Oppenheimers Shut Down Brenthurst Foundation, Pivot Focus to Africa’s Future

Think Tank’s Economic Leadership Era Concludes as Family Explores New Development Avenues

The influential Brenthurst Foundation, a prominent voice in African economic thought leadership since its 2004 inception, has ceased operations. The Oppenheimer family, its founders, are redirecting their philanthropic efforts to explore novel approaches for supporting the continent’s development.

Shifting Development Strategies

Established by the Oppenheimer family, the Johannesburg-based think-tank aimed to spearhead Africa’s economic growth. It pursued this mission by fostering robust debate, cultivating innovative ideas, and offering practical policy recommendations, building on the 2003 Brenthurst Initiative.

For instance, in 2023, Africa’s combined GDP reached an estimated $3.1 trillion, a testament to the continent’s growing economic significance (Source: World Bank, 2024). The foundation’s closure marks a significant moment in the landscape of African development advocacy.

Legacy of Economic Thought

The foundation was at the forefront of economic thought leadership in Africa. Its work sought to empower the continent through informed policy and strategic dialogue, contributing to critical conversations surrounding economic expansion and governance across various African nations.