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← Advantage Africa

2025-07-31-accounts

Report and Accounts Year ended 31 July 2025

Susan, the leader of a single parents’ group growing vegetables in Katungulu, Uganda displays her crop.

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Contents

Advantage Africa Report and Accounts Year ended 31 July 2025

Trustee-Directors’ Report Acronyms used
Charity and Company Information 2 ACAAssociated Chartered Accountant
AIDSAcquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Introduction 3 COVID-19Coronavirus Disease 2019
FRSFinancial Reporting Standard
Governance 3 EFPAElgon Foundation of Persons with Albinism
Objects of the Charity 3 HIVHuman Immunodeficiency Virus
HMRCHis Majesty’s Revenue and Customs
Review of Activities 3 IAADInternational Albinism Awareness Day
Financial Review 19 ICAEWInstitute of Chartered Accountants
in England and Wales
Independent Examiner’s Report 21 KDPOKibwezi Disabled Persons’ Organisation
KISEKenya Institute of Special Education
Statement of Financial Activities 23 MWDGMigori Women with Disabilities Group
NGONon-Governmental Organisation
Balance Sheet 24 SNUPASource of the Nile Union of Persons
with Albinism
Notes to the Accounts SORPStatement of Recommended Practice
SPAUSingle Parents’ Association of Uganda
Accounting Policies 25 UNHCRUnited Nations High Commissioner
for Refugees
Income from Donations and Grants 26
Income from Charitable Activities 26
Income from Trading Activities 26
Expenditure on Raising Funds 26
Expenditure on Charitable Activities 26
Staff and Trustee-Directors 28
Tangible Assets 29
Stock 29
Debtors and Prepayments 29
Cash at Bank and in Hand 30
Creditors: Liabilities Falling Due Within One Year 30
Funds 31
Net Analysis of Assets 32
Members 32

Front cover: Joseph celebrates the joy of a new wheelchair with his mother, in Migori County, Kenya. Rear cover: Marching on International Albinism Awareness Day in Jinja, Uganda.

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Trustee-Directors’ Report

for the Year Ended 31 July 2025

Charity and Company Information

Trustee-Directors: Christopher Chapman (joined November 2024) Pratima Dattani Mandy Smith Carole Holloway (resigned October 2025) Alice Gathoni Amy Campo McEvoy (joined October 2025) Andrew Lippett (joined October 2025) Amanda Brook (joined October 2025) Patrons: Martyn Joseph Jon Snow Company Secretary: Andrew Betts - Executive Director Governing Document: Memorandum and Articles of Association dated March 2002 Company Registration Number: 04388034 Charity Registration Number: 1092719 Registered Office: 9 High Street Olney Buckinghamshire MK46 4EB Telephone: 01234 711005 Email: information@advantageafrica.org Website: www.advantageafrica.org Independent Examiner: Haines Watts Swindon Limited Swindon Wiltshire SN1 3DU Bankers: HSBC plc 19 Midsummer Place Milton Keynes MK9 3GB

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Introduction

This Report and Accounts describes Advantage Africa’s work in 2024/25 to improve the lives of vulnerable people in Kenya and Uganda and the resources managed to fulfil that that purpose.

We’re most grateful to our inspirational partner organisations and our generous and committed supporters who made the achievements in this Report possible and brought joy and hope into disadvantaged communities across East Africa. Thank you for making a difference.

In practice, Advantage Africa supports people affected by poverty, disability, albinism and HIV to improve their education, health and incomes. Our partnerships with local organisations in Kenya and Uganda help vulnerable people to help themselves and build a better future for their families and communities. Advantage Africa provides its partners with resources, advice and training as well as links to other sources of knowledge, skills and funds.

Review of Activities

Oversight

Governance

Advantage Africa’s governance is described in its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The charity’s governance, strategy, policies and direction are the responsibility of the Trustee-Directors listed on page two. New candidates are considered by the Board according to the match of their skills and experience to our needs and are inducted before and during their first few meetings.

Advantage Africa’s organisational policies cover all aspects of its operation including finance, employment, safeguarding and professional practice. We have a schedule for the periodic review of these policies e.g. our safeguarding and data protection policies are reviewed annually and our financial policy every two years. Trustee-Directors take a lead on specific policies and risks according to their expertise.

Only minor changes were made to the Safeguarding Policy this year and its implementation included supporting partners to implement their own. No safeguarding incidents were reported during the year.

The Trustee-Directors delegate day-to-day management of the charity to its Director Andrew Betts. They appoint staff and set appropriate salaries against a set of principles including objectivity and affordability. Reference is also made to the National Joint Council for Local Government Services pay scales which are commonly used in the voluntary sector. The Board meets three times a year to oversee Advantage Africa’s governance and monitor progress against the objectives of our Strategic Plan. This includes a review of our impact in Kenya and Uganda, financial performance, fundraising, risk register and policy implementation.

Objects of the Charity

Advantage Africa’s objects, as defined in its Memorandum and Articles of Association incorporated 6th March 2002 and amended by special resolution 31st May 2002, are ‘The relief of need, poverty, hardship and distress and the advancement of education amongst people in Africa, in particular by supporting and working with local people to develop sustainable initiatives within their own region’.

The Trustee-Directors have planned and overseen the activities of the charity with regard to the Charity Commission’s Good Governance Code, their guidance on ‘Public Benefit’, and ‘Working Internationally’ as well as HMRC’s recommendations on ‘Payments to Overseas Bodies’. Advantage Africa is also a member of the Fundraising Regulator.

Vision and Strategy

Many millions of people in East Africa continue to live in relentless poverty, excluded from the benefits of economic growth. Among the most vulnerable people of all are those affected by disability, including albinism and epilepsy, and HIV, who are often stigmatised and denied their basic human rights, causing them to lack self-worth, opportunity and hope.

Advantage Africa’s vision is for such vulnerable children, women and men to be respected as equals, free from poverty, discrimination and fear, and to have appropriate education, good health and sustainable livelihoods. To this end, our strategic goal is ‘better lives for the most vulnerable children and adults in East Africa’ and our objectives are to:

(1) Support the most vulnerable and excluded children, women and men to overcome poverty and meet their needs in a sustainable way.

(2) Contribute to changing the conditions, attitudes, policies and practices that limit their opportunities.

(3) Create a more resilient and sustainable charity.

Advantage Africa’s team of three staff in the UK comprising Director Andrew Betts and Programme Managers Rob Aley (Kenya) and Jane Betts (Uganda) worked to fulfil these objectives.

This Review outlines some of the activities carried out and impact achieved in 2024/25. Names of some beneficiaries have been changed to protect privacy.

Towards our first objective, supporting the most vulnerable people to overcome poverty, Advantage Africa’s Strategic Plan aims for us to support at least eight partner organisations to provide essential services to improve the education, health and incomes of vulnerable people .

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We achieved this aim in another successful year, actually supporting ten partners to work across these themes, namely Thinu and Mitaboni Primary Schools; Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE); Migori Women with Disabilities Group (MWDG); Kibwezi Disabled Persons’ Organisation (KDPO); Dyslexia Organisation Kenya (DOK), Autism Society of Kenya (ASK), Rescue Team for HIV & AIDS; Single Parents’ Association of Uganda (SPAU) and Source of the Nile Union of Persons with Albinism (SNUPA).

