Celebrating Global Entrepreneurship Week around the world

Global Entrepreneurship Week, the largest celebration of innovative start-ups and new economic growth, kicked off yesterday. Founded in 2008 by former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown and a group of other world leaders and private enterprises, the week-long event has quickly grown to include an impressive 118 participating countries, 24,000 partner organizations and more than 37,000 activities across the globe.

With many parts of Africa currently experiencing unparalleled economic growth rates, it is clear that a continued emphasis on entrepreneurial activities throughout all regions of the continent are crucial to continued development of trade, technology and job creation –- all of which will result in the alleviation of poverty.

 

Photo credit: fashionABLE.Helping Africans create new, sustainable opportunities for themselves is especially important for promoting trade and investment, and in the longer term, redressing the extreme economic imbalance between the continent and much of the rest of the world. With events and programs planned for this week in Ghana, Rwanda and Ethiopia, among others, it seems that governments and corporations alike are beginning to address this need and to recognize the wide range of entrepreneurial efforts that have recently emerged.

Ethiopian President Girma Wolde-Giorgis has expressed his excitement for the country’s first year of participation in the celebrations, declaring that encouraging youth to “think about being innovative and generate viable business ideas” is an essential tool for fighting poverty.

There will be a broad range of activities taking place all over the world this week to celebrate particularly innovative organizations and individuals. There will be a forum on social entrepreneurship in India, a “Global Innovation Game,” and a student awards ceremony, giving individuals and start-up companies an opportunity to take their ideas to the next level.

There are so many cool, passionate initiatives in Africa and elsewhere helping to alleviate poverty and promote growth in the developing world. Here are a few inspiring stories that we’ve highlighted on the ONE Blog in the past:

Yesterday, guest writer Rupert Scofield, author of the book “The Social Entrepreneur’s Handbook,” shares his top five lessons for making a difference in the world. Leave a comment in his blog post to win a copy of his book!

Just last month, ONE hosted a new media event for members of the African Women’s Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP) as part of a larger program run by the State Department aimed to empower new female African businesswomen. Use the #AWEP hashtag on Twitter to get in touch with them.

Nigerian tech entrepreneur discusses Nollywood Love, his online entertainment company, with CNN’s African voices.

MedAfrica looks to solve some of Kenya’s most pressing health problems with simple but brilliant mobile innovations.

So really, the sky’s the limit when it comes to getting involved in entrepreneurship and making a difference in your community. Want to be a part of the movement but not sure where to start? Take a look at the Global Entrepreneurship Week website for a full list of events and activities taking place in your hometown for a little inspiration.