The Royal African Society Benefit Gala, with the theme “Honouring the Legacy, Shaping the Future – the Power of the Narrative”, will spotlight the work of the Royal African Society through our unique mandate, highlighting and celebrating organisations and individuals in Africa and the UK, across a variety of carefully selected and future-focused themes.

This Gala will not only be the place to be seen but will be an opportunity to be inspired by innovation and creativity as conduits for favourable change. At the Gala, the Royal African Society will recognise, applaud and share the outstanding contributions made by businesses, foundations, activists, creatives, and exemplary individuals on their communities and beyond.

Through this Benefit Gala we aim to raise funds for the Royal African Society’s 2025-2030 programme and establish new partnerships, unlocking potential to co-create a wide scope of activities in the future.

The 2024 Benefit Gala promises to be an inspiring and memorable event, bringing together visionaries, changemakers, and champions of progress to celebrate Africa’s achievements and chart a course for a brighter future. We will celebrate, network and invigorate our deep sense of community, resilience and leadership, thus realigning our shared sense of purpose and commitment to reshaping the narrative with Future Africa at its heart.

The Benefit Gala programme will feature an array of activities such as keynote speech, awards ceremony, silent and live bid auction curated by Royal African Society partners Sotheby’s and Artsy, closing the night off on a high with some spectacular cultural performances.

Here’s what to expect during the Benefit Gala:

Cocktail Reception: 5:30pm -7:00pm

Sit down dinner: 7:00pm -10:00pm

Keynote Address: “The Power of the Narrative” 

Highlight of RAS’s 2023-2024 programmatic achievements

Awards Presentations (presented dinner): 8:00pm -9:00pm

Categories include:

• Outstanding Leadership
• Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation
• Outstanding Activism & Social Impact
• Excellence in Business
• Excellence in Creativity & Innovation

 Live Auction: 9:00pm 9:30pm (to be held during the Benefit Gala)

Cultural Performances: 7:00pm – 11:00pm

Silent Auction: The Benefit Gala is also holding a silent auction which opens on 8th November 2024 (more details to be announced soon)

Partner with the Royal African Society and be part of this spectacular event through various sponsorship packages.

Download to view the sponsorship packages.

Please contact Uchechi Eke (Head of Fundraising & Operations) ue3@soas.ac.uk for more information on sponsorship packages.

Missed the 2022 Gala, watch this recap