The Power of Public-Private-Philanthropy Partnerships: Samuel Kembou on the Donors | Tips Podcast

The Jacobs Foundation’s Samuel Kembou, Global Lead for Learning and Evidence, recently joined Emilie Compignie on the Donors | Tips  podcast to share insights on the strategic role of philanthropy, the power of public-private partnerships, and how mobilizing resources can create a lasting impact in education.

Public-private partnerships are critical in addressing complex education challenges, ensuring sustainable funding and long-term solutions. As Kembou highlights in the episode, philanthropy brings stability to these partnerships, helping align efforts across government, industry, and civil society. Unlike governments, whose priorities may shift with electoral cycles, philanthropic organizations like the Jacobs Foundation provide continuity and long-term commitment to education reform. 

One standout example is the Child Learning and Education Facility (CLEF) in Côte d’Ivoire, which the World Bank has recognized as a best-practice model for collaborative education financing. CLEF unites the Ivorian government, 16 cocoa and chocolate sector companies, and two Swiss philanthropic foundations—the Jacobs Foundation and UBS Optimus Foundation. By pooling resources and expertise, this initiative is expected to positively impact over 4 million children, improving education access while tackling child labor in rural areas.

Kembou also challenged the traditional view of philanthropy as simply a funding source. Instead, he emphasized that philanthropy is a catalyst for change, supporting experimentation and promoting evidence-based education practices.

The Jacobs Foundation plays a crucial role in this space by helping to create lasting, systemic solutions beyond short-term funding cycles.