Summary

Highlights of Advantage Africa’s 2024/25 included:

Education

Education for Children with Disabilities (Kenya and Uganda)

This year, our third cohort of 20 special-education teachers completed their training in supporting students with learning disabilities to make successful transitions from school to adult life. This marked the completion of a three-year project in partnership with the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE), through which 60 teachers have now been trained. Each teacher has put their learning into practice in their schools, supporting more than 70 older students to achieve successful transitions and with small grants we provided, establish sustainable enterprises within their home communities.

Building on the success of this initiative, the COSARAF Charitable Foundation supported a further 50 school-leavers to make structured transitions from school to community life. The wide-reaching impact included school-leavers gaining purposeful livelihoods through enterprises, confidence and selfesteem, and families (many of whom previously had no clear vision for their children’s futures) growing in their hope for the future. Schools also benefitted significantly as spaces were freed up, enabling learners to progress through the system and create room for new entrants. Teachers were likewise empowered and motivated as they witnessed an effective response to the long-standing challenge of over-age students remaining in school without any real prospects for their future.

Mary, aged 23, is one of over 120 school-leavers who successfully transitioned from school to adult life at home. She now rears livestock with the support of her family and enjoys a structured daily routine.

Martha is one of 345 children and young people in education or skills training through Advantage Africa.

Mary pictured with her cow purchased with a small grant from our Bright Futures project.

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Mary has grown in confidence and independence Her grandmother says: ‘ We never knew what her future would be – we never saw this good thing coming.’

Our long-term support for nearly 60 children with learning disabilities at the Special Education Units within Mitaboni and Thinu Primary Schools continued this year, largely through monthly allowances for house mothers, groundskeepers, and cooks.

Mitaboni’s advocacy with the local MP enabled major renovations to the school completed through funding from the Constituency Development Fund. At Thinu we funded the replacement of their aging stove. We also began working with Migori Special School in western Kenya, which serves nearly 100 students with learning disabilities, to assess opportunities to develop the school’s infrastructure.

In Uganda, with the support of the Educational Opportunity Foundation, and building on our previous year’s work in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, we trained district stakeholders and 28 teachers in the Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement to provide appropriate education for pupils with albinism, using a handbook adapted from a ground-breaking initiative in Sierra Leone. The training covered key topics such as understanding albinism, visual impairment, sun protection and inclusive classroom practices. Teachers were also taught how to identify the early signs of sun damage and how to educate learners and parents about skin cancer prevention. We also enabled 35 children with albinism in Rwamwanja to have eye tests and receive spectacles, magnifiers, wide-brimmed hats, school fee contributions and long -sleeved uniforms. The SNUPA team noted that their parents’ attitudes have also improved markedly. ‘Unlike in the past, they now value the education of children with albinism equally with their siblings.’

Vocational Training for Young People (Uganda)

In the rural community of Katungulu, with the support of the Guernsey Overseas Aid & Development Commission (OA&DC), 75 young people started twelve months of vocational training under the leadership of expert teachers. All of the trainees had been out of education or work for several years, due to the COVID-19 closures and an outbreak of Ebola in their community. The shock, fear and trauma of being trapped in successive lockdowns for almost four years, had a devastating effect on mental health and wellbeing in the community. These vocational activities helped the trainees find friendships, regain confidence and rebuild their lives.

10 of the group chose to learn welding, 10 vehicle mechanics, 10 barbering/hairdressing, 16 tailoring and 19 to undertake stone quarrying. The trainees are working towards achieving the Government’s Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) certification in their respective trades and all are also being equipped with business skills.

Trainee welders at work.

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Training teachers about albinism in Rwamwanja Refugee Settlement.
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Young hairdressers training in Katungulu.

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Quarry workers with their new protective gear.

In the lakeside community of Nsonga, 20 young people learnt brick/block making. By the end of the training, and with their DIT certificates secured, the trainees will be equipped for employment in Uganda’s burgeoning construction industry. They will also be able to help families in the Nsonga community, many of whom live in poorly built mud shelters, to cost-effectively access building materials to strengthen their homes.

Sarah, Project Manager of SPAU reported ‘ The trainees have learnt how to produce strong blocks perfectly and have now also learnt to make pavers for paths and driveways. They have also learnt how to use the blocks effectively in construction. They’re very happy with their training and say they’re now ready to earn an income!’

Monicah (left) at her house construction supervised by ae Rodah (right) and Sheila (rear) of MWDG.

In Migori, 28 families experiencing acute food insecurity received large emergency food parcels, helping to prevent malnutrition. Thirteen families, including six flood survivors, were supported to establish sustainable micro-enterprises through small grants and loans. These initiatives are enabling people with disabilities to build independent and dignified livelihoods, with enterprises including catering, cereal and vegetable trading and the sale of clothing and footwear.

MWDG helped Mary to start a small catering enterprise at a busy bus park in western Kenya. A single mother with a disability, she was displaced by floods, but is now rebuilding her life.

Rehabilitation, Health and Welfare

Emergency and Welfare Support (Kenya and Uganda)

In Kenya, over 100 vulnerable people with disabilities across 30 families, including many displaced by severe flooding in western Kenya last year were supported with emergency and welfare support, including three who were assisted with new homes after their dwellings were washed away. The construction was coordinated by our partner Migori Women with Disabilities Group MWDG) and funded by The Fine & Country Foundation.

Monicah is a single mother caring for two children. She was made homeless last year when flood waters swept through her house during the night. She says ‘ I had lived there 3 years, then all of a sudden everything was washed away. I was left with nothing at all.’ With assistance from Advantage Africa, MWDG arranged for a simple new house for Monicah to be constructed, away from the flood zone, and assisted her to start earning a living from garment trading. ‘MWDG have saved me, they’ve got my life started again – may God bless them’.

Mary with Sheila (left) and Rodah (centre) of MWDG.

Additional support was provided to families and individuals in urgent need of medical assistance, essential home repairs, beds and bedding.

In Nsonga and Katungulu, Uganda, we distributed health kits including mattresses, blankets, sheets, toothbrushes and toothpaste to 44 of the most vulnerable families to boost their health, rest and resilience. Most had never had a bed to rest on before, sleeping instead on hard ground, grass or thin mats, and prey to parasitic infections.

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Esther is the single mother of Ibrahim aged 13 and Miracle aged 5. Ibrahim has a chronic health condition that has prevented him from attending school for over a year and Miracle has cerebral palsy. Receiving their health kits brought them better sleep and much joy!

Paul, Director of SPAU told us: ‘Habiba is now one of the happiest people in the village. She sits on the veranda of her house thinking how God has remembered her!’

Reducing the Spread and Impact of HIV (Kenya and Uganda)

During the year, a total of 1,212 people received HIV testing and counselling from Rescue Team through walk-in services, door-to-door visits and during large community events. Over 70% of those tested were female. The age distribution was 0–14 years (5.5%), 15–29 years (52.5%), and 30 years and above (42%). Of those tested, 50 individuals were found to be HIV positive (4.1%). Despite significant international funding challenges in the sector following the cancellation of USAID support, we managed to link all those needing ARV therapy to local treatment providers.

