Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropies in Africa has as its overall vision an African citizenry thriving in ethical societies with dignity and hope. Its main mechanism for achieving this vision is the powerful lever of responsible entrepreneurship for the common good.

The focus of the Centre will be on how to create an enabling environment for high‑impact entrepreneurship. It is envisioned as a Pan‑African intellectual project spanning South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda and Ethiopia – countries where the Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropies already have ongoing investments with existing entrepreneurship ecosystem partners. Strategic partnerships will be explored with Ashesi University (Ghana), Strathmore University (Kenya), the Ministry of ICT and Innovation (Rwanda), the Ministry of Innovation and Technology (Ethiopia), and Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (South Africa).

Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector and Vice‑Chancellor of SU, says “Stellenbosch University has had a renewed focus on entrepreneurship and innovation over the past few years. This Centre will in many ways help the University realise its vision of truly making societal impact. By doing research that can help resolve unemployment, poverty and inequality, the Centre will contribute to transforming Africa's numerous youth from a demographic liability to a human resource dividend."

Prof Ingrid Woolard, Dean of SU's Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, says “Entrepreneurship is a key driver of economic growth and job creation. This is true all over the world but is especially relevant for Africa given the large numbers of young people entering the labour market each year. However, many new businesses fail. This Centre will focus on the science and practice of entrepreneurship – what can be done to provide the right conditions to allow entrepreneurs to flourish."

According to Anthony Farr, CEO of Allan & Gill Gray Africa, “This centre is a powerful opportunity to develop greater intellectual rigour around the field of entrepreneurship in Africa. We are excited at the prospect of gaining deeper insight into the realities of entrepreneurship on the continent, particularly entrepreneurial ecosystems, and how they can be better harnessed towards the achievement of greater progress and prosperity for all."

Prof Woolard says the Centre will initially conduct research and undertake postgraduate research studies, and the intention is that it will also start to offer formal taught programmes within the next few years.

At the helm of the Centre will be two co‑directors, Dr Phumlani Nkontwana and Prof Erik Stam, who bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience in the entrepreneurial sector.

Dr Nkontwana is an entrepreneurship specialist, having managed prominent entrepreneurship funds for blue‑chip local and international companies. His work promotes Pan‑African entrepreneurship among young people from various parts of Africa.

Prof Stam, an extraordinary professor at SU and professor at the Utrecht University School of Economics, is a leading scholar in the field of entrepreneurial ecosystems, engaged in the science and practice of entrepreneurship‑led development, both locally and globally.

Dr Nkontwana says, “Our hope is to inspire the quantity and concentration of high‑impact ventures, either headquartered or co‑founded in Africa."

According to Prof Zwelinzima Ndevu, director of the School of Public Leadership (SPL), the Centre – expected to be operational by August 2023 – is strategically located at the SPL. “The aim is to better facilitate the interface between public and private role players in the development of a new crop of entrepreneurs in Africa that will transform and grow the economy."

“In earnest, we will ultimately endeavour to make available and consumable generated knowledge to local innovation hubs and ventures that need it the most," Dr Nkontwana concludes.

More on Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropies: https://allangillgrayfoundation.org/philanthropy