United Way Worldwide (UWW) is set to convene leaders from across the continent and beyond in Accra for its Africa Regional Convening, scheduled for 8–10 April 2026. The three-day event will take place at the Accra Marriott Hotel under the theme “Stronger Together: Building a Resilient United Way Africa.”
The high-level gathering will bring together Local United Ways (LUWs), UWW global leadership, board members, development partners, funders, philanthropy networks, and key stakeholders committed to advancing Africa’s social and economic transformation.
Across the continent, LUWs continue to serve as trusted community anchors, delivering locally driven solutions in areas such as youth employment, education, financial resilience, healthcare, and community development. However, many of these organisations are navigating an increasingly complex global environment characterised by shifting philanthropic priorities, limited public funding, and growing demands for measurable impact and accountability.
The Accra convening comes at a critical juncture, as Africa’s philanthropic landscape evolves with new opportunities emerging from high-net-worth individuals, corporate social investment, regional foundations, diaspora contributions, and innovative financing models.
“This opportunity reflects the strength and potential of the United Way network across Africa,” said Sonya Anderson, Executive Vice President of UWW’s International Network. “At a time of both challenge and opportunity, bringing leaders together to exchange ideas, align strategies and build partnerships is essential to accelerating locally led solutions that deliver lasting impact in communities.”
The convening aims to strengthen the performance, capacity, and sustainability of the United Way network across Africa through shared learning, strategic alignment, and partnership development. Key areas of focus will include enhancing collaboration among LUWs, exploring innovative and diversified resource mobilisation strategies, and engaging both current and prospective funders in collaborative financing initiatives.
Participants will also work towards co-creating a forward-looking Africa Philanthropy and Impact Agenda aligned with global trends, while positioning African communities and local organisations as central drivers of philanthropic investment.
Attendees will gain valuable insights into the state of both the global and regional United Way network, as well as UWW’s strategic direction. The event will further deepen collaboration between LUWs and international teams, showcase impactful community-based initiatives, and promote strategic philanthropy as a catalyst for sustainable development.
The convening will feature prominent global and regional UWW leaders, including Rosie Allen-Herring, Interim President and CEO; Patrick Lohmayer, Vice President for Programmes and Partnerships; Amatullah R’Id, Director of Network Membership; and Kosi Yankey-Ayeh, Vice President for Africa.
Corporate and development partners expected to participate include Standard Chartered Bank Ghana, Vivo Energy Ghana, Prudential Life Insurance Ghana, and Cummins Ghana, alongside board representatives from United Way Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa.
United Way Worldwide continues to mobilise communities to action so that all people can thrive. Staying true to its founding mission, the organisation responds wherever there is need, adopting a comprehensive approach to challenges—from strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security.
The “Stronger Together” convening is expected to serve as a catalyst for shaping the future of African-led philanthropy, reinforcing collaboration, and driving inclusive, sustainable development across the continent.