Past Event

Restoring Values: Indigenous Institutions, Entrepreneurship & Sustainable Jobs for Youth in Africa

While all organs of the body contribute to its functionality, the heart plays a crucial role in determining vitality and longevity. Similarly, institutions are essential to the sustainability of entrepreneurial activities and the creation of dignified jobs, serving as the heart of economic development.

As debates on the role of institutions in economic growth and development continue, this webinar explores the critical role of indigenous institutions and values in fostering job creation and sustainable entrepreneurship in Africa.

Dominant narratives often emphasize the role of institutions in settler colonies as key drivers of economic growth. However, this webinar challenges that singular perspective, re-centering indigenous institutions as vital components of sustainable entrepreneurship and youth employment in Africa.

Africa’s indigenous institutions extend beyond formal structures to include community ethos, mores, taboos, values, social capital, mentorship through storytelling, and accountability mechanisms essential for sustainability. The neglect of these traditional values and practices has contributed to high business failure rates and long-term employment challenges on the continent.

By complementing formal institutions, these informal systems ensure entrepreneurship is not solely focused on profit maximization but also incorporates environmental sustainability, gender equity, and considerations for future generations.

Join us on March 19, 2025|10:00AM EST, as members of the Africa Indigenous Knowledge Research Network (AIKRN) explore these critical issues.

Speakers: