THEME:
SOCIAL ECONOMY –  BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE FUTURE FOR AFRICA

14-16 May    

AACOSE Conveners

Overview of AACOSE

AACOSE is an initiative of the Institute for Social Transformation, Tangaza University that started in 2017 to gather major actors of social entrepreneurship to collaborate in accelerating the growth of social entrepreneurship in Africa. AACOSE is co-organized by Tangaza University – Institute for Social Transformation in collaboration with other partner organizations supporting social entrepreneurs.

AACOSE is a Pan-African convening that provides opportunities for actors in social entrepreneurship, the space for mutual learning, co-creation, networking, and creating new narratives that can contribute to social transformation in Africa. AACOSE is a solution-driven convening focusing on social entrepreneurs and innovations creating change in Africa.

About AACOSE 8

We live in a world characterized by inequality and exclusion due to the current capitalist economic system. The current system will not transform the world for the better, hence the need for a social economic model that offers an alternative economic model that puts people’s social and economic needs first. The social economy is an inclusive economy where everything has a place, and we believe creating a better society will require a system where everybody has access to opportunities to improve their lives.

This conference is important in engaging in the discussion towards multisectoral collaboration between governments, the private sector, civil society, and international organisations so as to promote the growth of the social economy.

AACOSE 8 will highlight how social entrepreneurship contributes to the continent’s sustainable development and Africa’s diverse social and economic landscape.

What to expect at AACOSE 8

PLENARY SESSIONS

These will be the main sessions of the conference and bring together social entrepreneurs, impact practitioners, policymakers, and field experts to provide perspectives, experience, and strategic orientation on the topics.

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

They will be more focused sessions led by industry leaders and practitioners. They will entail in-depth diving into specific sub-themes or specialized areas. They will give participants more interactive engagement and dialogue opportunities on the themes.

MASTERCLASS

This is a hands-on and interactive training session led by a field expert. It’s designed to provide practical lessons, skills, and strategies on the specific topic that the participants can immediately apply to their social enterprise, empowering them with new tools and knowledge.

AACOSE ACADEMIA

Provides a forum for academic research contributions on the social economy, bridging the gap between academia and practice. A call for papers is sent to submit the papers. The session emphasizes how research can support and enhance the development of the social economy, reinforcing the role of education and research in building sustainable, inclusive communities.

NETWORKING COCKTAIL

The AACOSE evening cocktail will be a space for participants to network in a more relaxed environment and build relationships in an informal yet professional setting. This will be a chance to expand their professional networks, showcase their personalities beyond business, learn and exchange ideas beyond our formal sessions.

  • PLENARY SESSIONS

    These will be the main sessions of the conference and bring together social entrepreneurs, impact practitioners, policymakers, and field experts to provide perspectives, experience, and strategic orientation on the topics.
  • BREAKOUT SESSIONS

    They will be more focused sessions led by industry leaders and practitioners. They will entail in-depth diving into specific sub-themes or specialized areas. They will give participants more interactive engagement and dialogue opportunities on the themes.
  • MASTERCLASS

    This is a hands-on and interactive training session led by a field expert. It’s designed to provide practical lessons, skills, and strategies on the specific topic that the participants can immediately apply to their social enterprise, empowering them with new tools and knowledge.
  • AACOSE ACADEMIA

    Provides a forum for academic research contributions on the social economy, bridging the gap between academia and practice. A call for papers is sent to submit the papers. The session emphasizes how research can support and enhance the development of the social economy, reinforcing the role of education and research in building sustainable, inclusive communities.
  • NETWORKING COCKTAIL

    The AACOSE evening cocktail will be a space for participants to network in a more relaxed environment and build relationships in an informal yet professional setting. This will be a chance to expand their professional networks, showcase their personalities beyond business, learn and exchange ideas beyond our formal sessions.

Impact StoriesAACOSE 8

Join the change maker movement from all over Africa

Organized By

800+

social entrepreneurs, funders, academics, and policymakers.