In Katungulu, Uganda, five expert health workers facilitated three days’ HIV awareness training and testing for 265 people. In addition to post COVID high teenage pregnancy rates, a resurgence of goldmining in the region meant that there were many transitory workers passing through the area amid concern about rising HIV rates.

Esther and family with their health kit.

Housing support in Uganda focused on Nsonga, where we worked with local leaders to identify families in most urgent need of improved shelter. Many were living in damp, squalid conditions with leaking roofs, crumbling mud walls and no light or airflow in their homes. Windows were blocked with rags to keep out the cold and rain. All were struggling with poor mental health and respiratory infections.

Habiba, a grandmother caring for adopted orphans was among the six families supported to improve their homes; hers was permanently wet and dark. After plastering the walls, the dilapidated roof was removed, a new roof constructed with strong timbers and glazed windows installed.

Testing yielded very discouraging results: 84 out of the 265 participants tested positive for HIV (32%), all aged 14-20 years, and the majority girls. Our team provided them all with sensitive counselling and advice and they were referred to the local District Health Centre for ongoing support and antiretroviral treatment as required. SPAU and Advantage Africa are now following up on the critical need for further HIV sensitisation and testing as requested by community leaders.

Violence against Women and Girls (Kenya)

Our work to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls expanded this year with support from Lancaster University. In Kibwezi, eastern Kenya, and in partnership with our partner Rescue Team, we trained 60 male motorbike taxi riders, bringing the total trained over two years to 120.

Working with men recognises that, as the primary perpetrators of violence against women and girls, they also have the potential to powerfully change attitudes and behaviours within their communities. The project delivered intensive, expert-led training through multi-day workshops, follow-up refresher sessions, and community engagement activities. Participants critically examined gender norms, their own attitudes and behaviours, and developed their roles as positive agents of change.

The project was comprehensively evaluated and showed impressive impacts. Men from a high-risk sector were successfully transformed into allies against violence, demonstrating increased knowledge, confidence, and proactively preventing and responding to incidents in the community.

Habiba sits in front of her newly renovated home.

Women reported very significant improvements in

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Wheelchairs provide mobility and hope in western Kenya.

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their lives, including healthier relationships, enhanced safety, and, in many cases, the elimination of abuse and assaults. The project also fostered growing community awareness and advocacy, demonstrating the powerful potential of engaging men in the fight against violence.

Tamara the wife of a trained motorbike taxi rider said: ‘He was so violent to me, so dishonest. But since you’ve trained him, there’s no more violence, there have been so many changes to my life.’

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Emmaculate of KDPO unloading a consignment of 20 mobility tricycles.

Three clients were fitted with state-of-the-art prosthetic legs, including KDPO’s Coordinator Agnes.

Tamara records a video for the project evaluation.

Rehabilitation Services (Kenya and Uganda)

Advantage Africa’s provision of mobility aids and assistive devices to transform the lives of people with disabilities in Kibwezi, Eastern Kenya continued in partnership with the NGO Motivation. Altogether, 102 individuals were assessed and fitted with wheelchairs, tricycles, and other aids while an additional 70 clients benefitted from KDPO’s rehabilitation workshop with walking frames, supportive seating, crutches, special footwear and essential repairs.

James, a 9 year-old visually and mobility impaired boy was fitted for a child’s wheelchair. His mother was delighted saying ‘I never knew how to help my boy, but KDPO have supported me so much. With his wheelchair he can now get to school’.

In western Kenya, we fitted 40 people with wheelchairs, and assessed 35 more ready to receive devices through the MWDG and Nyabondo Rehabilitation Centre.

Marci, who was attending Mitaboni Special Unit, was unable to walk and, without a wheelchair she had to be manually carried by staff from room to room. Advantage Africa took her to KDPO, where she was assessed and fitted with her first wheelchair.

Migori Women with Disabilities Group coordinate the fitting of 40 wheelchairs and mobility devices.

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‘ I felt so happy’, Marci said. ‘ I can move around. I have friends. Now I feel so good!’ She can now return to school and join mainstream classes, enabling her to learn and reach her potential.

Moses had previously only moved around by crawling and had previously barely left his home compound. Now, with mobility and independence, a new world has opened up for him.

Marci with her new wheelchair.

In Uganda, our rehabilitation efforts focused on the communities of Nsonga and Katungulu where we worked with specialists from the national orthopaedic clinic in Kampala’s Mulago Hospital to assess 29 children and adults with disabilities. Most were affected by cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, polio, stroke-related paralysis and amputations following accidents or illness. None had access to appropriate assistive devices to help improve their mobility and their needs included axillary crutches, orthopaedic shoes and wheelchairs to boost independence.

Full of joy and anticipation, families were transported by bus to Kampala for further assessments and final fittings at the orthopaedic workshop and their smiles said it all as the beneficiaries received their sturdy mobility appliances.

Joyce who has cerebral palsy and is unable to walk, was assessed for a paediatric wheelchair. Her mother Eileen was instructed in giving her simple daily exercises. Parenting a child with a disability is challenging, but Eileen has renewed hope.

Moses (left) and Jane with their new wheelchairs.

These interventions not only improve mobility but also enhance independence, self-esteem, dignity, school attendance and enterprise opportunities.

Epilepsy (Uganda)

Our support to people affected by epilepsy developed in 2024/25 and is now having a transformational impact on people’s health, well-being and independence. In Nsonga, we held three days’ epilepsy awareness training, led by neurological experts from Butabika Hospital and our partner SPAU, for 152 people with epilepsy and their carers. As well as learning about their condition and how to challenge misconceptions in their community, every child and adult with epilepsy was assessed and provided with regular access to medication to reduce seizures and put them in control of their condition.

Most families affected by epilepsy live in chronic poverty because of the discrimination and lack of opportunity they face. Therefore, building their selfreliance is a further crucial element in promoting long -term positive change.

In the communities of Nsonga and Kisojjo we supported 70 families affected by epilepsy to form peer support groups of about 15 members each, to learn about business management and start small enterprises. As well as developing new skills in saving and record-keeping, they formed friendships with each other and pledged to support each other through challenges and successes.

Joyce is assessed for a wheelchair.

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Butabika team training in epilepsy management in Nsonga.

Each group member was provided with a loan appropriate to the enterprise of their choice including rearing small livestock, selling vegetables, silverfish or clothes. Members paid back their loans in small instalments into their respective groups, ensuring that there was working capital to support people with additional loans as needed, or to enable new families to join them.

Nanduga from Kisojjo is single parent and has one son with epilepsy. Her loan enabled her to start a small restaurant in her home. Her food is proving very popular with her neighbours and local people and SPAU report that ‘ on a daily basis, she can make a profit of 100,000/= [about £22] ’ As well as transforming the family’s economic circumstances and ability to meet their basic needs, this project has helped Nanduga and her son to have a greater sense of belonging and visibility in their community.

Safe Water (Kenya and Uganda)

Accompanied by community water management and hygiene training, Advantage Africa supported our partner SPAU to install three boreholes providing safe, accessible water in Nsonga and Katungulu.

