Insights

For all the research on the state entrepreneurship in Africa, and there have been many high quality studies like the collaborative project between Omidyar Network and Monitor Group, there is a common narrative that risk-culture is alive and well. Despite the confounding reality of a very real and persistent tragedy of the commons grinding most African economies to an average GDP growth of 5% (enviable by advanced economy standards), there is an unstoppable optimism seen at every corner of GES2015. So while the lights may go out and there are fewer paved roads across Sub Saharan Africa than in the UK, countries can buy or barter their way out of an infrastructure deficit, but they cannot put a price on entrepreneurial culture. Harnessing this competitive advantage will take courage and leaping over a few creaking institutions that have dogged Africa’s progress.

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