The African Trade Report 2025 shows that social enterprises are a core part of Africa’s economy. Across the continent, there are over 2.18 million social enterprises creating tens of millions of jobs and contributing up to 3% of Africa’s GDP.

What stands out is who is driving this growth. Nearly half of these enterprises are led by women, and a third by young people. These leaders are not just building businesses, they are creating jobs for women and youth in their communities.

The report also highlights a major challenge. More than 55% of social enterprises struggle to access financing, caught in a middle funding gap. Unlocking patient, flexible capital and supportive policies will be critical if Africa is to fully harness the power of social enterprises.