Five Volunteering Trends You Didn't Know About Africa
Africa is a continent known for resilience, connection, and generosity. From informal neighborly support to structured volunteering initiatives, the spirit of giving is deeply embedded in African societies — even if it doesn’t always look like “traditional” volunteering.
As forgood expands into nine African countries — Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, we’ve taken a closer look at how volunteering is evolving across the continent. The result, powerful insights, shifting behaviours, and clear opportunities for organisations to engage differently.
Here are 5 volunteering trends you may not have seen coming in Africa— and how to act on them:
1. Africa Leads the World in Helping Strangers
According to the latest World Giving Index, African countries consistently rank among the highest globally when it comes to helping people they don’t know. In many places, generosity is a social norm — not an exception.
• Kenya ranks #2 globally in helping strangers.
• Nigeria and Ghana stand proudly among the world’s most generous nations, ranking in the top tier of global giving
• Informal giving — food, airtime, school fees, even shelter — is widespread.
Tactic: Align volunteering campaigns with community values like ubuntu, Harambee and Botho. These philosophies aren’t buzzwords — they reflect how people already behave. Read more about ubuntu values here.
2. Volunteering is Going Digital — Fast
Youth-led volunteering is growing rapidly, driven by mobile and virtual giving—particularly in Tanzania, Ghana, and Kenya. From organising clean-up days via WhatsApp groups to launching climate awareness drives on social media, young Africans are using tech to drive social change.
Digital access is unlocking new forms of micro-volunteering:
• 30-minute online sessions.
• Campaign amplifiers and influencers. (frontline of digital volunteering, a passion for change, they help causes gain momentum, visibility, and community action.
• Quick contributions of time or skills, not just money.
Tactic: Corporate could leverage platform campaigns with a light registration process, flexible options for individual and team volunteering slots, and a strong focus on shareability.
3. Skills-Based Volunteering is on the Rise
In Botswana, Namibia, and Nigeria, more professionals are stepping up — but not in traditional ways. Rather than general tasks, they’re offering their specific expertise:
• Accountants helping NGOs with financial systems.
• Designers building awareness materials.
• Legal experts offering pro bono advice.
Tactic: Promote micro-volunteering and skill-based employee challenges. . For example, make a difference by using your skills-based volunteering is a powerful and meaningful way to give back.
4. Corporate Volunteering is at an all time high
Companies across Africa — particularly in South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya — are formalising employee volunteering programmes as part of their CSR strategies. These programmes range from hands-on volunteering days to long-term mentorship initiatives.
This formalisation allows companies to track impact, boost employee morale and build brand reputation.
Tactic: Develop structured volunteering programmes with clear roles, outcomes, and recognition systems. Make it easy for employees to participate during work hours.
5. Volunteering is Inter-generational
While youth dominate digital volunteer movements, older generations continue to contribute time, wisdom and networks to causes they care about. In rural areas, elders often take the lead in organising community-driven support systems. Inter-generational volunteering brings depth, mentorship and sustainability to initiatives.
Tactic: Pair youth with experienced volunteers. Facilitate skills transfer and mentorship across age groups to enhance impact.
Final Thought: Giving in Africa Looks Different — And That’s a Strength!
Volunteering in Africa is deeply relational, often informal and almost always driven by a sense of shared responsibility. But it’s evolving fast — and organisations need to evolve with it.
As we build forgood’s presence across the continent, we’re not importing a Western model of giving. We’re connecting what’s already happening, amplifying what works and co-creating with communities, causes and companies.
Whether you’re a corporate looking to scale employee volunteering, an NGO seeking skilled support, or an individual who wants to give back — the future of volunteering in Africa is here.
Ready to take action?
Join forgood and start connecting people to causes in meaningful, trackable ways.