The borehole in Nsonga is six miles from the water point we helped them establish last year, and serves over 600 people in 150 families. Paul Lwanga, Director of SPAU reported ‘This borehole brings such relief to this area of Nsonga and there is plentiful demand. Before, the only water they had was not fit for human consumption.’

The two new boreholes in Katungulu are regularly used by about 500 families and help keep up to 3,000 children and adults safe from water-borne diseases. A community survey indicated that incidence of such illnesses has reduced by 90%.

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One of Katungulu’s new boreholes.
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Nanduga serves food in her small restaurant.
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People in Nsonga collect water from the newly-completed second borehole.

Local farmer Godfrey, a member of the committee managing the boreholes’ maintenance told us: ‘ The Katungulu residents are very happy that their sickness has reduced with the clean water. Before, they sometimes couldn’t pay their children’s school fees because they were spending their small income on medical costs .’ The boreholes’ accessible locations have also greatly reduced the daily drudgery of water collection for women and children, freeing them to focus on enterprises and education.

Supported by the Scott Bader Commonwealth, our safe water work in Kenya focused on supporting 60 families affected by disability (over 300 people) with rainwater harvesting systems as part of their livestock rearing project. The project has enabled these families to have reliable access to clean water, reduced water-related diseases and save up to three hours a day previously spent in collection. One beneficiary, a single mother of four said: ‘ Before I had no water tank, we had to collect water from a river one kilometre away. Now we have clean water!’

Reduced drug and alcohol abuse (Uganda)

In Nsonga, we provided three days’ participatory drug and alcohol training for 100 community members. The majority were aged between 15 to 21, reflecting how young people had been particularly affected by lack of purpose and depression since the long COVID-19 lockdowns and resorted to substance misuse as a coping mechanism.

The expert trainers enabled participants to understand and spot the signs of drug and alcohol misuse, how to seek further help and begin the process of change for themselves and others. Happily, many of the participants had recently started our vocational training or small enterprise activities which had given them renewed purpose and a determination to improve their health.

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Members of Kulungu Disability Group receive goats and materials for rainwater harvesting.
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Improving the Health of People with Albinism (Uganda)

In 2024/2025, we supported our partner SNUPA to hold 45 skin clinics across the Busoga sub-region of Uganda aimed at preventing skin cancer among over 1,000 children and adults with albinism. Attending our clinics every four months, people with albinism had skin checks provided by our dermatologists Dr. Ngobi and Dr. Inena and also received supplies of high sun protection factor (SPF) sunscreen, lip protection and wide-brimmed hats to help keep them safe.

Health worker learning to administer cryotherapy.

Skin clinic in Palissa.

All of our clinics are now held in district health centres or hospitals so that local doctors and nurses can shadow our dermatologists and learn about albinism and how to prevent skin cancer. During this year’s clinics our dermatologists undertook 1,134 comprehensive skin checks and 518 cryotherapy treatments to remove pre-cancerous lesions.

The SNUPA team was encouraged that these representatives were themselves becoming advocates for children and adults with albinism. For example in Namutumba the District Education Officer had himself ‘provided five wide-brimmed hats for pupils with albinism and directed schools to supply customised long-sleeved uniforms.’

Counselling from SNUPA team members is also offered during each clinic and enables us to find individuals and families living in particularly difficult circumstances. As appropriate, we then provide a small grant from our Severe Hardship Fund to help them lift themselves out of crisis.

This year we enabled SNUPA to procure a new liquid nitrogen cylinder for vital cryotherapy treatments. We were also most grateful for a donation of 5,482 bottles of high SPF sunscreen from Ultrasun UK, an essential tool in skin cancer prevention.

Health education at skin clinic in Luuka District.

Although rates of skin cancer continue to fall among regular attendees at our clinics, we often have new people attending, many having travelled long distances, and some with severe skin cancer requiring urgent attention. We supported 19 such children and adults, ranging in age from ten years to late forties, to have life-saving skin cancer surgery and follow-up support. This included teenager Camille who lives in a refugee settlement and who developed very painful and fast-growing skin cancer around her mouth. Following her treatment and recovery SNUPA told us: ‘The entire family was happy and appreciated the support extended to their daughter. Camille is now cancer free!’

Each clinic began with a health talk to refresh attendees’ knowledge about how to stay safe in the sun and provide vital information to accompanying family members, as well as local government representatives who are always invited to take part.

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Improved Incomes

Sustainable Enterprises for Vulnerable Families (Kenya and Uganda)

Our partner, KDPO co-ordinates a thriving network of 15 village disability groups across Makunei County, each with about 20 members. This year we completed a project funded by the Scott Bader Commonwealth that enabled three of these groups to start goat-keeping enterprises alongside rainwater harvesting systems (highlighted on page 13).

The project had a life-changing impact for 300 people in 60 families affected by disability. These disadvantaged households are already benefitting from growing goat herds, and milk for home consumption and income. Beyond the practical benefits, the project has boosted confidence and promoted inclusion, showing that people with disabilities can lead productive, independent lives. Peninah said ‘I never had goats before, now we’re expecting milk soon, one of the goats is already pregnant!’

Camille is now free of skin cancer following surgery.

Our support for refugees with albinism in the Nakivale and Rwamwanja settlements in south-west Uganda was needed more than ever. The closure of USAID, and corresponding reduction in funding for the World Food Programme (WFP) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), have had a devastating impact on the health and well-being of refugees worldwide. In this context, our four settlement visits provided much-needed relief and friendship to the refugees, alongside skin checks, sun protective resources and emergency food and hygiene supplies. One refugee in Nakivale told us: ‘Whenever you come we feel happy because you give food, basic needs and sunscreen.’

Peninah with her children, goats and rainwater system.

In Uganda, further helping the Katungulu community to regain hope and resilience following years of lockdowns, lost opportunities and anxiety, we assisted almost 400 single parent families to form peer-support groups, improve their self-reliance and meet their basic needs.

Loading food for refugees in Nakivale Settlement.

This included enabling 257 families to join cooperative maize-growing groups. One sub-group is led by an inspirational man called Wilberforce. His group is ambitious and inclusive, always looking for new members. Wilberforce says ‘ Thank you on behalf of the whole group for the support provided in growing maize, including land rent, seeds and fertiliser. We’re aiming to gather 30 sacks from our two small plots at our next harvest. We have also started a savings and loans initiative group. We’re growing together!’

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Our support enabled the group to buy seeds and hire two large plots of land on which they grow aubergines, cabbages and nakati (local greens) which are popular in local markets. The group meets weekly to weed and cultivate their plots, chat and encourage each other. Their goal is to improve their families’ nutrition and meet their basic needs, including paying school fees for their children. Group member Susan told us ‘The seeds and land have made us very happy. Life is now changing!’

Maize harvest in progress.

With our support, a further group of 72 single-parent families develop an extensive coffee-growing nursery under the leadership of experienced farmer Nelson. The group meets regularly at their nursery to learn and support each other. Nelson is an inspirational trainer and encourages the members that with good husbandry, appropriate pest control and intercropping they can reach up to 20kgs of coffee cherries per bush and return significant profits on their enterprise.

