The act of giving is an age-old tradition in Africa, and recent economic gains have fuelled a philanthropy boom on the continent. But while philanthropic funding from the developing world is a staple for research activity in Africa, home-grown givers have yet to channel their money towards research. This may yet change. African policymakers are working on an African science and technology fund supported by gifts from the continent’s businesses. But progress on the initiative has been slow, and some experts think that a lack of science and technology funding from the country’s government is holding back development.