Africa has produced more entrepreneurs within the past decade than it did 40 years prior. This course explores the structural transformations in rural and urban Africa, and the particulars behind the surge of Africa's small and micro enterprises (unemployment, the lack of industrialization, the bulging informal sector, deficiencies in national infrastructures...etc.,). The business seminar examines the policies employed for sustainable development and the emergence of social entrepreneurship as a global and African movement. It investigates the differences between business and social innovation and what it means for Africa, and highlights the challenges facing social entrepreneurs in terms of their ability to attract funding, scale their businesses, cultivate talented workers, develop partnerships, and difficulties in measuring their larger impact.
The course studies the innovative capabilities of multiple and diverse African firms through showcasing examples of social and environmental business driven initiatives that focus on youth, women, and digital technologies. Particular attention is given to how African social enterprises position themselves within global value chains (GVCs), reshaping traditional patterns of participation and creating new pathways for inclusive growth. Students will engage in online discussions with policy makers and directors of social enterprise research centers.

Course Date & Time

Tuesdays, 6:00-8:40 PM (Cairo local time); Ramadan schedule 8:00-10:30 pm.