Rise of the ‘social enterprise’ could help marginalised Africans escape Covid-19 economic fallout

A new report into ‘social enterprises’ by the British Council in Sub-Saharan Africa finds they are more likely to provide opportunities for women, poor and vulnerable people who are likely to be hit hardest by the economic fallout of Covid-19.
The report looks at 10 countries in Africa through a survey of 941 participants including policymakers, NGOs, universities, intermediaries and social enterprises themselves – plus 44 participants in focus groups.
Among the contributors are government representatives, the World Economic Forum, charity leaders and entrepreneurs from Botswana, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and Sudan.
Social enterprises are businesses whose primary purpose is addressing a social or environmental challenge, rather than creating profit for owners or shareholders. Across Africa, social enterprises are teaching skills, creating job opportunities for marginalised populations and empowering young people to make a positive different in their communities.