United Way Start Ups in Africa

JM Tuakli MD, MPH

Savoy Hotel, London, England

October 29, 2014

JM Tuakli MD, MPHSavoy Hotel, London, EnglandOctober 29, 2014

United Way Start Ups in Africa

United Way in Africa

“Men can starve from a lack of self realization as much as they can from a lack of bread

— Richard Wright, Native Son

April 18, 20233

Start Ups - United Ways in AfricaRegional Overview

• Second largest and second most populous continent (after Asia)

• Total Population: 1.111 billion (2013)

• Has fastest-growing middle class in the world; 313 million people

• Economic Growth rate:  (expected) 5.2% in 2014

• Urban/Rural:  40%/60% (2010)

• 70% of population under 30

• 500 million people have mobile phones

• Among the 25 RGMs are Ghana, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa at rates between 2.8% to > 7.5%

• In eight of the last 10 years, Africa’s lion states have grown faster than the Asian tigers. The fastest-growing economy in the world in 2011 (at 13%) was Ghana

April 18, 20234

Start Ups - United Ways in AfricaUnited Way Context

• Less than 15% of the regional population covered by local United Ways

• Annual revenue in 2013 < USD 200,000

• Primary source of funding – corporate grants (not GCL) and events

• United Way Ghana (11 years; undergoing retrenchment)

• United Way Nigeria (12 years; recently delisted due to local registration dispute; re-start expected in 2014)

• United Way Uganda (10 years; currently on membership probation)

• Newly established United Way in South Africa; former partner in South Africa (Community Chest) terminated membership in 2013

• Former member in Kenya de-listed; Process of establishing a new United Way in Kenya underway

April 18, 20235

Start Ups - United Ways in AfricaStrengths

• Brand recognition low therefore United Way an open page

• Alignment with MDG’s* / national development goals

• Africa Rising - present time of opportunity

• Growing middle class

• Aging, prosperous Diaspora

• Young population (70% under 35 years age)

• Global Standards espouse transparency

• United Way addresses root cause of multi-issue needs; Holistic approach

*Millennium Development Goals

April 18, 20236

Start Ups - United Ways in AfricaChallenges

• United Way brand name and operational model complex

• Colonial familiarity only just waning in favor of New World (US)

• Charity and Philanthropy seen as one and same, reinforced by newspapers replete with “local philanthropists giving succor or supplies to….”

• Philanthropy as provision of infrastructure for opportunities to those who would otherwise not have, not yet appreciated

• Resource flow still considered an outside - in activity; Trade, Aid, volunteers, development monies, etc. Dependency mindset

• Attracting the right managerial talent

• Volunteerism not intrinsic culturally outside family structures

April 18, 20237

Start Ups - United Ways in AfricaChallenges (continued)

• Leadership models different (Feudal vs Servant Leadership)

• Non governmental organizations (NGO) generally not esteemed

• Reluctance of high net worth individuals to publicize wealth

• Board start up sponsorship expectation

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Start Ups - United Ways in AfricaLeveraging Strengths; Overcoming Challenges

• Develop and market a signature, regional issue

• Build sustainable succession structures

• Provide real time mentorship with successful, similar LUW elsewhere

• Be uncompromising in ensuring right Board membership

• Provide extensive up front sensitization and training to prospective Board members on “What is United Way” and role of United Way Board member

• Institute process of signed MOU with each new Board member that clarifies role expectations and financial obligations

• UWW to ensure on-the-ground admin. support early on to keep the momentum going

• Implement a “pre-qualification” process prior to embarking on application for UWW membership

April 18, 20239

Thank you

Start Ups - United Ways in AfricaOpportunities

• A single, regional, signature issue

• High mobile phone and IT penetration

• Fastest growing markets in the world

• Role of women changing; point of leverage

• Growing need for United Way given ineffective nongovernmental sector

• Indigenous corporate Foundations growing rapidly offer United Way role as resource , advisor and facilitator

• Desire for change

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Start Ups - United Ways in Africa

Challenges (continued)

• Need emphasis on constant education

• ID of Local support sources

• Global awareness

• Corporate coaching and education needed locally but can be helped by US /parent office

• Aid language feeds into culture of dependency

April 18, 202312

Start Ups - United Ways in AfricaThreats

• Growth of Corporate Foundations; everyone wants to do their own thing (and be recognized for it)

• Single issue NGOs easier to understand and support

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