Conclusion Governments, companies, investors, donors, civil society and academic institutions must work together to unlock the full potential of the social enterprise ecosystem in Africa. Africa’s social enterprises are not a niche – they are a backbone for inclusive growth, jobs and development. This report shows that there are an estimated 2.18 million social enterprises, generating at least $96 billion in annual revenue, creating at least 12 million jobs, with over half led by women and more than a third led by youth. Social enterprises are engines of dignity, delivering affordable services, unlocking livelihoods and advancing progress in education, agriculture, health and civic life. However, this potential remains constrained. Many social enterprises face low solvency, limited policy recognition and difficulty in accessing finance – precisely at a time when demand for their solutions is increasing. Realizing their full potential requires coordinated and intentional action across the ecosystem. Governments can anchor enabling frameworks – tailoring legal and policy recognition – and open procurement markets to social value. Companies can diversify their supply chains through social procurement, co-create products for underserved markets and invest in skills and capacity-building for social enterprises. Investors can scale catalytic finance that blends grants, patient capital and working capital, and align risk, return and time horizons with real economy needs. Networks, donors and research institutions can build the capabilities and evidence required to strengthen the ecosystem. Together, these actions can unlock the promise of social enterprise in Africa. If ecosystem actors translate this evidence into coordinated action, the potential impact is significant: the creation of more decent jobs, faster progress on the SDGs and communities better equipped to adapt to economic, climate and other shocks. The evidence presented in this report delivers a clear and actionable message: Africa’s social enterprises are ready to scale and deepen their impact. The challenge now is for ecosystem actors to commit the vision, recognition, resources and partnerships needed to unlock it. The State of Social Enterprise: Unlocking Inclusive Growth, Jobs and Development in Africa 54

State of Social Enterprise Africa 2025