Building an Ecosystem for Social and Environmental Entrepreneurship in South Africa

The project aimed to significantly advance social and environmental entrepreneurship in South Africa with a focus on the provinces of Limpopo, KwaZulu Natal and Free State as well as the agricultural, tourism and waste sectors. In this manner, it supported the creation of environmentally sustainable employment for less well-educated, marginalised groups while contributing to the emergence of an Inclusive Green Economy.

Between 2016 and 2018, the quality and availability of Business Development Support (BDS) services for social and environmental companies were improved through various measures. Traditionally operating companies were supported in converting their business models to green and inclusive operations. The replication of successful green and social business models was promoted and the necessary political framework improved through close cooperation with the South African Ministry of the Environment. In addition, as the SEED project sponsor, adelphi initiated the development of a national standard in the area of BDS for social and environmental entrepreneurship. In order to increase its awareness and availability, the standard was integrated into existing qualification and training systems by means of a certification mechanism. During the course of the project, adelphi monitored the progress and impact of the project activities, summarised the results in case and sector studies and presented them at entrepreneurship-focused policy dialogues.

adelphi as the host institution of SEED was responsible for the design and implementation of all project components. The project was financed by the Flemish Department of Foreign Affairs of the Belgian state of Flanders, a close partner of SEED.