Inclusive Entrepreneurship in Africa (Routledge Studies in Entrepreneurship and Small Business)

Inclusive Entrepreneurship in Africa offers a timely and essential examination of how diversity, equity, and inclusion are reshaping the continent’s entrepreneurial landscape. Bringing together cutting-edge research, lived experiences, and practical strategies, this book highlights the untapped potential of women, refugee communities, and marginalised groups across Africa and the Global South. Organized into three thematic parts, the book explores the lived realities and innovation potential of women and refugee entrepreneurs; the performance and strategic advantages of gender-diverse entrepreneurial teams; and the role of inclusive design in building trusted, sustainable ventures. Each chapter offers new insights into how systemic barriers can be overcome through inclusive practices, stakeholder engagement, and culturally grounded entrepreneurship. Far from treating inclusion as a peripheral issue, this volume positions it as central to Africa’s entrepreneurial future. Inclusive Entrepreneurship in Africa is a powerful call to action for scholars, policymakers, investors, and practitioners to build more equitable ecosystems where all entrepreneurs –regardless of gender, background, or ability – can thrive and contribute to sustainable development across the continent.

Samuel Adomako is an associate professor in strategy and innovation at the University of Birmingham, UK and professor extraordinaire at the University of South Africa. He received his PhD in entrepreneurship and innovation from the University of Warwick, UK. He is a fellow of the Advanced Higher Education Academy, UK.

Francis Donbesuur is an associate professor of entrepreneurship at the University of Leicester School of Business, UK and a fellow of the Advanced Higher Education Academy, UK.

Kwabena Frimpong is an associate professor of marketing and international business. He holds a PhD in marketing, MSc in international marketing from Strathclyde Business School, and a BSc in administration from the University of Ghana.

Robert Opoku is a marketing professor with teaching and consulting experience across four continents. He has worked with major firms including Unilever and Henkel and consulted for multinational consumer and petrochemical companies.

Marcia Mkansi is the college head of research, post-graduate studies, innovation, and commercialisation, an NRF rated professor of operations and supply chain management and the former head of department of operations management at the College of Economic & Management Sciences, University of South Africa. She holds a PhD (University of Bolton) and is SAP certified. Over the years, she has optimised on her interdisciplinary knowledge to address business, economic, and societal, constraints and produced digital artefacts and intellectual property.

Stella Nyongesa is a lecturer and researcher at Strathmore University Business School. Her areas of interest are in marketing and management. She holds a PhD in Marketing from Strathmore University, MBF (Microfinance) from Moi University, MSc Marketing from Makerere University and a BCom (Marketing) from Makerere University.