AACOSE7 provided a comprehensive exploration of social entrepreneurship's role in addressing Africa’s challenges. The conference featured high-level panel discussions on vital topics such as human capital development, technological advancements, and urban resilience. These discussions emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration between academia and entrepreneurs to address evolving needs and future skills. Breakout sessions covered pressing issues including environmental sustainability, healthcare innovations, and food system transformations. Each session highlighted the importance of sustainable practices, technological integration, and inclusive solutions to drive progress. Key moments included the focus on faith-driven social entrepreneurship and the role of digital economies in creating new opportunities. The conference also addressed refugee integration and showcased innovative models in agriculture and climate action. A significant highlight was the launch of the Network of African Social Enterprises (NASE), which aims to unify and empower social entrepreneurs across the continent. This initiative is set to enhance collaboration, resource sharing, and advocacy, marking a pivotal step towards advancing social impact in Africa.

The Sustaining Impact Summit (SIS) is an annual event dedicated to enhancing the sustainability of impact-focused organizations across Africa. We are excited to announce our partnership with the Africa Social Enterprise Workshop (ASEW), the conveners of this year’s summit, to bring even greater depth and expertise to the event. SIS will take place on August 28th and 29th, 2024, with Day 1 being a virtual experience and Day 2 held physically at Tangaza University. This format allows us to reach a broader audience while providing a valuable in-person networking opportunity. The summit unites social enterprises, NGOs, industry experts, policymakers, and development representatives to explore strategies for sustaining impact despite limited external support. Through expert panels, workshops, mentorship, and collaborative discussions, SIS equips attendees with tools and strategies for long-term success. Our mission is to honor the achievements of impact-driven organizations while tackling the challenges they face. We aim to foster collaboration and innovation, providing valuable insights, networks, and resources that support their journey toward sustainability. Join us at SIS, in partnership with ASEW, to envision a future where impact-focused organizations are self-sufficient and resilient, paving the way for a prosperous Africa.

Social Enterprise Kenya (SEK) is honored to be a key member of the Network of Social Enterprises (NASE), a platform founded in May 2024 to enhance collaboration and support among social enterprises across Africa. This influential network includes Social Enterprise Ghana, Social Enterprise Ethiopia, and Social Enterprise Ivory Coast, each committed to driving social and environmental impact in their respective countries. As a prominent participant in NASE, SEK plays a crucial role in the network’s regional efforts to amplify social and environmental impact. NASE facilitates the exchange of resources, best practices, and expertise among its members, empowering each organization to strengthen its efforts and promote sustainable development. By leveraging the collective strengths of its members, NASE addresses Africa’s most pressing challenges. With SEK at its core, the network unites social entrepreneurs and ecosystem supporters, dedicated to fostering a more sustainable and equitable future for the continent.

We live in a world characterized by inequality and exclusion due to the current capitalist economic system. The current system will not transform the world for the better, hence the need for a social economic model that offers an alternative economic model that puts people’s social and economic needs first. The social economy is an inclusive economy where everything has a place, and we believe creating a better society will require a system where everybody has access to opportunities to improve their lives. This conference is important in engaging in the discussion towards multisectoral collaboration between governments, the private sector, civil society, and international organisations so as to promote the growth of the social economy. AACOSE 8 will highlight how social entrepreneurship contributes to the continent’s sustainable development and Africa’s diverse social and economic landscape.