5 Great Organizations Making A Difference In Africa

Centuries of violent colonialist exploitation has left countries throughout Africa poor and politically disempowered. Many organizations have arisen that seek to more fully incorporate African nations into the global capitalism economy and lay the groundwork for political stability. This list, in no particular order, highlights a few of them.

Let's start things off with Just One Africa, at #1. This organization aims to address the needs of the orphans and vulnerable children in Kenya. It partners with local leaders to offer sustainable solutions in local communities, such as school buildings, housing, farming, small businesses, and other projects that will provide growth.

Just One Africa was founded in 2013 by Clay and Amy Churchill. One of its initiatives distributes filter kits to communities that do not have access to clean water. Each of these filters provides potable H2O for up to 25 people.

We have Self Help Africa, at #2. This charity's mission is to develop an economically thriving and resilient rural Africa by supporting small-scale farming and growing family-farm businesses, emphasizing rural enterprise, nutrition, sustainability, and women's empowerment.

Self Help Africa works in several countries within the continent, such as Uganda, Malawi, and Zambia. The organization provides farmers opportunities for access to affordable micro-credit to develop their businesses. It also holds events and fundraisers, conducts workshops for schools and communities, and more.

Next up, at #3, the Katiba Institute was established in 2011 to promote the understanding and implementation of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution with transparency, accountability, good governance, and the rule of law.

KI aims to entrench constitutionalism through research, public interest litigation, and community outreach. It also aims to help solve many of Kenya’s long-running, structural issues such as corruption, tribalism, state-sponsored violence, and the rich-poor disparity.

Taking the spot at #4 is Media Monitoring Africa, established in 1993 in Johannesburg, South Africa. It strives to implement strategies that encourage and promote ethical and fair journalism that supports human rights.

MMA aims to promote people-centered journalism that educates and engages the citizenry in Africa and the world. The organization also provides training in media literacy for NGOs, civil society, and government.

Finally, at #5, we have She Leads Africa. This platform aims to give women the community, information, and inspiration they need to build their network, grow and improve their business and career, and realize their dreams.

Founded by Yasmin Belo-Osagie and Afua Osei in May 2014, SLE publishes articles, newsletters, podcasts, and videos, hosts digital and in-person events, and connects book lovers via readings and discussions. It also offers programs for entrepreneurs and professionals.