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The aim of this paper is to identify how the diaspora consciousness of Syrian entrepreneurs in Egypt might affect their business practices. The research sample comprises semi‐structured interviews with Syrian refugee owners of small and medium‐sized businesses in Egypt. Thematic analysis was subsequently used to determine the main ideas in the transcripts from the interviews. The findings showed that diaspora consciousness stimulates Syrian refugees to actively engage in three categories of business‐related practices: contextual (expanding entrepreneurial activities outside their host country, desire to constitute a Western country‐based business venture), functional (reliance on a value chain within the same nationality, tending to adopt shadow economy practices), and procedural practices (preferring to develop family businesses, establishing only small and medium‐sized enterprises). This paper contributes by filling a gap in the literature on refugee entrepreneurship in which empirical studies on the effect of diaspora consciousness on the business practices of refugee entrepreneurs have been limited so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manufacturing has the potential to drive economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction, but African manufacturers face challenges in competing with global markets. Agricultural machinery manufacturing may be one niche where African manufacturers can succeed. This paper examines the challenges and opportunities facing local agricultural manufacturers in Africa based on a survey of 386 manufacturers in four countries and qualitative methods. Results show that small, dedicated entrepreneurs have created vibrant local machinery markets. These manufacturers have several comparative advantages, in particular, the ability to develop machinery adapted to local agroecological conditions but face challenges related to financing, human resources, utilities, raw materials, production equipment and the regulatory environment. The paper offers recommendations on how to support local manufacturers to make "Made in Africa" the first choice for African farmers and agro‐food processors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the processes of market liberalization and globalization increase the confidence of international actors involved in national third sectors, there exists a cosmopolitan tension between 'mobile elites' and 'locked in' nationals. This paper explores the impact of these tensions on the social enterprise ecosystem in the Republic of Poland and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Focused on the internationalized mechanisms of support, the relationship between the social enterprise incubators and international stakeholders, and power distance inherent to the global versus local debate, the findings suggest that normative isomorphic pressures are causing a fundamental ecosystem shift. The monopolization of support and terms of reference have led to entrepreneurs detrimentally being treated as 'organizational heroes' risking burnout, the primacy of international voices within the local context, and the transference of nationals from being 'locked in' to national processes to being 'locked out' of national support. The research suggests the cosmopolitan‐led transformation of activists into entrepreneurs needs to be more carefully considered, to ensure that enforced alignment to international system does not alienate them from other sources and means of sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the COVID‐19 pandemic, organisational resilience is key, especially for small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), which must face crises and overcome the handicap of today's digital markets. We explore how corporate social responsibility (CSR), digital technologies (DTs) and corporate entrepreneurship synergistically enhance SMEs' organisational resilience, employing dynamic capabilities theory to reveal mechanisms underlying CSR, DTs and organisational resilience. We assess this synergy empirically by surveying 259 participants from Andalusia's business landscape. Theoretical and practical implications illuminate SMEs' strategic DT use to amplify CSR and resilience. Finally, we outline practical guidelines for policymakers, business leaders and entrepreneurs to foster sustainable innovative practices. Embracing CSR and entrepreneurship cultivates resilience, enabling enterprises to thrive amidst challenges and stay competitive. Our paper advances knowledge by combining CSR's and DTs' roles in developing resilience in entrepreneurship. Ultimately, recognising and harnessing CSR, DTs and entrepreneurship synergy empowers SMEs to forge resilient business environments for lasting success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the factors that influence opportunity recognition (OR) of academic spin‐offs (ASOs) from a contingency perspective. We focus on factors linked to the academic entrepreneur and propose that their relevance for explaining OR in ASOs depends on the context in which these firms operate: discovery (the necessary information for entrepreneurs to assess the new opportunities is available in the market) versus creation (complete information about opportunity exploitation and the likelihood of achieving certain outcomes is not available in the market). Results obtained in a sample of 167 Spanish ASOs show that, in a discovery context, academic entrepreneurs' OR is positively related to entrepreneurial self‐efficacy, previous managerial experience and access to academic and industry networks. In a creation context, only entrepreneurial self‐efficacy and access to industry networks become critical to OR, whereas previous managerial experience exerts a negative effect. Our results also show that the most relevant factor in a discovery context is previous managerial experience, while in a creation context, entrepreneurial self‐efficacy is the most significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2024 African Development Bank (AfDB) annual meetings took place in Nairobi, Kenya, under the theme of "transforming Africa." Kenyan President William Ruto criticized the global financial system for imposing higher borrowing rates on African countries due to an "unjust" system. AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina echoed this sentiment and emphasized the need for double-digit economic growth to address poverty and create jobs. The AfDB approved a $117 billion General Callable Capital Increase to meet development finance needs and maintain lending capacity. The Bank also approved Morocco's Country Strategy Paper for 2024-2029, focusing on inclusive growth and resilience to external shocks. The AfDB has supported various initiatives in Morocco, including improving access to drinking water, modernizing health infrastructure, enhancing transportation, and developing renewable energy sources. Furthermore, the Bank has committed $2 billion over 10 years to clean cooking solutions in Africa, with the aim of primarily benefiting women and children. Additionally, the AfDB has granted loans to Ethiopia to boost youth and women-led businesses, Mauritius to support economic recovery post-COVID-19, and Zimbabwe to enhance intra-African trade. [Extracted from the article]

