# The State of Social Enterprise

Unlocking Inclusive Growth, Jobs and Development in Africa

[Read the report](http://www.weforum.org/publications/the-state-of-social-enterprise-unlocking-inclusive-growth-jobs-and-development-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.


## Key findings

Social enterprises are a driving force for inclusive growth across Africa. More than half are led by women, and over one-third by youth under 35. They are active across every major industry, with the largest concentrations in education, agriculture and health.


### 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.


*Interactive visualization or embedded content*


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

[Download the extended methodology](https://weforum.box.com/s/xobyf6hskpzj83m7hceu4vlto9nzvzkp)


### Cameroon

Cameroon’s 27,000 social enterprises employ 47,000 people, with 94% employing 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.

[Download Factsheet](https://weforum.box.com/s/xsoxqr3dd15h3kvzpt35utqejab1q7e8)


### 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 no dedicated legal framework, enterprise activity is expanding rapidly across the country.

[Download Factsheet](https://weforum.box.com/s/f4p5fcrsfr3p889lpxd6fxqybhrazxmg)


### 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.

[Download Factsheet](https://weforum.box.com/s/qe5q6c1w2bblgvk1qpbctgk0u517l24o)


### 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.

[Download Factsheet](https://weforum.box.com/s/idzxwv678i3pmo67o47x3d3fgytqhz9b)


### 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.

[Download Factsheet](https://weforum.box.com/s/vu8olztzqsoasvhwhyna80lwggpgbwg3)


## Report Partners

This report is a collaborative effort between the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, the World Economic Forum, Africa Forward, the African Union Commission, the Motsepe Foundation, SAP, and Genesis Analytics. The project was also was steered by a wider Africa Advisory Group on Social Enterprise Data.


*Partner organizations and sponsors*