Velma Mukoro

Research Fellow

The World Bank

Country:

Velma is a research fellow at the Joint Data Center on Forced Displacement, the World Bank Group. Her research investigates energy delivery models in forced displacement settings (e.g., refugee camps) in Kenya to identify crucial areas for policy action and market-based interventions.

Previously, she worked at GIZ for a project that supported the private sector in implementing pilot solar-hybrid mini-grid projects in off-grid areas of Kenya. Velma recently completed her doctoral research at the Tyndall Center for Climate Change Research, the University of Manchester.

She created a framework that can be used to quantify the environmental impacts of business models and tested it on solar energy companies to inform business model innovation strategies through the lens of circular economy.

What participants are saying

What the workshop accomplished, in light of the current situation, was to provide a common ground for struggling social entrepreneurs to re-think and re-strategize their interventions for transformative impact in this this new era.

This two-day workshop which brought together practitioners and researchers was a unique opportunity to share the latest insights and knowledge useful in addressing current challenges in the social entrepreneurship field. This format promotes cross-fertilization, fruitful discussions and networking for social entrepreneurs eager to contribute to a better world".

It was such a privilege to be a group facilitator for this event. Together with the participants, we explored how social enterprises can develop strategies to ensure they continue to thrive within a changed and changing context, and how they can demonstrate what difference they make to their communities in an effective manner. I personally felt particularly inspired by Mrs Alero Ayida-Otobo’s talk and the concrete steps she set out for social enterprises to enable them to tackle the current challenges head-on. It was a real joy to work with the social entrepreneurs and it was very moving to hear about how the work they do change people’s lives.

Social enterprises, when properly positioned, will play a huge development role in Africa; there is a need and opportunity to implement innovative solutions to reach the transformation Africa needs.

Looking back, the two days impressively showed that the world is not on pause. By collaborating, sharing and developing new ideas amidst various crises, social entrepreneurs tirelessly work alongside accelerators, government and support organisations to make the world a bit better. With the tools and concepts provided in the workshop, they now are even better equipped to demonstrate that potential and put it into practice.

Velma Mukoro

Research Fellow

The World Bank

Country:

What participants are saying

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