Social Entrepreneurship in Tanzania: Assessment of Enabling Environment

Abstract

The main purpose of the study was to assess the supporting environment for social entrepreneurship in Tanzania. Specifically, the study aimed at evaluating the current key stakeholders’ conceptualisation and recognition of Social Entrepreneurship concept and whether in Tanzania there is a supportive environment for Social Entrepreneurship. This was an exploratory study and was conducted qualitatively. The approach used was a combination of secondary data and in-depth interviews with policy makers and policy advisers. Findings revealed that most stakeholders are not aware of the concept of Social Entrepreneurship. The objectives of their organizations showed that they had some elements of Social Entrepreneurship, but this concept was not encompassed in their mission statements. Social entrepreneurship matters were thus not well integrated in their policy missions although the nature of organizational activities revealed some elements in them. The study concluded that social entrepreneurship in Tanzania has been practiced by several institutions especially non-governmental organisations and that there is a need to document and institutionalizes the policies and regulations that guide the operationalization of the social entrepreneurship concept. Recommendations and areas for further research are also discussed.