African philanthropists Tsitsi Masiyiwa and Tanya Masiyiwa have unveiled And Still We Rise, a powerful new publication that brings together real stories of resilience, hope, and transformation shaped by African-led philanthropy.
Rooted in more than three decades of work across the continent, the book shifts the lens away from abstract discussions of development and instead focuses on the human impact of sustained investment in people. Through deeply personal accounts, And Still We Rise captures how access to education, healthcare, and opportunity has changed the trajectory of individuals, families, and entire communities.
At a time when conversations around philanthropy are often dominated by global narratives, the book offers a distinctly African perspective — one that centres local leadership, lived experience, and long-term commitment. It positions African-led giving not only as a response to challenges, but as a driving force in shaping the continent’s future.
“With And Still We Rise, we wanted to centre the voices of those who have lived these journeys. These are stories of resilience and possibility — of individuals who have not only overcome adversity, but are now leading change in their own communities. It’s a reminder that when you invest in people consistently and with purpose, the impact extends far beyond a single life,” says Tanya Masiyiwa.
The stories featured span a wide spectrum, from entrepreneurs and educators to healthcare workers and community leaders — many of whom began as beneficiaries and have since become catalysts for change. Together, they illustrate how belief, opportunity, and sustained support can unlock potential in ways that ripple across generations.
Inspired by the work of Higherlife Foundation, co-founded by Tsitsi Masiyiwa in 1996, the book reflects a long-standing commitment to human capital development across Africa. What began with a focus on education has grown into a broader mission to create pathways to opportunity — now reflected in the voices captured throughout the book.
“This book reflects what we have witnessed over many years — that meaningful impact is built through consistency, compassion, and a genuine belief in people. It is about dignity, about access, and about what becomes possible when individuals are given the opportunity to thrive. The stories in this book are a testament to the fact that African-led solutions can and do create lasting change,” adds Tsitsi Masiyiwa.
And Still We Rise marks the first in a planned series that will continue to document the evolving landscape of philanthropy and development across Africa. With its emphasis on storytelling and lived experience, the book serves as both a reflection and a call to action — inviting a reimagining of giving as something rooted in empathy, shared humanity, and long-term impact.
And Still We Rise is now available at Exclusive Books.
About Tanya
Elizabeth Tanya Masiyiwa is an African philanthropist, social entrepreneur, and education advocate. She is the President and CEO of Delta Philanthropies and the Higherlife Foundation, where she leads initiatives that expand access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities across Africa. She is also the founder of the edtech platform Akello and Simba Preparatory School in Zimbabwe, and serves on several global boards, including Harvard University’s Centre for African Studies and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
About Tsitsi
Tsitsi Masiyiwa is an African philanthropist and social entrepreneur with over 30 years of leadership experience. She co-founded Higherlife Foundation in 1996 to advance education, health, and sustainable livelihoods across Africa, and later established Delta Philanthropies to drive innovative, scalable solutions to poverty.
As Chair of both organisations, she serves on several global non-profit boards and is a trusted advisor to leaders and institutions. Her work focuses on empowering women, girls, and young people across the continent.
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