Tony Blair, the former prime minister of the United Kingdom, said he has found "a new life" in global philanthropy during his keynote speech at the China Philanthropy Forum 2012, which was held in Beijing on Friday.

After leaving No 10 Downing Street, Blair said he has devoted himself to philanthropy across the world, especially in Africa.

Blair said that establishing a foundation can be very hard but rewarding.

Blair said he believes philanthropy is vital for a healthy and flourishing society, and that it can get things done more efficiently than governments, based on his experience of serving as a prime minister for 10 years.

"Philanthropy is not just about giving," he said, "The best philanthropy is about changing the world," Blair said.

"I am doing philanthropy in Uganda and Liberia, both countries in conflict. Every year a lot of people are moving out of Uganda. I witnessed how their lives are improved with my efforts," he said.

He stressed that Africa is a continent full of opportunities.

"Africa is changing fast. Its population will double in the next 30 or 40 years, its middle class will double in the next five years. Of the 10 fastest-growing countries in the last decade, six are African countries," he said.