Social entrepreneurs are emerging everywhere across the world to provide sustainable large scale solutions to the ever increasing and unique world challenges. Each of these entrepreneurs bringing their own distinct approach in tackling existing problems but united by a singular mission which is to create a more just world.

As the world’s pressing problems continue to evolve and pose more unique challenges, there’s need for bold and innovative entrepreneurs to rise to the occasion.

Below are some of the problems in Africa that require the intervention of forward-thinking social entrepreneurs out to make our world a better place for all.

1. Online abuse of children

This problem has been on the rise since the advent of the Internet but has witnessed an acceleration in the last decade. All manner of abusers are lurking on the Internet targeting young Internet users. Child sexual abuse, abductions, and cyber bullying have been on a rapid rise with legislation lagging behind in addressing this menace.

Sadly, law enforcement agencies lack capacity to identify perpetrators and victims. The giant tech companies on the other hand have failed in their role to root out abuse on their platforms. That leaves our children more exposed and vulnerable by the day.

Solution:

Unique problems call for unique solutions. Being a tech-driven challenge, the solution should also be tech based. Social entrepreneurs can build tools powered by smart algorithms that are able to identify victims and perpetrators of online child abuse. The information can then be shared with law enforcers and even provide data which can help create appropriate laws that address these challenges.

Locally, here in Kenya, the Communications Authority (CA) runs a campaign dubbed ‘Be the COP’ aimed at sensitizing and creating awareness of child cyber bullying. They partner with tech companies which have capacity to build tools and software to alleviate the problem.

More social entrepreneurs can take up the challenge to build more innovative solutions that strive to be at par with the rapid evolving virtual world.

2. Drug Supply Chain Problem

The drug supply chain in Africa is broken. In some parts of Africa, pharmacies struggle to maintain stock for crucial life-sustaining drugs. The middleman takes advantage of the situation to supply the said drugs at exorbitant prices. Meanwhile, diseases such as diabetes and hypertension which require regular, if not daily medication, continue being a big burden to Africa’s healthcare system. The disease rates continue to rise but at the same time drugs fail to get into the hands of those needing them the most.

Solution:

Create an online platform which bring together drug manufacturers who are able to list all drugs in their stock. The platform can also provide last mile delivery services to ensure patients get these drugs from the comfort of their homes.

In Kenya we have Mdawa, an online pharmacy which operates a more or less similar model. With MDawa, one can order drugs online at their convenience and have it delivered to them without setting foot in a pharmacy.

3. High Youth Unemployment

Africa has the most populous youth population but a huge majority are unemployed. The governments have invested heavily in training youth but the overcrowded labor market has no space for the young person. Opportunities for gainful employment, especially white collar opportunities, have shrunk significantly.

The governments in Africa have attempted to come up with youth programs to deal with joblessness but the approaches leave a lot to be desired.

Solution:

Create organizations and entities which combine business and social cause. These entities should focus on building scalable solutions for the youth labor market across the formal and informal economy.

The governments on the other hand should be able to create conducive and supportive environments to help these organizations thrive in their mission. More youths can also be trained in the areas of social impact for them to identify opportunities and create enterprises that have both economic and social impact.