Where Can I Volunteer in Africa to Support Local Community Development?

Africa is the second largest continent, covering almost one fifth of the total land surface of the world, which means there are numerous opportunities to explore volunteer destinations in Africa. Here is a list of destinations where we offer community projects in Africa: South Africa Zambia Tanzania Zanzibar Kenya

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Community Volunteer Projects in Africa

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Do You Want to Create an Impact in the Community?

Africa’s diverse communities face daily challenges due to poverty and limited resources. At African Impact, we address these issues through our community volunteer opportunities. Our projects focus on building strong foundations for sustainable development, offering a chance to make a real difference.

Our community volunteering initiatives are perfect for those passionate about working with people and creating positive change. As a community volunteer, you’ll immerse yourself in local neighbourhoods, collaborating directly with residents on impactful projects. From education and healthcare to skills development, our opportunities cover vital areas of community development.

Join like-minded individuals in these transformative experiences, where you’ll contribute to community growth while gaining invaluable cultural insights. Whether teaching, building, or supporting local initiatives, your efforts as a community volunteer will help shape brighter futures for communities across Africa.

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Our Impact On Communities in Africa

Across our bases in South Africa, Zambia and Zanzibar, our teams on the ground are committed to supporting the above Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SDGS

Why Volunteer On Community Volunteer Projects With African Impact?

Here are some top highlights from our Community Volunteer projects.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Uncover new skills and industry insights, whilst doing meaningful work on projects.

DESIGN YOUR OWN CURRICULUM

Put your passion into action with input into Teaching and Sport curriculums.

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE

Painting classrooms, making Ecobricks, or assisting classroom teachers, it’s time to get hands-on!

BUILD RELATIONSHIPS

Immerse yourself in the culture of the area and build connections with locals.

STUNNING TERRAINS

Always in close proximity to something mesmerizing in Africa’s beautiful landscape.

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE

Painting classrooms, making Ecobricks, or assisting classroom teachers, it’s time to get hands-on!

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Uncover new skills and industry insights, whilst doing meaningful work on projects to help the community.

DESIGN YOUR OWN CURRICULUM

Put your passion into action with input into Teaching and Sport curriculums.

BUILD RELATIONSHIPS

At your volunteer placement, immerse yourself in the culture of the area and build connections with locals.

STUNNING TERRAINS

Whether you’re in East Africa or Southern Africa, you’re always in close proximity to something mesmerizing in the beauty of Africa’s landscape.

Community Volunteer Project Impact Areas

These are the various areas within our Community volunteer projects you can specialise in.

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Teaching

Join us on a life-changing adventure as a teaching volunteer in Africa! Explore the rich cultures of South Africa, Zambia, or Zanzibar while making a positive impact through education. As a volunteer teacher, your efforts will contribute to sustainable education initiatives.

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COMMUNITY

Medical & Healthcare

Discover our dynamic healthcare volunteer projects in Africa and make a difference in the lives of those in need. Experience the thrill of providing vital support to under-resourced and understaffed clinics in Zambia or Kenya.

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COMMUNITY

NGO Photography

Improve your visual storytelling skills by supporting NGOs through photography, while benefiting grassroots organizations in Africa.

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COMMUNITY

Sports

Passionate about coaching and taking sports to children? Sports can be a fun and effective way to boost children’s health and teach important life lessons, but in many African communities, the options for learning sports are limited.

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COMMUNITY

Gender Equality

Join us in Livingstone, Zambia, and become part of an inspiring program that provides girls and women with useful tools to reduce the prevailing gender gap.

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COMMUNITY

NGO Photography

Are you a keen photographer with a desire to make an impact? Join an NGO (non-governmental organization) photography project and gain hands-on experience with local communities.

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Why Choose Community Volunteer Projects With African Impact

Every beginning of a new journey into the unknown is a determining factor to the outcome, and with us, you’ll be guided every step of the way! From the get-go, our goal is to offer volunteer community projects in Africa that are unique to your selected placement location and structured around how to cater to the most immediate needs within the region. We make sure we look at the bigger picture, but also have a focus on people, infrastructure and conservation. We carefully select and negotiate with local groups in areas where we believe we can make a sustainable impact on the community.

And that’s only half of the important work we do! In addition to our community volunteer projects, you can also explore tailored divisions of high impact, such as the Female Empowerment Project. At African Impact, the importance of volunteering never goes unnoticed, and we can attest to the success of responsible volunteering in Africa for more than a decade.

Browse All Community Volunteering Projects

SEARCH FOR A PROJECT

Improving the quality of life for those in under-resourced communities is one of the many benefits of volunteering in community development in Africa. Find the volunteer project that is right for you, whether it is to get involved in teaching English, coaching sports or working alongside healthcare professionals.

