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As a Nigerian, it is a source of pride to rediscover through this research what the 2025 World Giving Report first brought to light: Nigeria stands out as one of the most generous countries in the world.
This year’s report goes further, providing deeper context on how much people give relative to what they have, and how deeply giving is embedded in everyday life. An interesting driver for this norm is religion, which functions as both a channel and a framework that defines why people give (please see sections five and six).
While Nigerians may not necessarily view themselves as particularly generous, evidence points to a strong culture of giving and solidarity. Nigerians are inherently communal, and patterns of giving are deeply rooted within families, among neighbours, and often without recognition. This strong sense of proximity to community and lived need helps explain why Nigerians tend to prioritise direct support to individuals and causes they know or can relate to, rather than formal organisations.
People are more confident in their giving when they can see and feel its impact. As such, the charities people support are often those within their communities or those recommended by trusted networks. By contrast, institutional channels are frequently approached with caution, particularly where transparency and accountability are unclear.
These findings surface interesting points of action for charities, those who give to them as well as informing how we at the African Philanthropy Forum (APF) engage in this space. We hope this report contributes to a deeper understanding of Nigeria’s giving culture and inspires new partnerships to unlock its full potential.
How often did you give money away in 2025, either to charity, a person or family in need, or to a religious organisation?
The average proportion of income people gave to each of the three donation routes, and overall.
What would you say are the main reasons that you gave / did not give money away in 2025?
Which cause(s) did you donate to / do unpaid voluntary work for in 2025?
Of the total value of your donations to charities in 2025, approximately how much went to each of the following?
To what extent, if at all, have charities had a positive or negative impact in your local community, or have they made no difference?
For the last charity that you gave money to, how did you first find out about them?
How trustworthy do you tend to find each of these types of charities?
How could charities encourage you to donate in 2026?
Of the xx% that did unpaid, voluntary work in 2025 that benefitted people other than their family or friends, how many shifts did they do?
Think about the opportunities you have to get involved in making positive changes to society (whether locally or further afield). Which best describes your perspective?
"The Government encourages people to give to charity." Do you...
African Philanthropy Forum (APF) is a vibrant community of partners who, through their strategic giving, investments, and influence, foster shared prosperity across the African continent. Established in 2014, APF works to build and strengthen a learning community of African philanthropists and social investors committed to advancing inclusive and sustainable development.
Leveraging its convening power, APF brings together philanthropists, funders, and social sector leaders to promote knowledge sharing, peer learning, and collaboration through high-level forums, research, and strategic engagement opportunities. The organization has also developed key thought leadership resources, including the Toolkit for African Philanthropists and the Why Give series, which highlight the motivations and practices of leading African givers. Through publications such as the World Giving Report, we also support high-impact research and publications.
Since its inception, APF has reached over 4,000 philanthropists, social investors, and stakeholders globally, while establishing a strong presence across 14 African countries through its convenings and initiatives. Through its work, APF continues to facilitate partnerships, amplify changemakers, and advance best practices in homegrown philanthropy.
African Philanthropy Forum (APF) is a vibrant community of partners who, through their strategic giving, investments, and influence, foster shared prosperity across the African continent. Established in 2014, APF works to build and strengthen a learning community of African philanthropists and social investors committed to advancing inclusive and sustainable development.
Leveraging its convening power, APF brings together philanthropists, funders, and social sector leaders to promote knowledge sharing, peer learning, and collaboration through high-level forums, research, and strategic engagement opportunities. The organization has also developed key thought leadership resources, including the Toolkit for African Philanthropists and the Why Give series, which highlight the motivations and practices of leading African givers. Through publications such as the World Giving Report, we also support high-impact research and publications.
Since its inception, APF has reached over 4,000 philanthropists, social investors, and stakeholders globally, while establishing a strong presence across 14 African countries through its convenings and initiatives. Through its work, APF continues to facilitate partnerships, amplify changemakers, and advance best practices in homegrown philanthropy.
