Nigeria’s AfriLabs Among Recipients of $8.5 Million Airbnb Community Fund Grant
In a significant boost for community development, Nigeria’s AfriLabs is among over 160 nonprofit organizations worldwide that will receive a share of more than $8.5 million (₦13 billion) from the Airbnb Community Fund. This initiative, launched in 2020 with a total commitment of $100 million (₦153 billion) by 2030, aims to directly support local communities and enhance their resilience through targeted funding.
The latest round of grants, announced by Airbnb, will benefit nonprofits across more than 30 countries, with a strong focus on initiatives that drive economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, and the fight against abuse and exploitation. Qhakaza Mohare, COO of Digify Africa, one of the recipients, expressed the impact of the fund, stating: “Airbnb’s generous donation has been instrumental in enabling us to expand our efforts in empowering young people with digital skills and opportunities. It allowed us to lay the foundation for our Marketplace initiative, connecting graduates to real-world opportunities and further supported the growth of our GP program. This contribution has had a ripple effect, enhancing our organisation’s capacity and creating pathways for sustainable impact in underserved communities.”
AfriLabs, a pan-African network dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs, plans to utilize its share of the funding to support innovation hubs and nurture high-potential entrepreneurs across the continent. By providing essential skills, funding, and connections, AfriLabs aims to stimulate economic growth and social development in Nigeria and beyond.
Other notable recipients of the fund include:
Digify Africa (South Africa), a youth-led organisation that aims to equip young people with vital digital skills, empowering them to thrive in the digital economy and contribute to entrepreneurship, employment, and sustainable development across Africa.
Children of Africa (Kenya), a charity focused on empowering underprivileged girls through vocational training and education.
Global Give Back Circle (Kenya), which supports vulnerable adolescent girls and young women, helping them become catalysts for positive change in their communities.
The selection process for the grants involved members of local Host Clubs—volunteer Airbnb hosts who nominated local, impactful nonprofit organizations. With nearly double the participation from last year, members from 85 Host Clubs across more than 30 countries played a crucial role in identifying and selecting organizations deserving of support.
Airbnb’s Community Fund has already distributed over $36 million (₦55 billion) in grants to nonprofit organizations in nearly 70 countries, emphasizing the importance of community involvement. For more information about the Airbnb Community Fund and its ongoing initiatives, visit the [Airbnb Community Fund website](https://www.airbnb.com/).
As these grants are distributed from July 2024 through early 2025, the potential for positive change in communities across Africa and beyond is immense, showcasing a commitment to building a more equitable future.