32 single mothers were supported to establish a vegetable growing group. The idea for the group came from two enterprising women in Katungulu who told us of their daily struggle to overcome poverty and the need for young mothers in the community to build their resilience and confidence.

The vegetable growing group weed their plot.

Also in Katungulu, 25 single parents had five days’ comprehensive training in making fireless cooking baskets which work like slow cookers without smoke (crucial in small homes with limited ventilation), save on fuel and are much safer than open cooking pots. This is a new but growing technology as the parents train others to produce and market more baskets to raise an income. Advantage Africa’s Director Andrew Betts, who visited the group in April 2025, reported that the food produced in the baskets is ‘ Absolutely delicious. It just melts in the mouth!. ’

Nursery for coffee seedlings in Katungulu.

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Building Partners’ Resilience, Capacity and Sustainability

Programme support and monitoring visits to Kenya were conducted by Rob Aley (Kenya Programme Manager) in November 2024 and March 2025. Andrew Betts also undertook a visit to Kenya and Uganda in March.

Four KDPO staff members participated in advanced wheelchair assembly and fitting training delivered by Motivation. In addition, Agnes Musembi (KDPO Coordinator) was supported to receive a new and improved prosthetic leg. Rodah Tembo and Sheila Adoyo (MWDG Coordinators) received support to address personal welfare challenges.

Fireless cooking baskets in use.

A further 30 single mothers were trained by skilled local artisans in weaving attractive shopping bags. The baskets are strong, hard-wearing and colourful and sell for about 5,000 – 15,000 Ugandan Shillings (£1-£3), depending on size.

KDPO technician Mike (right) in wheelchair training.

Advantage Africa enabled significant repairs to be completed at the Rescue Team Centre in Kalulini, Kenya, and the group was further strengthened through the provision of a new motorbike and laptop.

Making baskets together.

Finding a market is proving to be the group’s biggest challenge but, with our support, members have been exhibiting at agricultural shows and searching for reliable outlets. The industrious women enjoy the activity because they ‘ can do it in the evening after farming ’ and have plans to diversify into sitting mats which are always in high demand.

Finally, 30 more single parent families were trained to produce and market high quality mosquito repellent candles and liquid soap. This newly-formed group of parents is supportive and enthusiastic and they find much enjoyment in learning and working together.

Advantage Africa continued to support SNUPA in ensuring their office was open and welcoming to all for advice about albinism and counselling and resources as needed. We also ensured that SPAU and SNUPA could maintain and service their vehicles, keeping them safe in their extensive journeys to support communities across Uganda.

With our support, SNUPA continued to provide mentorship and training for the Elgon Foundation of Persons with Albinism (EFPA) in the Bugisu subregion of eastern Uganda, enabling them to reach more people with life-saving services than before.

During his trip to East Africa this year, Director Andrew Betts visited the majority of our projects in Uganda, travelling with SPAU and SNUPA across the breadth of the country. He provided our partners with monitoring and evaluation support as well as training in financial management and reporting. The SNUPA team commented ‘ It’s been a truly rewarding time with Andrew as we monitored various projects supported by Advantage Africa. His presence and invaluable support to the SNUPA team have made a significant impact. We deeply appreciate you, Andrew.’ In turn Andrew was encouraged and inspired by our committed partners ‘who consistently go the extra mile to help people in desperate, sometimes overwhelming, need.’

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Trustee-Directors’ Report

17

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EEELOTNONS
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Rescue Team for HIV and AIDS with Advantage Africa’s Kenya Programme Manager Rob Aley.

Changing Attitudes, Policies and Practices

Throughout the year, Advantage Africa and partners brought the experience of practical projects to bear in advocating for change to the ‘ attitudes, policies and practices that keep the most vulnerable women, men and children in East Africa in poverty’. This included highlighting the needs and aspirations of vulnerable groups as well as specific advocacy projects.

Most significant of these were our two research projects examining the education of children and young people with autism and dyslexia which concluded this year. Our research report ‘ An Investigation of the Educational Experiences of Children with Autism in Kenya’ was published and the recommendations presented at a multistakeholder meeting in Nairobi attended by education leaders, special needs educationalists, and representatives from academia and NGOs. The meeting also prominently featured the perspectives of young people with autism and their parents. The findings reveal major gaps in autism awareness and support in Kenya, with stigma, delayed diagnosis, financial barriers, and limited professional guidance contributing to poor access to education and care. In schools, inadequate teacher training and resources result in poor learning outcomes, with 67% of parents rating their autistic child’s education as poor or very poor.

Similarly, our dyslexia research report, An Investigation into the Awareness and Understanding of Dyslexia Amongst Teachers and Teacher Trainers in Kenya , was finalised and presented at a large stakeholder meeting in November 2024. The findings confirmed that dyslexia is severely overlooked in Kenya; with an estimated prevalence of 7–10%, this means over a million children are misunderstood, punished and failed by the education system, leading to low self-esteem and disengagement from learning. This reinforces our commitment to develop largescale, targeted interventions.

KDPO and Rescue Team further strengthened their advocacy and influence with the Makueni County Government, as well as through national disability and HIV/health networks and partnerships.

Participants at the Autism Research Dissemination.

A major achievement during the year was the formal adoption of the Makueni County Persons with Disabilities Policy, which was approved by the County Assembly on 23 May 2025. This milestone was achieved with significant contribution and leadership from Agnes Musembi, Coordinator of KDPO, who played a central role in the policy development and advocacy process.

Several large-scale advocacy and campaigning events were co-organised by our partners, attracting strong public participation and reaching many more people through television, radio, and social media. These included a women’s football tournament to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls, which raised awareness on gender-based violence and women’s rights.

World AIDS Day celebrations, held in Wote on 1 December, saw Rescue Team mobilise a group of trained motorbike taxi riders alongside a drama group that performed skits addressing gender-based violence and HIV awareness. The event also provided HIV testing and counselling services to community members.

KDPO and the Migori Women with Disabilities Group (MWDG) also helped organise and actively participated in International Day of Persons with

Advantage Africa

Trustee-Directors’ Report

18

Marching on International Albinsim Awareness Day to highlight the human rights of people with albinism.

Disabilities celebrations on 3[rd] December. These events featured powerful speeches on improving disability data collection, access to assistive devices, empowering young people with disabilities, and promoting social and economic inclusion.

The United Nations’ focus for this year’s International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) on June 13[th] 2025 was ‘Demanding our rights: Protect our skin, preserve our lives.’ Advantage Africa supported two influential IAAD events in Uganda to raise awareness and promote national action around this vital theme.

In the Bugisu area of far south-eastern Uganda, EFPA held their region’s first ever campaign and march. Advantage Africa provided protective clothing for the participants including 400 wide brimmed hats and 400 long-sleeved shirts.

We similarly supported SNUPA to host a rally in Jinja attended by hundreds of people with albinism, their families and other advocates. We provided 130 skin checks, 50 cryotherapy treatments and 250 children and adults with sun protection for the event, which was well-attended by government representatives.

