is critical, as publicly available data confirms that these areas represent a substantial portion of national budgets and market value. For instance, government spending on education in sub-Saharan Africa averaged 3.5% of GDP in 2022,64 while the African agribusiness and healthcare markets are projected to reach $1 trillion65 and $259 billion66 by 2030, respectively. Their presence in these sectors positions them well to capture emerging procurement opportunities and deliver both commercial and social value. Drivers of inclusive and community-centred innovation: Social enterprises combine innovation and inclusiveness to deliver meaningful impact. Many (51%) proactively develop new products and services specifically to advance their social goals, demonstrating agility and responsiveness to community needs. Their inclusive governance (e.g. 62% actively engaging staff and community members in decision-making) fosters accountability, local ownership and alignment with social objectives. These qualities make them well suited for social procurement initiatives that seek partners capable of delivering both economic value and measurable social outcomes. Potential impact on financing Social procurement can play a pivotal role in addressing the “missing middle” in financing by shifting social enterprises from reliance on grants towards stable, market-based revenue. Long-term contracts with public and private buyers provide predictable income, strengthening cash flow and reducing vulnerability to funding volatility. They also build credibility, helping enterprises attract capital from banks and investors by demonstrating proven performance and reduced risk. In addition, such partnerships enhance legitimacy and visibility, enabling social enterprises to scale, draw skilled talent and develop more resilient models. CASE STUDY 4 Tebita Ambulance Tebita Ambulance, Ethiopia’s pioneering pre-hospital emergency medical services (EMS) social enterprise, effectively uses social procurement to ensure sustainability and high impact. Founded in 2008, Tebita secures revenue through commercial contracts with companies for ambulance cover, first-aid training and certified kits. This income is strategically channelled to cross-subsidize emergency transport and care for individuals and families who lack access.This model has enabled Tebita to respond to more than 100,000 emergency calls, reducing response times significantly, and train nearly 300,000 individuals. By leveraging commercial contracts to fund public access, Tebita is professionalizing Ethiopia’s EMS system, even establishing the country’s first paramedic college, demonstrating a powerful, inclusive path to strengthening national health infrastructure. Credit: Tebita Ambulance, Ethiopia Financial matters Staff training and skills development Market access Digitalization Scaling Impact measurement Environmental sustainability Governance Legal matters Sustainability53% 53% 44% 43% 37% 32% 29% 26% 22% 4% The State of Social Enterprise: Unlocking Inclusive Growth, Jobs and Development in Africa 36

State of Social Enterprise Africa 2025