Build futures, not just clinics

By Nkosinathi Mahlangu, Youth Employment Specialist at Momentum Group Foundation

Africa is opening up new trade opportunities – but who gets to take part? If corporate social investment doesn’t evolve beyond charity, too many people and local economies will be left out of the picture

Africa is on the move. With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) starting to take shape, there’s growing hope about what trade within the continent could unlock: bigger markets, stronger local industries and more space for homegrown ideas to grow. But while the focus has been on roads, borders and trade rules, one important piece of the puzzle is still being overlooked: corporate social investment (CSI).

Too often, CSI gets boiled down to charity – food parcels, mobile clinics or once-off donations. These efforts matter, especially in times of crisis. But they’re not enough to help Africa keep up with the pace of change. If we want our economies to grow and work together, CSI has to move beyond short-term help and start building real, lasting economic foundations.

From short-term help to long-term readiness

In many parts of Africa, CSI is still treated like a tick-box exercise – something nice to do, but separate from the real business of a company. This mindset sticks round partly because the need is still so great. Charity feels urgent. But over time, it can create more dependence, especially where basic services are already failing. We end up treating symptoms instead of fixing what’s broken.

The truth is, CSI has already proven it can do more. Because it’s often more flexible than government or policy efforts, CSI has made it possible to test ideas, try new approaches and grow programmes that open doors for young people and small businesses. The next step is using that same drive and creativity to help support Africa’s bigger push toward working and trading together.

So what does a more impactful CSI approach actually look like? It starts with a shift from short-term relief to long-term readiness. Instead of just “helping the poor,” we need to give young people, women and entrepreneurs the tools to take part in growing, connected economies.

CSI isn’t charity. It’s strategy

We’ve seen this happen at the Momentum Group Foundation. Through our Women in Farming programme, we’ve supported young farmers who are now exporting their crops beyond South Africa. These aren’t feel-good outliers – they’re proof of what’s possible when CSI focuses on real opportunities like access to markets, mentorship and local supply chains.

Trade agreements may open doors, but without the right building blocks, including skills training, internet access and better transport, many will still be locked out. CSI can help fill those gaps by investing in what communities need to grow from the ground up.

Yes, real change takes time. It’s not always headline-grabbing. But companies don’t have to choose between doing good and showing results. When businesses work together, share resources and focus on long-term impact, every rand goes further.

And there’s a clear business case: the more communities are part of the economy, the bigger the customer base across every sector. This isn’t just about doing the right thing – it’s about building a future market.

A new role for business in Africa’s growth story

A better CSI approach doesn’t mean giving up on compassion. It means putting it to work on projects that last, policies that make a difference and networks that connect people across borders. Put simply, it’s time to stop building clinics in isolation and start building real economic strength. As companies compete, they also need to collaborate and help shape a fairer economy across the region. A united voice from business could help drive the kind of policy and partnership that makes that possible.

CSI has moved beyond handouts. Done right, it’s a powerful driver of change – and a crucial part of Africa’s trade story.