Medical Volunteering in Kenya

Kenya Medical and Healthcare

Female Empowerment Volunteer Project in Zambia

Zambia Gender Equality

A volunteer teacher instructing a student

Teaching & Community Development Volunteer Project in Zambia

Zambia Teaching

Smiling woman with schoolchildren, all in festive Christmas hats.

Christmas Volunteer Project in Zambia

Zambia Teaching

Children and an instructor actively participating in an outdoor exercise.

Sports Coach Volunteering in Cape Town

South Africa (Cape Town) Sports

Medical volunteer assisting a patient in Cape Town hospice

Hospice & Medical Volunteering in Cape Town

South Africa (Cape Town) Medical and Healthcare

healthcare worker checking an elderly's blood pressure

Public Healthcare Volunteer Project in Zambia

Zambia Medical and Healthcare

children and volunteers playing football on the field

Sports Volunteering Program in Zambia

Zambia Sports

a man teaching a young girl while writing on a paper

Community School Volunteering in Cape Town

South Africa (Cape Town) Teaching

a volunteer showing a photo to young kids on her camera

Nonprofit Photography Project in South Africa

South Africa (Cape Town) NGO Photography

a group of volunteers with young children in a classroom

Teaching & Adult Literacy Volunteering in Zanzibar

Zanzibar Teaching

Need Guidance? Start Here

Are you unsure where to start, or would prefer to speak with one of our team members? Just answer a few questions and we’ll find something suitable together.

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Africa Highlights: Meet Our Favourite Continent

Culture & Lifestyle

From South Africa to Kenya, the cultural roots in Africa run deep. There’s an amazing amount to learn if you are open and respectful to these values and beliefs while volunteering. Additionally, life in many African countries moves at a slower pace, it’s a great chance to unwind and experience a different pace of life.

Language

African nations boast over 2000 different languages, each with its own local dialects. This can seem daunting, but it’s all part of the experience. Embrace the unfamiliar and challenge yourself to communicate in new ways. Who knows, you might even learn a new language or a few phrases!

Locations

From its rolling hills and verdant forests to its sun-kissed beaches and crystal-clear waters, the continent is a feast for the eyes. A visit to Africa is a chance to experience nature at its finest. The breathtaking beauty of Africa’s landscape is sure to leave a lasting impression. Our volunteer projects in Africa will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in traditional life and witness a side of Africa that few get to see.

Weather

Africa’s climate is a tapestry of extremes, from scorching deserts to lush equatorial jungles. Coastal regions bask in year-round warmth, while the continent’s heart pulses with dramatic seasonal shifts – sizzling summers giving way to crisp winters. This rich mosaic of weather and terrain promises an adventure for every traveler, whether you seek sun-soaked beaches, misty mountains, or vast savannas teeming with wildlife.

Wildlife

The continent’s various ecosystems, ranging from savannas and deserts to wetlands and forests, provide habitats for a vast array of species, making it a prime destination for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts. African wildlife is renowned for its incredible diversity and abundance of species. A visit to Africa promises unforgettable experiences and encounters with some of the most awe-inspiring animals on the planet.

Safety

Our community projects are fully committed to safeguarding our volunteers, staff, the communities we work in, and the environment. Our bases are secure with security staff patrolling 24/7, and our team members are trained in various Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) competencies.

All vehicles are well-maintained at prescribed intervals, and our drivers possess valid licenses and are knowledgeable about safe routes.

We have policies and procedures designed to protect everyone involved, including a child protection policy that extends to our underage participants and the children in the communities we serve. Upon arrival, you will be inducted by our trained staff on these policies, procedures, and our code of conduct to ensure you understand how to keep yourself safe and informed.

Recent Community Volunteer Project Reviews

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Sarah Vahle, 42, United StatesPublic Health & Community Development Zambia
“I have had the most amazing experience with African Impact. From the staff, the other volunteers, the locals, everything about this place is magical. I was part of the medical team doing home based care and it was some of the most rewarding work I have done. In the afternoons I helped out with the reading club or the health club and the kids here in the schools are so eager to learn and absolutely lovely. In my spare time the activities that you can do around are abundant. I went on the safari in Chobe, Victoria falls, did karaoke at one of the local bars and so much more. I will never forget the connections I made with some of the most beautiful humans I have met. Zukomo!!”

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Katie McNutt, 21, ScotlandTeaching & Community Support in Zanzibar
“Volunteering and teaching in Zanzibar has been an amazing experience, filled with the joy of making a real impact. Working with both the children and adults in this wonderful community has been incredibly rewarding – their enthusiasm for learning and genuine kindness are heartening. What sets this experience apart is not just the meaningful work within the project but also the exceptional staff who have made this journey seamless. Their dedication to catering to our needs, both inside and outside the project, has been amazing. Beyond the teaching, the opportunities to explore and connect outside the project have been key in forming friendships that will last forever. From the occasional dinner on the beach, to movie night, and trips together around the island. I have loved every moment! I can genuinely say that this volunteering experience in Zanzibar have been up there with the best 4 weeks of my life and I hope that one day I can return. I will leave with memories to last a lifetime. Thanks to everyone who works for this amazing company!”

