Value of global non-profit organisations in solving the 21st-century challenges and leadership development in Africa

Abstract

This study analysed tenets and general characteristics of international service-based non-profit organisations (NPOs) that play a part in addressing 21st-century challenges and leadership development (LD) in Africa. The aim of the study was to analyse the attributes of the NPOs and to investigate their contribution to addressing challenges faced in Africa. The study also aimed to analyse the contribution of the NPOs to LD on the continent. The study focused on NPOs that had a presence in Africa. Data were collected from 13 international service-based NPOs that were randomly selected from the Union of International Associations. Results revealed that NPOs had tenets that focused on making a positive impact on communities. A total of 15 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were addressed by the NPOs that were studied. The NPOs also had LD in their activities. Experiential learning and mentorship were integral components of the NPOs. Experiential learning and mentorship, which characterised LD in these organisations, were observed to be aligned with the leadership needs of the 21st century. This research concluded that international service-based NPOs contributed to solving global problems in Africa through addressing SDGs, as well as presented LD that was relevant to the 21st century, such as the development of citizen and moral leadership skills. This research recommends comprehensive analyses of the efficacy and power dynamics of NPOs, in order to contribute to the body of knowledge of these organisations in Africa.
Transdisciplinary Contribution: The research sought to close the gap on the paucity of knowledge on the transdisciplinary contribution of international service-based NPOs in addressing contemporary global issues across several disciplines. Through their activities, international service-based NPOs had transdisciplinary contributions in solving global issues in environmental, socio-political, socio-economic, sustainable development and LD disciplines.