The State of Social Enterprise in Africa

Overview

Across Africa, social enterprises are redefining how business, innovation and purpose come together to advance inclusive and sustainable development. They expand access to essential services, create dignified jobs and strengthen community resilience-offering practical solutions where traditional models often fall short. The State of Social Enterprise: Unlocking Inclusive Growth, Jobs and Development in Africa presents the most comprehensive analysis of the sector to date.

Developed by the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship in partnership with the World Economic Forum, Africa Forward, the African Union Commission, the Motsepe Foundation, SAP and Genesis Analytics, the report combines new primary data from Ghana, South Africa, Cameroon, Kenya and Ethiopia with a continent-wide synthesis. It reveals the scale, impact and economic significance of Africa’s 2.18 million social enterprises, while highlighting the opportunities for policy-makers, investors and ecosystem partners to accelerate their contribution to inclusive, resilient growth.

2.18 million social enterprises

Social enterprises make up 17% of the 12.7 million business on the African continent.

$96 billion in revenue

Social enterprises generate $96 billion in annual revenue, or 3.2% of Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP).

12 million jobs created

Demonstrating social enterprises' effectiveness as an engine for job creation, particularly for marginalized communities.

More than 1 in 2 led by women (55%)

Compared to one in five for conventional businesses in sub-Saharan Africa.

1 in 3 are led by youth (under the age of 35)

Social enterprises harness the entrepreneurial and innovative spririt of the continent's youth.

A Catalyst for Inclusive Growth Across Africa

Emerging data across the continent shows that social enterprises are filling critical gaps in access to services, employment and local economic development. Their models blend commercial viability with social outcomes, often reaching groups and regions underserved by traditional actors. As governments and partners seek more inclusive pathways to growth, social enterprises offer evidence-based approaches that strengthen resilience, widen opportunity and create more equitable forms of progress.

Data and Methodology

This study draws on a survey of 1,980 social enterprises and a synthesis of existing national and regional data. It provides comparable, policy-ready evidence on size, structure and impact. For researchers interested in collaborating with African partners to generate insights from this dataset, please consult the extended methodology and detailed list of variables.

To request access to the anonymized dataset and connect with the African networks that contributed to its collection, please follow the link below. A member of the Aligned for Impact Initiative team will respond as soon as possible.

Focus countries include Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa. You can download each individual country's factsheet below.

Cameroon

Cameroon’s 27,000 social enterprises employ 47,000 people, with 94% of workers being youth and 59% women. Agriculture and trade dominate the sector. The 2019 Social Economy Law provides a legal foundation, supporting inclusive growth through community-based entrepreneurship.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia hosts around 39,100 social enterprises employing 436,000 people. Most are for-profit ventures focused on education, health, and community development. Women lead 51%, and youth lead 40%. Despite the lack of a dedicated legal framework, enterprise activity is expanding rapidly across the country.

Ghana

Ghana’s 127,000 social enterprises employ nearly 578,000 people, with women leading 55% and youth 41%. Agriculture, education, and food production are key sectors. While formal recognition is pending, a draft Social Enterprise Policy aims to strengthen the enabling environment.

Kenya

Kenya’s 137,800 social enterprises employ about 796,000 people, 93% of whom are youth. Women lead 58% of organizations. Education, health, and civic engagement dominate the sector, supported by a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and growing interest in inclusive business.

South Africa

South Africa’s 197,000 social enterprises generate 393,000 jobs, employing 90% women and 86% youth. With strong representation in education, health and civic engagement, the sector is supported by emerging policy interest through the Social Economy Draft Green Paper.

The State of Social Enterprise