Over the coming months, we’ll share key highlights from each chapter, starting with this overview by Neil Hart, Mergon’s Executive Director of Grantmaking. This summary provides a clear framework for engaging with the full report, which you can download below.

Introducing the Awakening Africa Report: Insights for Kingdom mobilisation

Africa is our passion. It is a continent of extraordinary resilience, deep faith, and unparalleled kingdom potential. Its leaders are among the most sacrificial and servant-hearted in the world, willing to go anywhere with limited resources for the sake of the gospel. With the youngest population globally and the fastest-growing Christian presence, Africa stands at a critical juncture—one that could shape the future of world evangelisation over the next century.

Yet, despite its promise, Africa is often misunderstood and perceptions of poverty and struggle still dominate the narrative. This is a land of untapped potential—home to 65% of the world’s arable land, vast natural resources, and a rapidly urbanising population poised to lead in the fourth industrial revolution. But alongside these strengths are immense challenges: widespread food insecurity, millions of untrained pastors leading growing congregations, and over 420 million people in unreached people groups who have yet to hear the gospel.

So why this report?

We have worked across this continent for many years, partnering with hundreds of organisations who do incredible work towards the mission of God. As a learning organisation we have gained valuable perspectives. But there is a dearth of good knowledge sharing and no report that enables learning on a continent-level relating to kingdom work. Our hope is to contribute on this level, and to stimulate further conversations and research that will lead to a wider, collaborative ministry environment.

This is not an academic paper, but a collaborative kingdom report—offering experience-based insights, practical recommendations, and a fresh perspective on Africa’s role in global missions. We partnered with ministry leaders, theologians, researchers, and resource partners who deeply love Jesus and understand the realities of ministry on the ground.

We also trust that this report will become a valuable asset to serve the funding community investing into Africa. That, as stewards of kingdom resources, it will enable us to ask the right questions—inviting us to stay curious and to embrace all that’s possible for this beautiful, diverse continent.

A glimpse of what’s inside the report:

• • Empowering Africa’s youth: With more than 60% of its population under 25, Africa’s youth will be instrumental in shaping the church and society in the coming decades.
  • Women as catalysts for change: Providing education and economic access to women has a multiplier effect on families, churches, and entire communities.
    
  • Christ-centred leadership: Africa’s leaders must be equipped not only with theological depth but also with cultural insight and a global perspective.
  • Strengthening the church through healthy leadership: Supporting pastors and ensuring they are biblically grounded is key to sustaining long-term ministry and societal impact.
  • A new approach to missions: The traditional Western missionary model is shifting. Indigenous, locally-led ministries are having the greatest impact, bringing the gospel into hard places with remarkable effectiveness.
  • Healing from generational trauma: Africa’s historical wounds—marked by colonialism, conflict, and systemic inequality—have deeply shaped its people. For many, trauma impacts not only daily life but also how they receive and live out the gospel. Ministry approaches must consider the deep need for healing and restoration, ensuring that evangelism is accompanied by holistic care.
  • The impact of Western funding: How well-intended financial support can either strengthen or undermine ministry efforts in Africa—and what responsible, informed giving looks like.

At the heart of this report lies a call to action—a challenge to reconsider Africa as a powerful agent for global transformation. For too long, short-term thinking has shaped our approach to ministry and funding. Lasting change requires us to think generationally and build sustainably.

As you read this report, we hope it stirs your heart to engage with Africa in a way that’s informed, relational, and collaborative. This is more than a report; it is a catalyst for deeper dialogue, greater understanding, and intentional action. Let us build environments that not only honour God but also set the stage for flourishing communities that will endure for generations to come.

We invite you to join the conversation

We invite you deeper into the story of Africa through the lens of this report. Please use it, share it, and add to it. Our great joy is to take hands together for the glory of God in the earth today. Together, we can sow seeds of vision and leadership that will shape Africa for the next 100 years and beyond. Download the Awakening Africa Report now.