State of Social Enterprise Africa 2025

Less than $10,000 $10,000–$50,000 $50,000–$250,000 $250,000–$1 million $1 million–$10 million62% 21% 11% 4% 3% Less than $10,000 $10,000–$50,000 $50,000–$250,000 More than $250,000Age groupUnder 18 18–24 25–34 35–44 45–54 Over 55100% 87%11% 70%19%8% 58%26%12%5% 54%19%16%11% 45%15%17%24%2% 1%2%No: did not make a profit or surplusYes: reinvested more than 50%Yes: reinvested less than 50%No: distributed all profits or surplus to private shareholders 36% 29%19%11%5% Yes: reinvested 100%36% of social enterprises did not make a profit 64% of social enterprises made a profitEnterprises reinvesting profit or surplus towards social and/or environmental mission FIGURE 5 Decision criteria for reinvesting profits FIGURE 6 Reinvest based on leadership or group decisions Have a formal policy or internal agreement for reinvestment Legally required to reinvest based on structure or governing documents Other33% 25% 23% 4%Source: Survey data, World Economic Forum Source: Survey data, World Economic ForumA key characteristic of social enterprises is their commitment to mission-driven reinvestment. A high proportion, 59%, reinvested part or all of their profit or surplus towards their social or environmental mission in the previous year.48 These reinvestment decisions are primarily guided by leadership or group decisions and formal company policy or internal agreements for 58% of enterprises. Furthermore, 23% are legally required to reinvest profits based on organizational structure or governing documents, underscoring a strong institutional commitment to impact. The State of Social Enterprise: Unlocking Inclusive Growth, Jobs and Development in Africa 21