for various reasons and technology is facilitating this philanthropy.
Technology has not erased the heart of African giving but it has simply accelerated it with new speed, new reach and a new attitude.
*The African Philanthropy Network (APN) is documenting success stories of African individuals and organisations engaged in philanthropic acts to raise awareness and to motivate locally driven development.