Rising from the depths of the global financial crisis, Africa’s richest are faring well. Among them is a breed of “billionaire philanthropist” – men and women who want to give back to their communities like never before. Philanthropy is alive and well on the continent, with those who made fortunes through their own business pursuits donating millions of dollars to disaster relief, education and young entrepreneurs. Africa’s new super-rich are going beyond just shelling out money for causes: their philanthropic pursuits are aiming to change the way Africans live.

Traditionally, the majority of the wealthy in Africa made their millions (and billions) through their connections to, or influence in, government. But with more self-starters now in the wealthy pack, according to the African Grantmakers Network there is more “credible potential” for philanthropy. People such as Ugandan tycoon, Ashish Thakkar, see the need and value in giving back. Thakkar’s entrepreneurial spirit emerged at age 15, when he began a small business selling computers. Now aged 32, he is CEO of the Mara Group, a conglomerate with some $100 million in revenue each year. Thakkar wishes to “pay it forward” by setting up mentorship programmes for young entrepreneurs to launch their careers. “This is why I am now so passionate about supporting and developing other entrepreneurs,” he says. “I feel like my development now lies in helping others to grow, be the best they can be, and avoid making the same mistakes I made.”…