As Africa continues to evolve as a hub of innovation and economic growth, the power of social entrepreneurship has never been more crucial. The 8th Annual Africa Conference on Social Entrepreneurship (AACOSE), held at Tangaza University from May 14th to 16th, 2025, brings together visionaries, changemakers, and thought leaders to discuss the role of the social economy in building a sustainable and inclusive future for Africa.
A key highlight of the conference is the masterclass led by Prof. Mirjam van Reisen, the Global Coordinator, Value-driven Ownership of Data and Accessibility Network (VODAN) Africa and Professor of FAIR Data at Leiden University Medical Center.
Her masterclass will focus on these key areas: challenges in Global South Data, challenges in Global North AI models, what is federated learning, and introducing the VODAN platform.
The Conference indeed will offer deep insights into social entrepreneurship models that can transform communities across the continent, and will serve as a platform for collaboration, learning, and strategic action.
What is the Social Economy?
The social economy refers to enterprises, cooperatives, and organisations that prioritise people over profit, aiming to drive social impact while maintaining financial sustainability. Whether through microfinance, impact investment, fair trade, or grassroots initiatives, social entrepreneurs are reshaping Africa’s economic landscape by fostering inclusive growth.
AACOSE: A Platform for Transformation
Events like AACOSE are essential for amplifying the voices of change-makers and connecting them to funding, partnerships, and policy support. By bringing together academics, practitioners, policymakers, and investors, AACOSE strengthens the ecosystem needed to drive large-scale transformation.