MIT Kuo Sharper Center for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship

Ecosystem Building and Systems Change

MIT Kuo Sharper Center for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship

The Rise of Global Growth Markets as the New Engine of Progress

The markets once labeled “emerging” are not simply catching up to advanced economies — they are charting new pathways that can define the global future. They represent 85% of the world’s population and are now the primary engines of growth and creativity. What was once seen as “potential” is now und...

Sep 18, 2025
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MIT Kuo Sharper Center for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship

Press Release MIT Kuo Sharper Center Deep Tech Program

The MIT Kuo Sharper Center for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship today announced the launch of the Deep Tech Program in Africa—developed in collaboration with the Government of Botswana and co-designed with Material Impact. The program gives top scientific minds from across Africa the opportunity to t...

Sep 10, 2025
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MIT Kuo Sharper Center for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship

PRESS RELEASE: Botswana Collaboration Kickoff

The Center officially kicked off our multi-year collaboration with the Government of Botswana, marked by a series of exciting events including the first Foundry Fellow Reunion in Africa, the start of our 12-week early-stage entrepreneurship program with over 31 startups and the preparations for exci...

Jul 2, 2025
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MIT Kuo Sharper Center for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship

From MIT to Global Growth Markets and Back

What do pink hens, digital twins, and mighty microbes have in common? MIT – and global changemakers seeking to transform their regions.

Jun 18, 2025
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MIT Kuo Sharper Center for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship

Rethinking Innovation Ecosystems in Central Asia

Why are so many founders in Central Asia building companies with one foot out the door? In this provocative piece by Shamil Ibragimov, Beyond the Hype: Rethinking Innovation Ecosystems in Central Asia, Ibragimov challenges the dominant startup narrative in emerging markets. Rather than fueling br...

Apr 17, 2025
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MIT Kuo Sharper Center for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship

MIT Kuo Sharper Webinar Series

From corporate-unicorn partnerships to the power of local trust, here how our Entrepreneur-In-Residence Andrea Kates outlines the real-world imperatives facing entrepreneurs, scaleups, and executives alike. The blog previews upcoming topics in the series, including AI in emerging economies, infrastr...

Apr 17, 2025
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MIT Kuo Sharper Center for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship Digital Economy

Challenging Assumptions by Micheil Banoub

This raises another question: how can SMEs afford annualized rates exceeding 70%? The answer lies in short loan tenures and high profit margins. Many supply contracts have short tenures of 1-2 months, meaning the interest accumulated is minimal relative to the loan term. Moreover, as I learned durin...

Mar 4, 2025
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MIT Kuo Sharper Center for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship Finance

Exploring Currency Hedging in Zambia

In this blog, Micheil Banoub, Director of Programs at Kuo Sharper Initiative (KSI), shares his firsthand experiences navigating the complexities of currency risk management in Zambia. Drawing insights from over 23 meetings with financial leaders and SMEs in Lusaka, Micheil explores the challenges of...

Dec 18, 2024
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MIT Kuo Sharper Center for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship Economy

Responsibly Financing Africa’s Missing Middle

Responsibly Financing Africa’s Missing Middle Africa’s SMEs are crucial drivers of economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction, especially in underserved rural areas. Yet, a $331 billion financing gap leaves them in the “missing middle”—too large for microfinance but too small for traditio...

Nov 12, 2024
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MIT Kuo Sharper Center for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship Economics

Currency Conundrums: Volatile African Exchange Rates and What Can Be Done

The blog, written by Isha Doshi , explores the challenges posed by currency volatility in sub-Saharan Africa, where erratic exchange rates impact both international investors and local economies. TLG Capital, with over a decade of experience investing in African SMEs, highlights how factors like rel...

Oct 29, 2024
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