IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy launches Support for Emerging Scholars of Philanthropic Studies in sub-Saharan Africa
The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy has embarked on a new initiative under the Emerging Scholars on African Philanthropy Initiative, funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York: the Emerging Scholars Research Program. Supporting emerging scholars in Africa strengthens the continent's higher education research capacity, fosters local solutions to regional challenges, and builds a sustainable, next-generation workforce.
Implemented in partnership with the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI) at the University of Witwatersrand, the program began with a highly competitive selection process. This process resulted in $63,000 in research grants awarded to 14 exceptional emerging scholars. These early-career academics will focus their original research on the theme of Philanthropy and Higher Education in sub-Saharan Africa, adding the limited body of research that currently constrains regional philanthropic discourse.
In addition to the grant, each emerging scholar will have opportunities to participate in structured virtual and in-person convenings with the rest of the cohort, and individualized mentorship from one of six distinguished senior scholars. This collaboration is designed to produce rigorous academic papers for submission to a reputable journal.
The six senior scholars who serve as mentors in this program include:
Dr. Bhekinkosi (Bheki) Moyo is the Director of CAPSI and an Adjunct Professor at Wits Business School. He is a leading writer, researcher, and thought leader on African philanthropy, resources, democracy, and governance, with over 20 years of experience. He has championed African discourse and served in strategic leadership roles, including CEO of the Southern Africa Trust.
Dr. Shonali Banerjee is an Assistant Professor of International Development at the University of Warwick and Deputy Director of External Affairs. An expert in philanthropy, private sector, and foreign aid, she led research at the Cambridge Centre for Strategic Philanthropy, focusing on the Majority World. She is a published author and advises international organizations like the OECD and CAPSI.
Dr. Emmanuel Kumi is a philanthropic studies specialist with over a decade of experience in the political economy of development, NGO politics, and civil society. His recent work focuses on capacity strengthening, shrinking civic space, localization of aid, and African philanthropy. He has extensive mixed-methods research, teaching, and consultancy experience across Africa, Europe, and North America.
Dr. Jacob Mati is the Deputy Director of CAPSI and an Associate Professor at Wits Business School. A multi-disciplinary pracademic with over 20 years of experience, he has worked in academia, civil society, and consulting across four continents. He has published extensively on civil society, volunteerism, and philanthropy, particularly in Africa, and serves on international boards.
Dr. Keratiloe Mogotsi is an Assistant Professor at Chatham University School of Business and Enterprise and an African philanthropy specialist. An award-winning educator and pracademic, she has extensive experience across corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors. Her research focuses on sustainable development, venture philanthropy, and African philanthropy.
Dr. Tendai Murisa is a prominent researcher and development practitioner specializing in African public policy, social movements, and philanthropy. He has published extensively on agency, agrarian reforms, and civil society in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters, and has edited three books. He has over 15 years of experience, including serving as Executive Director of TrustAfrica.
These established scholars are advising a cohort of talented emerging scholars from 11 universities across sub-Saharan Africa:
Dr. Alice Arianitwe, Makerere University Business School, Uganda
Dr. Mathias Nigatu Bimir, Kotebe University of Education, Ethiopia
Dr. Mathias Ebot, University of Eastern Finland/University of the Witwatersrand, Finland/South Africa
Dr. Melody Mandevere, Wits Business School, South Africa
Dr. Motlanalo Mashoene, Wits Business School, South Africa
Dr. Edward Mboyonga, Chalimbana University, Zambia
Dr. David Musooli, Africa Renewal University, Uganda
Dr. Prince Muzuva, Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Zimbabwe
Dr. Andrew Ngene, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Nigeria
Dr. Dennis Boahene Osei, Wits Business School, South Africa
Dr. Belinda Chepchumpa Rop, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Dr. Leticia Komba Rwakijuma, Kyambogo University, Uganda
Dr. Immaculate Tusiime, Makarere University Business School, Uganda
Dr. Kalu Ejibe Uke, Amadeus University, Amizi, Nigeria
The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is honored to implement this initiative, strengthening the community of African scholars, and amplifying the continent's philanthropic story told by its own experts.