The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation (AGOF) shares research findings on how to achieve responsible entrepreneurship in South Africa.
AGOF marks Global Entrepreneurship Month with new insights
In recognition of Global Entrepreneurship Month in November, AGOF released research that reframes entrepreneurship as a force for long-term social and environmental value creation instead of narrow, short-term definitions of success.
The Foundation published research this year, gathered from a wide range of sources, on the challenges and solutions for achieving responsible entrepreneurship in South Africa. AGOF remains a key advocate of a sustainable, inclusive and values-driven entrepreneurial ecosystem. The research aims to create a robust model for responsible entrepreneurship tailored to the African market.
Defining and promoting responsible entrepreneurship in SA
AGOF’s Responsible Entrepreneurship Report of 2025 defines responsible entrepreneurship as a sustainability-driven business approach that integrates financial profitability with ethical, social and environmental responsibility. Entrepreneurship supports the achievement of the 17 United Nations global Sustainable Development Goals, including alleviating poverty, ending hunger, improving health outcomes and promoting responsible production and consumption.
The research identifies three core characteristics of responsible entrepreneurship. It encompasses the Triple Bottom Line of sustainable innovation, balancing economic growth, social well-being and environmental preservation. It places sustainable practices at the core of long-term value creation, ensuring that businesses generate both financial and social value.
Insights from high-growth and small-business research
The Final Literature Review on High-Growth and Small and Growing Businesses (SGBs), co-led by AGOF and Entrepreneurship to the Point (eTTP), offers empirical insights into the factors that enable or constrain entrepreneurial success in South Africa. “The literature review provides practical guidance for entrepreneurs and policymakers to embed sustainability into growth strategies,” says Maphefo Sipula, eTTP’s Head of Research and Impact.
“Together with eTTP, our work reinforces our commitment to advancing a values-driven, evidence-based understanding of entrepreneurship, one that integrates academic rigour, policy relevance and practitioner insight,” adds Carl Herman, Head of Impact Assurance at AGOF.
Understanding the hurdles to responsible entrepreneurship
The research shows that one of the most significant challenges faced by small businesses is the administrative burden they carry compared to large organisations. While SMEs often show strong commitment to community and society, large corporations find it easier to achieve positive impact in environmental management, employment, local community involvement and reporting procedures.
Smaller entrepreneurs also struggle to meet regulatory and environmental compliance without government incentives. The research suggests a supportive ecosystem of regulators, investors, legal experts and entrepreneurs as a way to overcome shared challenges.
A diverse African perspective is needed
AGOF highlights the need for greater diversity in African perspectives in research on responsible entrepreneurship in the Global South. More practical models and instruments must be developed to help small businesses evaluate their levels of responsible entrepreneurship and scaled for relevance in all developing economies.
“This responsible entrepreneurship model and instrument could be groundbreaking work in developing the first South African responsible entrepreneurship model or framework that is tested and validated in a Global South context. This instrument can be used to measure entrepreneurs and organisations at various levels and the necessary areas of support and development.”
