Contextualizing and conceptualizing the social enterprise: The cooperative as an enabler of social justice in Sub‐Saharan Africa

Cooperatives have become a powerful force for tackling pervasive social issues. This chapter examines cooperatives as a type of social enterprise and explores their transformative potential in furthering social justice, with a specific focus on Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Drawing on existing literature, the chapter discusses the ways in which cooperatives may empower marginalized people, reduce outside risks, and give people access to opportunities and resources, promoting social inclusion. The chapter also outlines some of the difficulties cooperatives face in terms of governmental assistance, financial and market access, as well as training and education. It advocates for more empirical research to be conducted on the impact of cooperatives in addressing social issues and ensuring democracy and inclusivity. Finally, the chapter emphasizes the urgent need to tackle obstacles to cooperative growth and sustainability, encompassing areas such as governance, management, legal frameworks, and access to finance.