Report maps rising economic clout of Africa’s social enterprises

A new report on the impact of Africa's social enterprises has been released. The study, The State of Social Enterprise: Unlocking Inclusive Growth, Jobs and Development in Africa, provides a comprehensive analysis of the sector's scale and economic contribution.

Produced by the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, Africa Forward, the African Union Commission, the Motsepe Foundation, SAP and Genesis Analytics, this is the one of the most comprehensive data-driven studies of its kind.

Our network proudly contributed to this work - connecting social enterprises to the research, sharing insights, and supporting with survey outreach. Many of our members’ voices helped shape this report, which reflects the diversity, creativity, and impact of social enterprises across Africa.

The report estimates 2.18 million social enterprises in Africa, generating $96 billion in annual revenue (about 3.2% of Africa’s GDP), and creating at least 12 million jobs. One in two are led by women (compared to one in five for traditional businesses), and one in three are led by youth (under 35).

Read the full report here.

This release comes at a historic moment - during the 2025 G20 week in South Africa, the first-ever G20 Presidency held in Africa - where social enterprise is gaining recognition as a key driver of inclusive growth, equity, and sustainable development.

Collectively, we are putting social enterprise at the centre of Africa’s growth story - and the world is taking notice.