Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex Philanthropy Footprint in Africa
In recent years, Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, have demonstrated a profound commitment to humanitarian service and sustainable development across the African continent. Their philanthropic efforts have spanned multiple countries, focusing on various CSR and sustainability initiatives that address pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. As they prepare for an anticipated visit to Nigeria—a country with which Meghan has personal ties—their impactful work in Africa serves as a testament to their dedication to global welfare and equity.
Botswana: Conservation and Community Development
Botswana holds a special place in Prince Harry’s heart, as he has frequently visited the country since his youth. The couple’s efforts here have focused on wildlife conservation and community development. Through the partnership with Elephants Without Borders, they have supported crucial research and protection initiatives for elephants. “This continent has given me the space and the freedom to be myself since I was a young boy,” Harry once shared, emphasizing the personal and philanthropic significance of their work in Botswana.
South Africa: Gender Equality and Education
In South Africa, Prince Harry and Meghan’s CSR initiatives have concentrated on promoting gender equality and education. During their visit in 2019, they met with organizations like Waves for Change, which supports mental health for youth through surfing, and the Justice Desk, which educates children about their rights and provides self-defense classes. Meghan highlighted the importance of these efforts, stating, “While I am here with my husband as a member of the Royal Family, I am here with you as a woman of color and as your sister.”
Malawi: Healthcare and Empowerment
Malawi has benefitted from the Sussexes’ focus on healthcare and women’s empowerment. They visited the Mauwa Health Centre, which is supported by the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, and engaged with female students and teachers. Their work in Malawi emphasizes improving healthcare infrastructure and empowering women through education and resources. “Community is everything here, and we can see the tangible difference it makes in people’s lives,” Meghan remarked during their visit.
Angola: Landmine Clearance and Healthcare
Angola is a significant location in Prince Harry’s philanthropic journey, echoing the footsteps of his mother, Princess Diana. Harry has been instrumental in supporting landmine clearance efforts through the HALO Trust. This initiative not only makes land safe for local communities but also allows for the development of agriculture and infrastructure. “We cannot turn our backs on Angola,” Harry asserted, underlining the crucial role of sustainable development in post-conflict regions.
Lesotho: Children’s Welfare and HIV/AIDS Awareness
In Lesotho, Prince Harry co-founded Sentebale with Prince Seeiso, focusing on the welfare of children and young people affected by HIV/AIDS. The charity supports local organizations that provide education, psychosocial support, and health services to the most vulnerable. “Sentebale has a vision to support many of these children to lead healthy and productive lives,” Harry stated, underscoring the importance of holistic care and sustainable community support.
Visit to Nigeria: Expanding Their Humanitarian Footprint
Prince Harry and Meghan’s visit to Nigeria was eagerly anticipated. The visit, reportedly at the invitation of the Nigerian Chief of Defense Staff, furthered their mission of humanitarian service. With Meghan’s ancestral ties to Nigeria, this visit held personal significance and highlighted issues such as education, women’s empowerment, and health. during their visit, the royals met with Save the Children staff in the Nigerian capital of Abuja, on May 10, the first stop of their three-day stay. CSR Reporters recalls that in 2022, Prince Harry and Meghan’s non-profit organization, the Archewell Foundation, donated funds to Save the Children for the humanitarian flood response in Nigeria. ust two years prior, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex marked their son Archie’s first birthday by releasing a short film that showed Meghan reading him one of his favorite books, Duck! Rabbit!, to support Save the Children’s Save With Stories initiative, aimed at helping children hardest hit by the Covid-19 crisis. Save the Children CEO, Gemma Sherrington added, “Child Champions and Youth Ambassadors are the beating heart of our work in Nigeria so for two of them to have this opportunity to speak with Prince Harry and Meghan, and to shine a spotlight on their tireless advocacy to protect the rights of children, is phenomenal.
As the world watches their journey, the Sussexes’ dedication to CSR and sustainability initiatives across Africa continues to inspire and drive change. Their hands-on approach and genuine commitment serve as powerful examples of how influential figures can contribute to global development and equity. In the words of Meghan, “We are all interconnected, and our individual actions have a ripple effect on the world around us.” Their work in Africa exemplifies this philosophy, showcasing the profound impact of compassion and action.
