23130: Developing Entrepreneurial Ecosystems In Africa

Friday, July 25, 2025

16:00 - 17:30 CEST (GMT+2)

Location: Bella Center: MR66/67

Session Type: PDW (workshop)
Orientation: Practice,Research
Shareable link: https://cdmcd.co/ZK8g39

Organizer(s)

OA

Olu Aluko

Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom
NB

Nathaniel Boso

University of Leeds, United Kingdom
SI

Sherwat Elwan Ibrahim

American U. in Cairo, Egypt
JS

Juliana Siwale

Nottingham Trent University

Participant(s)

PA

Paschal Anosike

University of the West of England, United Kingdom
AB

Ashenafi Gebremichael Biru

RMIT U., Australia
RN

Rebecca Namatovu

Copenhagen Business School, Denmark
MM

Menisha Moos

University of Pretoria
ED

Evelyn Derera

University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
BN

Brownhilder Ngek Neneh

University of the Free State, South Africa

Despite the increasing attention on entrepreneurial ecosystems among scholars and policymakers, research on how ecosystems enable and constrain entrepreneurship and drive sustainable development in Africa remains underdeveloped. There is still limited understanding of the key ecosystem actors and factors that shape entrepreneurship growth in African economies. This knowledge gap is particularly notable given Africa’s unique context and the systemic challenges that confront businesses in this part of the Global South, including demographic shifts, resource dependency, and institutional voids. The purpose of this PDW is to advance scholarly understanding of the African context specific entrepreneurship ecosystem by fostering dialogue and providing actionable insights for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners dedicated to enhancing Africa’s entrepreneurship landscape. By addressing these critical issues, the workshop aims to contribute to the creation of robust, inclusive, productive entrepreneurship and sustainable development across the continent.