Center for Development & Entrepreneurship
Center for Development and Entrepreneurship Blogs
Unveiling the Startup Illusion: Critical Questions Every Policymaker Must Answer
In an era where talk of startup acts, innovation bills, and the emergence of new tech hubs saturates political discourse, it’s crucial to scrutinize the readiness of nations to foster a conducive environment for startups. The allure of becoming the next Silicon Valley in Africa or elsewhere may seem...
Beyond the Fields: The Adaptive Leadership Revolution Against Food Insecurity
The stakes are high. Post-harvest losses disproportionately afflict not only Africa but also South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and Latin America—regions with a combined GDP of USD 16 Trillion and home to over 60% of humanity. As we navigate the complexities of the global food system, Freeze...
From Sands to Skylines: Dubai's Rise as a Global Epicenter for Entrepreneurship
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As we explore Dubai's progress, we will shine a light on the strategic governmental initiatives that have shaped its entrepreneurial landscape, the advanced infrastructure that supports business growth and innovation, and the vibrant cultural diversity that fuels creative and collaborative business ...
Legatum Center Hits Milestone of Support for Over 300 African Entrepreneurs Driving Innovation Across the Continent
The Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) celebrated over 15 years of advancing innovation and entrepreneurship by unveiling its 15-Year Impact Report at the "Innovation in Global Growth Markets: Prosperity Through Entrepreneurship" Co...
Are you, as an Entrepreneur, Achieving All the Impact You Can?
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The Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship at MIT Sloan surveyed African entrepreneurs leading early-stage startups and found there was a huge gap between their articulation of the market need (i.e. “the problem”) and what their ventures would achieve in five years.
Leveraging the Power of Communication, Branding and Storytelling
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The success stories of Swvl, Andela, BRCK, Sanergy, and countless others underscore the profound impact of effective communication. They remind us that a strong brand can propel a startup from obscurity to iconic status. They show us that storytelling forges connections that transcend borders and to...
The Illusion of Inclusion: The Landscape of Digital Banking in Africa
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Africa’s financial landscape is undergoing a seismic shift driven by the rapid ascent of digital banking. However, as its influence grows, it is imperative to critically assess whether digital banking authentically fulfills its pledge of inclusivity or inadvertently perpetuates the pre-existing disp...
Unlocking Africa's Prosperity Through Deep Tech
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As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and technology-driven, deep technology is emerging as a pivotal force shaping the future of nations. Nowhere is this transformative potential more evident than in Africa, a continent brimming with untapped opportunities and a thriving ecosystem of in...
Egypt Hosts Top African Innovation-Driven Entrepreneurs on Successful Ecosystem Tour
Twelve Legatum Fellows from seven countries explored Egypt’s entrepreneurial environment, connecting markets and strengthening ties across Africa.
Is Tunisia Poised to Become a Deep Tech Hub?
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With a rapidly evolving entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem, Tunisia is little by little positioning itself as a leading entrepreneurship and innovation destination, particularly in deep tech.
Other Sources on Entrepreneurship
How Botswana will benefit from MIT’s Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship
President Dr. Mokgweetsi EK Masisi of Botswana delivered a keynote speech at the conference, emphasizing the pivotal role entrepreneurship can play in driving prosperity for emerging economies.
Nigerian entrepreneur lauded for digital healthcare initiative
A digital healthcare initiative that has enabled some 260,000 patients in Nigerian villages to access healthcare is among innovations celebrated by a top American university.
Meet the Founders in This Year's MIT delta v Startup Accelerator
A machine that turns sewage into fuel. Clothing that tracks your movements during workouts. These were the products pitched by the teams graduating from this year's MIT delta v accelerator.
(Webinar Recap) 3 Ways Digital Health Is Expanding Access to Care
With global expansion in connectivity, digital health is playing a growing role in improving the efficiency and efficacy of health systems and delivery models in emerging markets.
Does the acceleration of digital transformation represent an opportunity for emerging economies?
For decades, information and communication technologies (ICTs) have variably impacted people, enterprises, and societies and have demonstrated the potential to become a game changer.
On the dangerous return of the mercantilism
The developing countries must act with all the means at their disposal against protectionist restrictions on international trade and investment, writes Mahmoud Mohieldin.
12 Insights From A Decade Of Investing In Female Entrepreneurs
The data has shown what many of us have known and experienced for years- the journey for female entrepreneurs to get to the same point of success as their male counterparts is longer.
A startup in Kenya is launching “Uber for ambulances”
In Nairobi, most things can be ordered from your phone—an Uber, or taxi from one of several other taxi hailing app companies and soon, Nairobians will also be able order an ambulance from their phones