Creating a more Resilient and Sustainable Organisation

The continued challenging environment for small charities again made progress against this objective difficult. However, we successfully raised over £195k of unrestricted funding (54% of total income) and continued our cost-effective outsourced financial management. Our partnerships with Beyond Suncare, Ultrasun UK, Sabrefish and Lancaster University contributed towards the charity’s resilience and sustainability. Together with the hard work of our three UK staff and our committed and generous supporters, we once again increased income, impact and reach on the previous year.

Thank You

Thank you to everyone who helped make the achievements described in this report possible including many individual and organisational supporters, who helped us achieve our goal of ‘Better lives for the most vulnerable people in East Africa’.

Rescue Team UN World AIDS Day, including our motorbike taxi rider advocates against gender-based violence.

Advantage Africa

Trustee-Directors’ Report

19

Agnes (KDPO Coordinator ) with young man with learning disabilities who has recently started goat rearing.

20

Financial Review

Income

Income in 2024/25 was £359k (£341k in 2023/24). Donations from individuals increased to £179k (£143k in 2023/24) and from companies and churches to £79k (£39k in 2023/24). These increases were offset by a fall in grant income from £159k in 2023/24 to £99k.

We are most grateful to everyone who supported us in the year, including 129 individuals who donated monthly (138 in 2023/24). We also extend our thanks to the following organisations who donated £5k and above: Educational Opportunity Foundation, The Reed Foundation, Let Yourself Trust, Guernsey Overseas Aid and Development Commission, Sabrefish and Ultrasun UK.

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clubs 0.6%
Sources of
Income
e
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Expenditure

Expenditure in 2024/25 was £388k (£346k in 2023/24) resulting in a net movement of £28k. Expenditure on charitable activities increased by 13% from £305k in 2023/24 to £344k this year. Reflecting our increased income, fundraising expenditure at £44k, was £2k (5%) more than last year.

Resources Expended

Reserves Policy

In order to meet commitments to partners in Africa, the Trustee-Directors aim to maintain a level of reserves that will protect the charity against any dramatic fall in unrestricted income or unexpected rise in expenditure. As such, our policy is for Advantage Africa’s reserves to be maintained at between three to six months’ budgeted unrestricted expenditure with provision for projected partner costs. Free reserves of £82k were within this range (estimated at £50k - £100k) and therefore compliant with the policy at the year end.

Risk Management

The Trustee-Directors have reviewed the risks to which a small charity operating in Africa with few employees is exposed. Monthly Financial Reports and Risk Registers are used to monitor these.

Internal Controls

Advantage Africa’s documented systems of internal financial controls protect against errors or loss. The controls include the delegation of financial authority amongst the staff and Trustee-Directors.

Trustee-Directors’ Responsibilities

Charity law requires us as Trustee-Directors to prepare financial statements for each accounting year which give a true and fair view of the state of the charity and income and expenditure by:

  1. Selecting suitable accounting policies and applying them consistently.

  2. Making judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.

  3. Stating whether the applicable standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the accounts.

  4. Preparing the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue operating.

We are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable us to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. We also have a responsibility to safeguard the assets of the charity and to take reasonable steps to prevent fraud or any other irregularities.

Approval

This report was approved by the Trustee-Directors on 25th February 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

Reserves remained within our policy throughout the year, which closed with unrestricted reserves at £82k and restricted £9k (£61k and £58k in 2023/24).

Mandy Smith, Chair Charity number 1092719 Company number 04388034

Advantage Africa

Trustee-Directors’ Report

21

Independent Examiner’s Report

to the Trustees of Advantage Africa

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 July 2025 which are set out on pages 23 to 32.

Responsibilities and Basis of Report

As the charity trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your company’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent Examiner's Statement

Since the company’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of The Chartered Institute of Certified Accountants.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. Accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

  2. The accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. The accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

  4. The accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Michael Webb FCCA Haines Watts Swindon Limited Swindon SN1 3DU

Advantage Africa

Independent Examiner’s Report

22

Statement of Financial Activities

for the Year Ended 31 July 2025

Summary Income and Expenditure Account

Note
Income from:
Donations and grants
2
Trading activities
3
Investments
4
Total Income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
5
Charitable activities
6
Total Expenditure
Net income / expenditure
Transfers between funds
Net Movement in Funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Fund Balances at 31 July 2025		 Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total Funds
2024/25
Total Funds
2023/24

£
£
£
£
193,108
164,358
357,466
340,676
199
-
199
304
1,802
-
1,802
563
195,110
164,358
359,468
341,543
43,560
-
43,560
41,588
124,031
220,049
344,080
304,572
167,591
220,049
387,640
346,160
27,519
(55,691)
(28,172)
(4,617)
(6,691)
6,691
-
-
20,828
(49,000)
(28,172)
(4,617)
61,401
58,338
119,738
124,355
82,229
9,338
91,567
119,738

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

Advantage Africa

Statement of Financial Activities

23

Balance Sheet

as at 31 July 2025


Note
Fixed Assets
Tangible assets
8
Total
Current Assets
Stocks
9
Debtors
10
Cash at bank and in hand
11
Total
Current Liabilities
Amounts falling due within one year
12
Net current assets

Net Assets

Fund Balances
Unrestricted funds: general funds
13
Restricted funds
13
Total funds		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
Restricted
Funds
£
31st July
2025
£
31st July
2024
£
336
-
336
486
336
-
336
486
-
-
-
-
4,397
475
4,872
25,002
83,150
8,863
92,013
118,901
87,547
9,338
96,885
143,903
5,654
-
5,654
24,651
81,893
9,338
91,231
119,252
82,229
9,338
91,567
119,738
82,229
-
82,229
61,401
-
9,338
9,338
58,338
82,229
9,338
91,567
119,738

For the year ended 31 July 2025, the company was entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Responsibilities of Trustee-Directors:

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

Approved by the Trustee-Directors on 25th February 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

Mandy Smith, Chair

Charity number 1092719 Company Number 04388034 The notes on pages 25-32 form part of these accounts.

Advantage Africa

Balance Sheet

24

Notes to the Accounts for the Year Ended 31 July 2025

1. Accounting Policies

These financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis, under the historical cost convention (as modified by the revaluation of certain assets, which are measured at fair value through the Statement of Financial Activities). The statements have been prepared in accordance with the ‘Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland FRS 102 (the Charities SORP), the Companies Act 2006 and Charities Act 2011. The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity as set out in FRS 102.

