International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development
Driving social change through volunteerism in Africa
Volunteerism in Africa has long been embedded in cultural traditions of solidarity, mutual aid, and communal responsibility. From community cleanups to supporting neighbours in times of need, Africans have historically relied on informal networks of support to address social challenges. Today, this spirit of volunteerism is taking on new forms, gaining visibility, and shaping national and continental development strategies.
Recent data from the African Union Commission (AUC) highlights that volunteerism is now a widespread social force across the continent. Traditional forms of volunteering remain strong, particularly in rural and semi-urban communities where communal activities continue to thrive. At the same time, modern volunteerism, particularly among youth, is expanding rapidly. Approximately 74% of documented volunteers in Africa are young people, with women making up roughly half of this group. This percentage represents a significant generational shift, positioning volunteerism as a key avenue for youth agency, leadership, and social engagement.
The scale and economic value of volunteer work in Africa are remarkable. The AUC report estimates that volunteers contribute approximately 71 million hours annually, which translates to a conservative value of over US$353 million. Across the continent, volunteer assignments, whether in education, healthcare, environmental conservation, or social entrepreneurship, are becoming increasingly structured while retaining strong roots in community-led initiatives. Digital platforms and social media are further expanding the reach of volunteerism, allowing youth-led campaigns and micro-volunteering initiatives to flourish in urban and semi-urban areas.
Organisations such as CorpsAfrica exemplify this emerging model, supporting locally led volunteer projects that impact millions of people. By prioritising community ownership, these initiatives are shifting volunteerism away from reliance on external actors and creating sustainable, locally anchored solutions. A growing policy recognition at national and continental levels complements this trend. Across Africa, 28 national volunteer programmes, 17 laws, and several strategies are emerging to formally support and recognise volunteer efforts. The AUC emphasises the potential of volunteerism to contribute to continental aspirations, including Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Despite these promising trends, several challenges remain. A significant portion of volunteer work is informal and under-reported, meaning its full value is often overlooked in economic and policy planning. The integration of volunteerism into national development strategies remains uneven, and many initiatives struggle with financial and logistical sustainability. Volunteers frequently bear the costs of their engagement, and formal recognition or career pathways for volunteers remain limited. Data gaps further hinder the ability to track contributions, evaluate impact, and scale initiatives effectively.
Nonetheless, this evolving landscape of volunteerism in Africa presents exciting opportunities. Youth and women are increasingly leading initiatives, digital and micro-volunteering is expanding, and community-led models are proving highly effective. These trends suggest that volunteerism can serve as a powerful lever for social and economic development, provided it is supported with enabling policies, resources, and institutional frameworks. Governments, regional bodies, and civil society organisations must prioritise recognition, integration, and investment in volunteerism to harness its full potential.
At the individual level, volunteerism remains a practical avenue for civic engagement, skill development, and social impact. For communities and nations, it represents a vital, yet often undervalued, resource that can accelerate progress in health, education, climate resilience, and social cohesion. With strategic support and recognition, volunteerism in Africa has the potential to become a transformative force, shaping both present and future development trajectories across the continent.
