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Pharo Foundation is a mission-driven, impact-oriented organization that designs, funds, and operates economic development programmes toward a vibrant, productive, and self-reliant Africa. The foundation focuses on three core missions: education, water, and productivity, operating primarily in the Horn of Africa including Ethiopia, Somaliland, Rwanda, and Kenya.
Distinguished as a privately funded organization, Pharo Foundation combines sustainable ventures with non-profit projects, prioritizing problem-solving, research, and economic empowerment. In 2019, the foundation expanded its approach by adding a commercial arm called Pharo Ventures, which operates for-profit social enterprises to complement its non-profit activities and create sustainable impact across the continent.
Pharo Foundation employs a multifaceted approach combining evidence-based development projects with commercial ventures to create systemic, sustainable change across Africa. The organization prioritizes interventions with the highest benefit-to-cost ratios, focusing on building fixed assets like schools and dams while creating self-sustaining solutions.
Their strategy emphasizes cooperation with multiple development partners to achieve society-wide impact and scale, moving beyond traditional philanthropy toward sustainable economic empowerment.
Evidence-Based Impact
Conducts thorough research to select solutions with the highest benefit-to-cost ratios and measures effectiveness through dedicated Research & Evaluation teams.
Systemic Change Focus
Creates society-wide impact by building fixed assets and cooperating with multiple development partners to address complex development challenges.
Hybrid Funding Model
Combines non-profit projects with for-profit social enterprises through Pharo Ventures to ensure sustainable, self-reliant development solutions.
Regional Expertise
Deep operational experience across Horn of Africa with established programmes in Ethiopia, Somaliland, Rwanda, and Kenya over 12 years.
Sectors
Focus areas