The Trustees (who are the charitable company's directors for the purposes of company law) have assessed whether the use of the going concern basis is appropriate and have considered possible events or conditions that might cast significant doubt on charity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Trustees have made this assessment for a period of at least one year from the date of approval of the financial statements bearing in mind political and economic factors contributing to uncertainty for small charities that may affect our operations, funding and suppliers. In particular the Trustees have considered the charity's forecasts and the possible implications should projected income and / or expenditure vary unexpectedly. They have concluded that there is a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue to operate for the foreseeable future and when reviewing the charity’s financial situation in February 2026 regarded it as reasonably strong. The charity therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements. The following accounting policies were applied in dealing with material items:-

a) Donated and Grant Income

Donated income and grants receivable are taken into account when received by the charity. Income from donations includes recoverable Gift Aid which is recognised when the related donation is received. Gift Aid that has not been recovered by the balance sheet date is included as a debtor. Goods donated for distribution to beneficiaries are recognised as income when receivable at fair value (as estimated and agreed with the donor).

b) Stocks

When donated goods, services and facilities are distributed, an expense in respect of those items is included in the Statement of Financial Activities. At the year end any goods that have not been distributed or consumed are recognised as stock.

c) Other Income

Investment income represents income generated by bank interest. The charity relies on volunteers to carry out some of its activities, however, in accordance with the SORP, the value of these services has not been included in these financial statements as they cannot be reliably measured. Income from charitable activities represents income received from consultancy which was undertaken in furtherance of the charity's charitable objects.

d) Expenditure

Expenditure, including irrecoverable VAT, is accounted for when incurred by the charity, regardless of when payment is made. Governance costs, which are included in expenditure on charitable activities but are identified separately in the notes to the accounts, include costs associated with the independent examination of the financial statements, compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements and any other expenditure incurred in the strategic management of the charity. Support costs which cannot be attributed to a single activity have been allocated on the basis of the percentage of staff time spent on fundraising, general community development, advocacy and campaigning and Trustee-Directors’ activities.

e) Funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustee-Directors in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Restricted funds are donations which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors.

f) Fixed Assets and Depreciation

Fixed assets acquired for use by the company are capitalised and depreciated over their estimated useful life unless they cost less than £500 when they are written off on purchase. The depreciation period for equipment and IT is four years.

g) Pension Costs

The company offers an auto-enrolled defined contribution scheme for employees..

h) Taxation

The company as a registered charity is not liable for Income Tax or Corporation Tax because its income falls within the various exemptions available to registered charities.

i) Cash Flow Statement

The company has not prepared a Cash Flow Statement for the year, in line with the exemption provided by the FRS 102 SORP.

Advantage Africa

Notes to the Accounts

25

2. Income from Donations and Grants


Individuals and associated Gift Aid
Government donors and charitable trusts
Companies, churches, clubs and schools
Total		 2024/25
2023/24
Unrestricted
Funds
£
Restricted
Funds
£
Total
£
Unrestricted
Funds
£
Restricted
Funds
£
Total
£
165,516
13,929
179,445
122,365
20,781
143,146
9,224
90,029
99,253
9,034
149,617
158,651
18,368
60,400
78,768
13,879
25,000
38,879
193,108
164,358
357,466
145,278
195,398
340,676

3. Income from Trading Activities

Sales of crafts and donated goods etc
Other, including raffles and admission fees
Total		 2024/25
2023/24
Unrestricted
Funds
£
Restricted
Funds
£
Total
£
Unrestricted
Funds
£
Restricted
Funds
£
Total
£
137
-
137
56
-
56

62
-
62
248
-
248
199
-
199
304
-
304

4. Investment Income

4. Investment Income
Interest
Total		 2024/25
2023/24
Unrestricted
Funds
£
Restricted
Funds
£
Total
£
Unrestricted
Funds
£
Restricted
Funds
£
Total
£
1,802
-
1,802
563
-
563
1,802
-
1,802
563
-
563

The increased investment income this year was due to an improved interest rate and ability to make transfers gained from transferring our deposits to a different bank.

5. Expenditure on Raising Funds

Events
Appeals & newsletters
Staff costs
Other direct costs
Support costs
Total		 2024/25
2023/24
Unrestricted
Funds
£
Restricted
Funds
£
Total
£
Unrestricted
Funds
£
Restricted
Funds
£
Total
£
2,594
-
2,594
3
-
3
262
-
262
-
-
-
32,546
-
32,546
35,440
-
35,440
4,266
-
4,266
2,793
-
2,793
3,892
-
3,892
3,352
-
3,352
43,560
-
43,560
41,588
-
41,588

Advantage Africa

Notes to the Accounts

26

6. Expenditure on Charitable Activities

2024/25 2023/24
Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total
Funds Funds £ Funds Funds £
£ £ £ £
DIRECT CHARITABLE COSTS
Community development in Africa Community development in Africa
Staff costs 61,405 14,113 75,518 64,822 64,822
5,104		 69,926
Other direct costs 3,875 4,693 8,568 3,168 3,168
4,311		 7,479
Grants payable* 39,246 201,243 240,489 32,708 32,708
174,896		 207,604
Support costs 7,947 - 7,947 7,970 7,970
-		 -
7,970
Total 112,473 220,049 332,522 108,668 108,668
184,311		 292,979
Governance costs
Staff costs 4,170 - 4,170 3,651 3,651
-		 3,651
Accounts and examination 1,764 - 1,764 1,500 1,500
-		 1,500
Other direct costs 91 - 91 23 23
-		 23
Support costs 34 - 34 - -
-		 -
Total 6,059 - 6,059 5,174 5,174
-		 5,174
Advocacy/campaigns/development education Advocacy/campaigns/development education Advocacy/campaigns/development education
Staff costs 4,476 - 4,476 5,469 5,469
-		 -
5,469
Other direct costs 414 - 414 414 414
-		 -
414
Support costs 609 - 609 536 536
-		 -
536
Total 5,499 - 5,499 6,419 6,419
-		 -
6,419
Total Charitable Activities 124,031 220,049 344,080 120,261 120,261
184,311		 304,572

Staff costs include the cost of the outsourced finance function and other staff related costs.

*Grants are given towards partner organisations once their work has been identified as falling within the objects and activities of Advantage Africa, and when a partnership has been built between Advantage Africa and both the partner and the beneficiary community through visits and detailed project planning. The aims and activities of the project are then defined in a formal agreement which is written, approved and signed by the partner organisation’s committee and Advantage Africa’s Trustee-Directors and which forms the basis for monitoring. A breakdown of grants payable is shown overleaf.

Advantage Africa

Notes to the Accounts

27

BREAKDOWN OF GRANTS PAYABLE
Kenya
Kibwezi Disabled Persons' Organisation
Kenya Institute for Special Education and
Partner Schools
Mitaboni Special Education Project
Thinu Special Education Project
Rescue Team for HIV & Aids
Autism Society / Dyslexia Organisation
(Disability Research)
Migori Women with Disabilities Group
Subtotal
Uganda
Single Parents' Association of Uganda
Source of the Nile Union of Persons with
Albinism
Subtotal
Total		 2024/25
2023/24
Project
Costs
£
Allowances
£
Total
Grants
£
Project
Costs
£
Allowances
£
Total
Grants
£
22,571
4,817
27,388
16,089
4,368
20,457
18,477
-
18,477
8,412
-
8,412
7
2,583
2,590
5
2,484
2,489
1,061
2,457
3,518
154
2,193
2,347
26,066
5,396
31,462
14,023
5,281
19,304
3,028
-
3,028
6,846
-
6,846
7,898
3,544
11,442
14,102
2,899
17,001
79,108
18,797
97,905
59,631
17,225
76,856
63,804
7,110
70,914
54,698
6,752
61,450
58,236
13,434
71,670
56,570
12,728
69,298
122,040
20,544
142,584
111,268
19,480
130,748
201,148
39,341
240,489
170,899
36,705
207,604

7. Staff and Trustee-Directors

Remuneration paid to key management personnel was £49k (2024: £47k). No remuneration or travel and expenses were paid to Trustees or any person connected to them in either period apart from Alice Gathoni was paid £200 for autism research work (£400 in 2023/24) following an appropriate selection process and due diligence by the Trustee-Directors with recourse to Charity Commission guidelines held in the previous year.

