Girls Activist Youth Organisation (GAYO) is proud to announce that our Executive Director is participating in The Next Beat, a landmark pan-African conference that brings together some of the continent’s most influential voices in philanthropy, community development, and social innovation.
The gathering marks an important milestone as it celebrates 20 years of supporting African-led organizations while looking ahead to the future of locally led development. More than 700 participants including nonprofit leaders, funders, policymakers, social entrepreneurs, and development practitioners from across Sub-Saharan Africa have come together to explore how development partnerships can become more equitable, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of local communities.
Championing Locally Led Development
For GAYO, participating in The Next Beat is more than attending a conference it is an opportunity to contribute to a growing movement that recognizes local organizations as the driving force behind sustainable development.
The conference promotes trust-based philanthropy, encouraging funding models that place greater confidence in local organizations, strengthen community ownership, and shift decision-making closer to the communities creating lasting change.
As an organization dedicated to advancing the rights, leadership, and empowerment of girls and young people in Malawi, GAYO believes that communities are best positioned to identify their own challenges and develop solutions that are sustainable, inclusive, and impactful.
The theme, “The Next Beat,” symbolizes the next chapter of African-led innovation and community-driven transformation. While reflecting on two decades of progress, participants are exploring how philanthropy, partnerships, and development systems can evolve to better support locally led initiatives.
Key discussions throughout the conference focus on:
- Locally led development and leadership
- Trust-based and equitable funding models
- Partnerships between donors and grassroots organizations
- Social innovation
- Community resilience
- Youth leadership and entrepreneurship
- Climate action, health, education, and sustainable livelihoods
- Scaling African solutions to African challenges
Learning, Sharing, and Building Partnerships
The conference features interactive workshops, panel discussions, storytelling sessions, and collaborative networking opportunities designed to encourage knowledge sharing across the continent.
Networking spaces such as The Village Square provide an opportunity for founders, funders, and development partners to build meaningful relationships and identify new avenues for collaboration beyond the formal conference sessions.
Participants are also recognizing excellence through the annual Segal Awards, celebrating African organizations that continue to create transformative impact within their communities.
The event brings together leaders from more than 350 African-led organizations representing over 20 African countries, alongside international philanthropic organizations, policymakers, and renowned changemakers. Featured speakers include Vusi Thembekwayo, Isabelle Kamariza, Tonee Ndungu, Julius Mbura, and Doris Mollel, among many others who are helping shape Africa’s development future.
Our Executive Director’s participation reflects GAYO’s commitment to learning from fellow African leaders, sharing our experiences from Malawi, and building partnerships that strengthen our work with girls, young women, and communities.
At a time when international development is shifting toward greater local ownership, The Next Beat reinforces an important message: sustainable impact is achieved when local organizations are trusted, adequately resourced, and empowered to lead.
The knowledge, partnerships, and inspiration gained through this conference will further strengthen GAYO’s efforts to champion gender equality, youth leadership, community resilience, and inclusive development across Malawi.
As we continue our journey, GAYO remains committed to ensuring that girls and young people are not only beneficiaries of development but active leaders in creating the future they envision.
