State of Social Enterprise Africa 2025

Frequency of social enterprises engaging in inclusive practices TABLE 3 Source: Survey data, World Economic ForumTheme General practice General practice details Commitment to inclusive governance and decision-making62% involve staff and impact groups in decision-making Giving staff ownership stakes (29%) Implementing deliberative structures such as annual meetings and staff councils (58%) Adopting collective leadership or shared governance (51%) Involving communities/impact population groups in the design and/or delivery of products and services (36%) Employing communities/impact population groups as staff or volunteers (35%) Ensuring communities/impact population groups are represented in governance structures such as advisory boards or decision-making committees (24%) Consider social and/or environmental factors when choosing suppliers78% apply social/environmental criteria in supplier selectionPrioritizing local suppliers (63%) Engaging women, youth or marginalized- group businesses (61%) Choosing environmentally sustainable partners (58%) Sourcing from other social enterprises (55%) Proactively driving social innovation through internal operations 51% use new technologies, business models or partnerships to drive social or environmental changeNot applicable Commitment to environmental sustainability35% implement carbon footprint reduction, waste management, circular economy initiatives Ensure pay equity for employees64% ensure fair wages across gender and roles Adhere to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) principles44% ensure hiring, leadership representation and opportunities are inclusive Embed sustainable principles in their supply chain management32% implement ethical sourcing The State of Social Enterprise: Unlocking Inclusive Growth, Jobs and Development in Africa 24