About us

We are a network of philanthropies, investors and grant-making organisations collaborating to strengthen Africa's health systems.

“
Having so many philanthropies come together is far too important of an opportunity to have it just be a one-time deal.”

Member of the Africa Partners Collective

The Collective began its work at the outset of the coronavirus pandemic - an idea sparked by Virgin Unite and Dr. Raj Panjabi initially convening the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Skoll Foundation, The ELMA Philanthropies, Rockefeller Foundation and Higher Life Foundation. Supported by Virgin Unite, the network expanded to over 100 organisations with a shared goal of supporting African-led initiatives to address the COVID-19 pandemic and to strengthen public health systems. Throughout this work, the partnership and leadership of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has been critical.

During the emergency phase of the pandemic, the Collective mobilised and influenced over $80 million from its members towards the priorities outlined by Africa CDC and the African Union. As a result, countries and communities across Africa have had more access to oxygen, vaccinations and community health workers.

With a clear mandate from the network to continue beyond the emergency phase of the pandemic, the Collective's initiatives focus on the following areas:

Needle and syringe

Identifying gaps and mobilising resources

Identifying gaps and mobilising resources to help strengthen public health systems and improve resilience to current and future disease threats.

Globe

Supporting African solutions

Supporting African solutions by aligning with and supporting African development priorities, initiatives, and organisations.

Connected

Deploying our network as advocates

Deploying our network as advocates where there are opportunities for leaders to improve global health security and challenge inequality.

Current priorities for collaboration identified by the network include strengthening Africa's National Public Health Institutes, supporting Community Health Workers and increasing domestic manufacturing of vaccines.

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“
We need to take the gains of COVID long term, including the Africa Donor Collective.”

Member of the Africa Partners Collective

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join the Collective?
The network is predominantly made up of grant-making organisations. We also invite a wider range of partners to advise and offer guidance on shaping priorities and investments in relevant areas. If you're a grant-making organisation interested in learning more, please contact us.
Is there a membership fee?
We don't currently ask for a membership fee.
How is the Collective funded?
Our costs are covered through grants from a number of the Working Group members. This includes Virgin Unite, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Skoll Foundation and the ELMA Philanthropies.
Can my organisation get funding from the Collective?
The Africa Partners Collective doesn't make grants. We offer a platform for collaboration, information and sharing and co-funding. Funds that we mobilise or influence are directed toward African organisations and initiatives.
How does the Collective decide priorities?
As a pan-African initiative, we are guided by the priorities outlined by the African Union and Africa CDC. Beyond this, we look for areas where there is an unmet need for greater collaboration, funding and information sharing - and a number of network members interested in working together.
Where are you registered?
the Africa Partners Collective is an initiative of Virgin Unite, and not independently registered as a legal entity. We are currently establishing a small secretariat team for the Collective to be embedded within an African organisation.