Philanthropy as a point of convergence with Africa's during the ebola case study

Abstract

The study answers the question, can a Pan African approach to diaspora philanthropy deliver on social development? The purpose was to explore a Pan African approach to social development establishing philanthropy as a point of convergence between the economic interests of African governments in their diaspora and, the altruistic social ambitions of external citizens, using the Ebola case study as a point of entry. The Ebola case study provides tangible evidence that a continental approach to philanthropy can deliver social development; promote African agency and move the diaspora conversation into the 21st century. Informed by critical theory, the study adopts the understanding that the nation-state is diminishing in relevance partly because of globalisation which is creating complex social dynamics, observed during the research. The methodology captured global views of the Ebola crisis without focusing on geo-political borders, enabling participants to amalgamate experiences contributing to a single Ebola 2013/2015 case study