Opportunities and Challenges Facing Social Entrepreneurship in BRICS+ Countries

Authors

  • Samuel Bangura Faculty of Management Science, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Umlazi,4031 Durban, Republic of South Africa
  • Princess. T Duma Faculty of Management Science, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Umlazi,4031 Durban, Republic of South Africa
  • Ntombifuthi Alexia Mthembu Faculty of Management Science, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Umlazi,4031 Durban, Republic of South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21632/

Keywords:

Social Entrepreneurship, BRICS+, Emerging economies, and Entrepreneurial Skills.

Abstract

This study examined social entrepreneurship in the expanded BRICS+ countries, where rapid growth coexisted with persistent inequality, unemployment, and regulatory barriers. A systematic review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted to consolidate fragmented findings and to assess ecosystem maturity across member states. The study proposed a triangular framework connecting government, market, and community actors to support sustainable social impact. The review found that funding shortages and bureaucratic complexity remained major obstacles, while innovation, job creation, and hybrid organisational models created significant opportunities. Social ventures were found to contribute to poverty reduction and held potential to generate substantial economic value in comparable contexts. The study concluded that supportive policies were needed, including streamlined digital regulation, legal recognition of hybrid enterprises, expansion of impact investment, integration of social entrepreneurship into education, and cross-BRICS+ pilot programs led by more advanced ecosystems to enhance knowledge sharing and strengthen inclusive and sustainable development.

Author Biographies

Samuel Bangura, Faculty of Management Science, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Umlazi,4031 Durban, Republic of South Africa

Post-Doctoral Research Fellow

Department of Human Resource Management

Faculty of Management Science

Mangosuthu University of Technology

Princess. T Duma, Faculty of Management Science, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Umlazi,4031 Durban, Republic of South Africa

Department of Human Resource Management

Faculty of Management Science

Senior Lecturer

Ntombifuthi Alexia Mthembu, Faculty of Management Science, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Umlazi,4031 Durban, Republic of South Africa

 

Department of Human Resource Management

Faculty of Management Science

Mangosuthu University of Technology

Lecturer

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Submitted

11/07/2025

Accepted

11/28/2025

Published

12/12/2025

How to Cite

Bangura, S., Duma, P. T., & Mthembu, N. A. . (2025). Opportunities and Challenges Facing Social Entrepreneurship in BRICS+ Countries. International Research Journal of Business Studies, 18(3). https://doi.org/10.21632/

How to Cite

Bangura, S., Duma, P. T., & Mthembu, N. A. . (2025). Opportunities and Challenges Facing Social Entrepreneurship in BRICS+ Countries. International Research Journal of Business Studies, 18(3). https://doi.org/10.21632/