
- The Seed of a Vision
In 1984, Mr. Gray wrote to the South African government’s Finance Department, requesting permission to donate 20% of what would later become Allan Gray Pty Limited to a trust dedicated to supporting Black enterprise. Although unsuccessful at the time, the seed of his philanthropic vision had been planted.
- Turning Vision into Action
In 2005, two decades after first articulating his vision for meaningful societal change in South Africa, Allan Gray established Allan Gray Orbis Foundation to invest in individuals who would go on to become high-impact, responsible entrepreneurs capable of shaping and transforming the future of the Southern Africa region. His commitment to this mission has remained unwavering over the years, as reflected in the Trust Deed that continues to guide the Foundation’s purpose today.
- Entrepreneurship as a Catalyst
Allan Gray was a visionary who saw entrepreneurship as a powerful catalyst for societal change. His belief in the potential of individuals to drive economic progress and social transformation has laid the foundation for our work. The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation was established to create opportunities for promising young South Africans, particularly those from historically disadvantaged backgrounds, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and ethical grounding to become high-impact, responsible entrepreneurs.
- A Mission That Endures
It’s more than just entrepreneurial leaders – it’s leaders in the broadest context that are needed. It’s about creating opportunity – a sense of hope for everybody such that people can dream, not a dream that is impossible, but a dream that can be realised”
Allan Gray
Our Impact
Selection Stats
600 + Allan Gray Scholars
1.8K + Candidate Allan Gray Fellows
30 Postgraduate Allan Gray Candidate Fellows
Selected from six major universities, drawn from a pool of 2,338 applicants.
Programme Stats
80,000 + Participants
Business Stats
572 Allan Gray Fellows
2,976 Jobs
Created
1.5 Million Lives Improved
By Allan Gray Fellow ventures designed to uplift communities and drive impact
R2.1Billion Annual Revenue
Allan Gray Orbis Foundation 20 Year Anniversary Report
Since its establishment by Allan Gray in 2005, the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation has been steadfast in its mission: to create opportunities for promising young South Africans, and particularly those from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.
For 20 years, the Foundation has helped equip them with the knowledge, skills and ethical grounding to become high-impact, responsible entrepreneurs and leaders.
Our Videos
20 Years of Impact


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Podcast series: Standing on Business