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Shaun Salter, 33, UKTeaching & Community Development Volunteer Zambia
“We volunteered at African Impact at the end of a big trip to Africa. In our 2 weeks of volunteering it felt like we saw so much more of Africa, whilst doing our best to support their causes in just a short time. Everyone at AI is very welcoming and friendly - the staff are always available to check how things are going and if you are happy with what you are doing on your projects. The whole experience was very eye-opening and difficult at times to digest how hard life is for some people in Zambia, but I hope that our contribution will help the local communities and schools in some way. We are very glad that we volunteered at African Impact and would absolutely recommend to anyone that would like to support important causes in Zambia whilst also getting a real insight into day-to-day life there.”

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Hannah King, 23, AustraliaEarly Childhood Development in Cape Town, South Africa
“I found that this was a really incredible way to experience the communities of Cape Town up close and personal. I’m so glad I decided to do this instead of touring. I met some really great people at the volunteer program who I believe I will stay in touch with, and I saw a side of Cape Town I wouldn’t have seen otherwise. This was well worth it and my only regret was not booking my trip for longer.”

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Ranya Derrick, 30 UKHospital & Clinic Support in Kenya
“I feel so blessed to have come to Kenya! I felt safe and the on-site facilities were top notch. Being a Dr in The UK I wanted to challenge myself, how to practice with fewer resources, become more confident in my clinical ability and reignite my passion for medicine. I wanted an opportunity to give back. All those boxes were ticked and in fact, it exceeded these expectations. I left with new friends, new confidence clinically and personally and immense pride that I ACTUALLY DID IT! Looking after patients, being a birth partner, leading a medical unit in the community, seeing patients in the GP clinic - things I couldn’t have imagined I would do! African impact strike the best balance between work and play. We had plenty of time to immerse ourselves and explore the beautiful country of Kenya and have the best experiences! I would recommend this experience in a heartbeat!”

Community Volunteer Project News and Posts

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Community

5 Benefits of Community Volunteering in Africa

January 12, 202418 min

An playful moment from a practical internship in Moshi, Tanzania with African Impact.

African Impact and Home From Home partner on special initiative

June 7, 202220 min

Three elephants walking in a line, each closely following each other.

Miss Great Britain: a Wildlife Conservation and Community Volunteer

February 1, 201913 min

Endangered-black-rhino-elephant-conservation-volunteer-zimbabwe

Top 10 World Heritage Sites in Africa

May 4, 201816 min

VIEW ALL BLOG POSTS

Community Volunteering Project FAQs

WHAT IS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA?

Community development is a holistic approach that encourages growth within a given community, focusing within the areas of empowerment, human rights, inclusion, social justice, self-determination and collective action. At its core, this concept stands by the belief that there should be fair and equal access to health, well-being, wealth, justice and opportunity, for everyone. Ultimately, the combination of community with development aims to uplift people’s living standards in a community, and the end-result of success is dependent on how people work together.

WHAT ARE THE 5 PRINCIPLES OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT?

Motivated by sustainable practices, your community development volunteer work will be a part of positive change in areas that lack opportunity for economic and social development in Africa. Here is a list of community development principles we follow at African Impact:

Identify and address the problem area(s) within the community
Identify stakeholders, and involve local citizens who are experiencing the problem(s)
Identify innovative and alternative strategies whilst engaging in community discussion
Identify resources that can benefit the community
Implement the new strategies, and track the progress through regular evaluation

HOW DOES VOLUNTEERING HELP COMMUNITIES?

At African Impact, we have unlocked how volunteering helps the community through each and every program. If you’re thinking about getting involved, then you’re in the right place! During your stay, you will discover the many ways that you can create action out of your thoughts and ideas. If you’re interested in programs that contribute to things like improving confidence, gaining new skills, meeting new friends, or giving back to charitable causes, then you will experience first-hand how volunteering is not only a benefit to the community, but also to you, the volunteer!

HOW TO START VOLUNTEERING IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT?

The first and most important step would be to read more about the program(s) you are more interested in! Our community volunteer opportunities are known to open doors to a plethora of new knowledge systems, social awareness, self-confidence, as well as creating direct access for you to use your skills and benefit the lives of people who are typically underrepresented.

Apply to one of our community volunteer programs today by selecting a program above! If you can’t decide, don’t worry, we have specialists to help you across all areas, from choosing a destination or impact area to understanding what accommodation suits you. Submit an enquiry now and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!