Creative Metier impact story

Exploring African networks

Humanity faces systemic challenges too complex for any single actor. Impact networks bring people and organisations together to work towards systemic change. Only through collaboration can sustainable and appropriate solutions emerge.

From 2019 to 2022, Creative Metier worked with diverse, locally led African networks focused on impacting the rural entrepreneurial ecosystem. Drawing on a Converge ‘networks approach’, this action research tested three hypotheses:

• Locally led impact networks are an underutilised and often invisible resource in efforts to build sustainable local ecosystems.

• Existing networks addressing complex issues can achieve greater impact by adopting a networks approach.

• Entities transitioning to a networks approach face particular challenges as they change and grow.

The nine participating networks included Small Foundation partners AFRACA, ANDE East Africa, IIA Kenya, and UAA. The networks studied had a cumulative reach of 22,756 SGBs, 361 producer organisations and agri-SMEs, 200 investors, and 436K smallholder farmers, amongst other stakeholders.

The research identified three essential elements for a network to thrive and grow:

• Visibility: creating clarity and building awareness of the work with potential members, stakeholders and funders.

• Vibrancy: embedding an aligned culture through governance, leadership, team engagement, and skills building.

• Viability: evolving and maintaining a sustainable business model.

The research demonstrates that locally led networks have significant potential to evolve practical and sustainable solutions to complex issues. It highlighted the role of committed and engaged network leaders and coordinators in achieving and sustaining success. The research also identified the critical role of funding to enable the transition to a networks approach.

The findings and learning in the report are a valuable asset for those supporting global, regional, or local impact networks to effect sustainable systemic change; those seeking to support locally led networks to increase their social impact; and those leading the African networks that are so pivotal to progress.

Read the full report here