The African Philanthropy Forum (APF), in partnership with the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), has unveiled the Nigeria chapter of the World Giving Report 2025, spotlighting Nigeria’s exceptional culture of generosity.
According to the findings, Nigeria leads the world in several key indicators of charitable giving:
- Highest donation rate: 89% of Nigerians donated money in 2024 – the largest proportion globally.
- Largest share of income given: Nigerians donated an average of 2.83% of their income, ranking first worldwide.
- Volunteer commitment: Nigerians volunteered an average of 13.5 hours per person, far exceeding the global average of ~9 hours.
These results not only underscore Nigeria’s leadership in global giving but also reflect a broader African trend, with the continent consistently outperforming global averages in philanthropy.
Why Nigerians Give
Charitable giving in Nigeria is deeply rooted in religion, culture, and strong communal ties. Many Nigerians consider helping others a moral and social obligation, whether through tithing, zakat, church donations, or community support. Unlike in some societies where philanthropy is tied to wealth, giving in Nigeria often stems from solidarity and responsibility to family and community.
Interestingly, despite ranking #1 globally, Nigerians perceive themselves as only the 22nd most generous nation. This gap between reality and perception reflects how ingrained generosity is in Nigerian life—it is seen as normal, not extraordinary.
Broader Impact
The Nigeria report, part of CAF’s World Giving Index, provides key insights for nonprofits, donors, and policymakers on how to sustain and expand this culture of giving. By tapping into these motivations, stakeholders can foster even greater impact across communities.
To read more, explore the Nigeria Giving Report 2025 and the full World Giving Index 2025 on the African Philanthropy website.
Together, these findings celebrate Nigeria’s generosity and inspire conversations on strengthening the spirit of philanthropy across Africa and beyond.