With little to no study on the effect of social networking theory on the success of a crowdfunding campaign in Africa, this study investigated some of the factors that influence the success of a crowdfunding campaign using Ghana as a case for a broader justification and generalization of findings that has been obtained in previous studies. This study identified four factors through an extensive literature review of the social networking theory. These are the number of social network handless of an entrepreneur, activeness of an entrepreneur on a social network, number of social network friends of an entrepreneur and the availability of project videos on an entrepreneur's social network. Data were then collected empirically from 462 respondents using a questionnaire. The data obtained were analyzed using the partial least square structural equation modeling. The results revealed that all the identified factors positively influence the success of a crowdfunding campaign. The study further proposes that fund seekers on the crowdfunding platform post their project information on weekends and evenings on weekdays since people pay special attention to information posted at these times. Also, the outcome of the importance performance map analysis disclosed that the number of social network handles of an entrepreneur is the most essential in terms of importance when seeking funds on the crowdfunding platform. This study provides valuable insight into how small and medium‐sized enterprises in Ghana and other stakeholders of crowdfunding platforms can use the concept of social networking theory to achieve funding success on crowdfunding platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has signed a €100m risk-sharing agreement with Attijariwafa bank Europe to strengthen businesses and trade across Africa. This agreement is expected to catalyze nearly €500m worth of trade for companies operating in over twenty African countries, diversify production capacity, generate higher tax revenues, and create new jobs. The AfDB has also formalized a new Financial Framework Partnership Agreement with the European Commission to boost investments in infrastructure projects in Africa, with the EU supporting the African continent with €150bn worth of investments. Additionally, the AfDB has approved investments in Seedstars Africa Ventures, a venture capital fund that focuses on innovative African businesses, and launched projects to bolster food security in Burkina Faso and support the development of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Lastly, the AfDB has approved a new five-year Country Strategy Paper for Kenya, focusing on private sector-driven growth through infrastructure development, strategic reforms, and human capital development, and pledged increased financing to South Sudan to address its development needs. [Extracted from the article]

This study explores the impact of perceived quality, brand attitude, consumer satisfaction, and the marketing mix on word‐of‐mouth innovation (WOMI) in the organic skincare industry in Thailand. Systematic random sampling was used in 2023 to select 453 organic skincare users whose questionnaire was expert‐validated and tested. Investigating these interconnected factors, the research contributes to consumer behavior and innovation theories. It reveals crucial links, notably between brand attitude and perceived quality, expanding theoretical frameworks. Beyond theoretical advancements, the study provides actionable insights for entrepreneurs, marketers, and policymakers. Recognizing the pivotal role of consumer reviews in driving WOMI, industry stakeholders can enhance product quality, tailor marketing strategies, and foster innovation. Bridging theory and practice, this research empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions, adapt strategies, and contribute to the growth of the organic skincare sector. In conclusion, the study enhances theoretical understanding while offering practical implications, fostering a symbiotic relationship between academic knowledge and industry advancements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to achieve a competitive advantage in the market, enhance a positive brand reputation, and respond to consumers' requirement, organizations' key leaders may have to make sustainable decisions for the sake of the environment, the society and the organization simultaneously. In this study, Buddhism and compassion are proposed to extend the sustainability mindset framework in understanding key leaders' sustainable decision making to achieve a balance between concerns for environmental, societal, and economic outcomes. Data from a survey of 142 key leaders who are business owners, entrepreneurs, and managers in SMEs and startups in Vietnam provide evidence that Buddhist teaching and lifestyles are important predictors of key leaders' sustainable decision making through the mediator of compassion. Furthermore, the study also revealed that Buddhism positively and significantly influences compassion. This research, thus, makes contribution to the extant literature regarding factors influencing key leaders' sustainable decision making. Practical implications are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has revised its macroeconomic forecast for Africa, citing inflationary pressures and challenges such as Covid-19, geopolitical tensions, climate shocks, and limited fiscal space. Inflation is projected to average 18.5% and 17.1% in 2023 and 2024, respectively. The bank recommends implementing restrictive monetary and fiscal policies to contain inflation in the short term, while also investing in human capital and infrastructure for long-term sustainable development. The AfDB has introduced a $1 billion insurance facility to protect farmers from climate change impacts and received pledges of over $175 million for climate-aligned infrastructure projects. The Africa Investment Forum generated significant investment interest, and Germany has pledged €4 billion for Africa's green energy. The AfDB is prioritizing private sector development and has approved a Country Strategy Paper for Malawi, focusing on economic infrastructure and agriculture value chains. The Bank has also granted loans to several countries to support economic recovery and development programs. [Extracted from the article]