What is a social enterprise in an African context? Is it an NGO or can it run as a business and share its profits? How are they different from existing businesses and start-ups? Can it be privately owned and governed? Is it a western idea? Do they pursue environmental goals too? Is my organization a social enterprise and what opportunities does that open up for me?
These questions and more were the focus of this ASEW spinoff workshop where some misconceptions about social enterprises in Africa were discussed, together with some definitional and organizing principles. Some examples from existing research was also shared to help participants contextualize what was being discussed, while gaining insights into innovative ways to organize as a social enterprise in an African context.
