MIT Kuo Sharper Center for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship

Ecosystem Building and Systems Change

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 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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MIT Kuo Sharper Center for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship Economy

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 ...

May 27, 2024
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