The Role of Philanthropy in Influencing Public Policy: The Case of Zimbabwe

Abstract

The main purpose of the paper is to identify the role of philanthropy in influencing public policy. Philanthropy in Zimbabwe varies from international foundations or donors, private companies, individuals in and outside the country and community-led networks/ alliances. The paper used desk study to gather and triangulate information from different authorities. The researcher had interviews with key informants directly involved in philanthropy and public policy. The main findings showed that to a greater extent philanthropy influences public policy in Zimbabwe by promoting the development of policies that encourage inclusion of the marginalised people and bottom-of-the-pyramid populations such as people with disabilities, poor, women and the elderly in development. The philanthropists including some that implements through local civil society organisations have influenced policies that promote transparency, accountability, open societies, economic growth, climate change and conservation, and free and fair access to social services such as health, education, and social welfare packages. The paper therefore highlights how the government of Zimbabwe has adopted and implemented policies that have been influenced by philanthropic actions through public resourcing, accepting technical expertise and sharing learning experiences. On the other hand, the paper critically analyses how philanthropy has failed to influence public policy due to various reasons that include lack of official information by non-state actors required to effectively engage with policymakers or technocrats, lack of trust between state and some civil society organisations that work in democratic space and lack of meaningful budgets to support longer-term issues needed to influence policy change. Lastly, the paper provides recommendations on how philanthropy and government can work together to influence public policy for the betterment of the world.