African philanthropists Tsitsi Masiyiwa and Tanya Masiyiwa have come together to launch And Still We Rise, a compelling new book that captures the transformative impact of African-led giving through deeply personal, real-life stories.
Spanning over three decades of work across the continent, And Still We Rise offers a powerful reflection on resilience, compassion, and the long-term impact of investing in people. Rather than focusing on policy or theory, the book brings to life the lived experiences of individuals and communities whose lives have been shaped by access to education, healthcare, and opportunity.
At its core, the book tells a distinctly African story — one that challenges traditional narratives of philanthropy. It highlights how locally driven solutions are not only addressing Africa’s challenges but are actively reshaping the future of development across the continent.
“With And Still We Rise, we wanted to move beyond reports and headlines, and centre the voices of the people whose lives have been shaped by access to opportunity. These are stories of resilience, ambition, and leadership. Individuals who began as beneficiaries and are now driving change within their own communities. This book is a reminder that when investment in people is sustained and locally driven, the impact does not end with one life, it ripples outward, transforming families, communities, and ultimately, the future of the continent,” says Tanya Masiyiwa.
From entrepreneurs and educators to health professionals and community leaders, the stories featured are told by those who have lived them — many of whom began as beneficiaries and have gone on to lead change in their own communities. Through these voices, the book makes a powerful case: that meaningful, lasting impact is built through belief, consistency, and a shared commitment to uplift others.
The book is inspired by the journey of Higherlife Foundation, co-founded by Tsitsi Masiyiwa in 1996, which began with a simple but powerful belief — that education can change the trajectory of a life. Decades later, that belief has translated into thousands of success stories across Africa, forming the foundation of this publication.
“For over three decades, we have witnessed what becomes possible when you invest in people consistently, intentionally, and with compassion. This book is not just about philanthropy, it is about dignity, access, and the life-changing power of opportunity. At its core, And Still We Rise reflects a simple but profound truth: when you believe in someone long enough, they begin to believe in themselves. The stories captured in these pages are not exceptions, they are evidence that African-led solutions can create lasting, generational impact,” adds Tsitsi Masiyiwa.
And Still We Rise is the first in a planned series documenting the evolution of philanthropy and development on the continent, positioning African-led impact as both a model and a movement.
With its deeply human storytelling and thought-provoking perspective, the book serves as both a tribute to everyday resilience and a call to reimagine what giving can look like — rooted not in wealth, but in empathy, purpose, and long-term commitment.
And Still We Rise is now available at Exclusive Books.