A total of £12,730 (£26,261 in 2023/24) was donated without conditions by Trustees-Directors, key management personnel and their close families.

We are grateful for the assistance of approximately 5 volunteers (2024:10) who contributed their time freely towards our work.

No fees (2023/24: Nil) were payable to Haines Watts, other than for the Independent Examination.

Staff costs (excluding outsourced Finance Manager)
were as follows:
Gross Salaries
Employer’s National Insurance
Pension
Recruitment costs
Total
No. of staff		 2024/25
£
2023/24
£
94,717
92,137
4,187
3,766
4,724
4,607
-
-
103,628
100,510
3
3

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was £60k or more in either period.

Advantage Africa

Notes to the Accounts

28

8. Tangible Assets

8. Tangible Assets
Equipment
and IT Total
£
Cost
At 1st August 2024 6,213
Additions -
Disposals -
At 31st July 2025 6,213

Accumulated Depreciation
At 1st August 2024 5,727
Depreciation in year 150
Less: Depreciation on disposals -
At 31st July 2025 5,877

Net Book Value
At 31st July 2025 336
At 31st July 2024 486

9. Stock

Sunscreen was donated by Ultrasun UK for SNUPA to distribute to people with albinism to prevent skin cancer. We have estimated the nominal unit value at £0.10 in line with export values.

Opening Stock Received Distributed Closing Stock
1st August 2024 during the year during the year 31st July 2025
Sunscreen Value (£) - 548 (548) -
Units (150ml) - 5,482 (5,482) -

Advantage Africa

Notes to the Accounts

29

10. Debtors and Prepayments


Trade Debtors
Prepayments
Other debtors
Deposit
Concessionary loans
Tax receivable

Total
 2024/25
£
2023/24
£
752
10,448
1,080
1,114
192
18
500
500
410
302
1,938
12,620
4,872
25,002

11. Cash at Bank and in Hand

11. Cash at Bank and in Hand


Bank operating accounts - UK

Bank operating accounts - Africa

Bank deposits

Petty cash

Total
 2024/25
£
2023/24
£
11,742
29,477
4,512
4,023
75,433
85,059
326
342
92,013
118,901

12. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year




Trade Creditors
Taxation & Social Security
Accruals
Total
2024/25
£
2023/24
£
1,834
22,138
-
-
3,820
2,513
5,654
24,651

Advantage Africa’s five-year lease of its UK office premises with rent payable of £500 per month began on 18th June 2023 and concludes in June 2026.

.

Advantage Africa

Notes to the Accounts

30

13. Funds

Restricted Funds
Disability Transition Project, Kenya
Teacher training and enabling young people to begin their adult lives
Kibwezi Disabled Persons’ Organisation, Kenya
Safe water, income generation, wheelchairs and other appliances
Rescue Team for HIV & AIDS, Kenya
Promoting behaviour change in men to reduce gender-based violence
Migori Women with Disabilities Group, Kenya
Income generation and disaster recovery for women with disabilities
Disability Research, Kenya
Investigations into education for children with autism and dyslexia
Single Parents' Association, Uganda
Community development and epilepsy in Nsonga, Katulngulu and Kisojo
Source of Nile Union of Persons with Albinism, Uganda
Skin cancer prevention, eye care and education for people with albinism
Disabled children’s education
Special units in Mitaboni and Thinu schools
Other restricted purposes
Enterprise in Residence at Lancaster University
Total Restricted Funds
Unrestricted Funds
General funds
Total Unrestricted Funds
Total Funds
The equivalent figures for 2023/24 were as follows:
Disability Transition Project, Kenya
Teacher training and enabling young people to begin their adult lives
Kibwezi Disabled Persons’ Organisation, Kenya
Safe water, income generation, wheelchairs and other appliances
Rescue Team for HIV & AIDS, Kenya
Promoting behaviour change in men to reduce gender-based violence
Migori Women with Disabilities Group, Kenya
Income generation and disaster recovery for women with disabilities
Disability Research, Kenya
Investigations into education for children with autism and dyslexia
Single Parents' Association, Uganda
Community development and epilepsy in Nsonga, Katulngulu and Kisojo
Source of Nile Union of Persons with Albinism, Uganda
Skin cancer prevention, eye care and education for people with albinism
Disabled children’s education
Special units in Mitaboni and Thinu schools
Total Restricted Funds
Unrestricted Funds
General funds
Total Unrestricted Funds
Total Funds		 Opening
balance
1 Aug 2024
£
Incoming
resources
£
Outgoing
resources
£
Transfers
in/out
£
Closing
balance
31 July 2025
£
5,680
24,932
(20,653)
-
9,959
18,602
-
(18,131)
1
472
5,874
33,000
(34,649)
-
4,225
935
3,000
(3,310)
127
752
4,812
-
(6,171)
-
(1,359)
11,444
36,592
(66,628)
1,247
(17,345)
7,382
63,464
(62,655)
4,365
12,556
3,609
1,870
(6,351)
950
78
-
1,500
(1,500)
-
-
58,338
164,358(220,049)
6,691
9,338
61,401
195,110 (167,591)
(6,691)
82,229
61,401
195,110(167,591)
(6,691)
82,229
119,738
359,468(387,640)
-
91,567
Opening
balance
1 Aug 2023
£
Incoming
resources
£
Outgoing
resources
£
Transfers
in/out
£
Closing
balance
31 July 2024
£
10,389
9,911
(14,621)
-
5,680
-
30,000
(11,398)
18,602
7
21,760
(15,893)
-
5,874
4,183
8,190
(11,438)
-
935
5,000
8,023
(8,211)
-
4,812
12,864
54,329
(56,963)
1,214
11,444
9,339
58,994
(60,951)
-
7,382
4,306
4,191
(4,836)
(52)
3,609
46,089
195,398 (184,311)
1,162
58,338
78,266
146,145 (161,849)
(1,162)
61,401
78,266
146,145 (161,849)
(1,162)
61,401
124,355
341,543 (346,160)
-
119,738

Advantage Africa

Notes to the Accounts

31

14. Net Analysis of Assets

The assets and liabilities represented by the various funds are as follows:

2024/25 2024/25 2023/24 2023/24
Fixed assets
£		 Fixed assets
£
Bank & cash
balances
£		 net assets Other
net assets
£		 Total
£		 Fixed assets
£
Total
£		 Fixed assets
£
Bank & cash
balances
£		 Other
net assets
£		 Total
£
Restricted funds - -
8,863		 475 9,338 -
9,338		 -
68,044		 (9,707) 58,338
Unrestricted funds 336 336
83,150		 (1,257) 82,229 486
82,229		 486
50,857		 10,057 61,400
Total 336 336
92,013		 (782) 91,567 486
91,567		 486
118,901		 351 119,738

15. Members

Each member of the company commits to contribute an amount of £10 if the charity is wound up.

Advantage Africa

Notes to the Accounts

32

Making sturdy shopping baskets in Katulgulu, Uganda.

33

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