Social Entrepreneurship as an Approach to Green Transition in BRICS+ Countries: a comprehensive literature review
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Emerging economies within the BRICS+ group face concurrent challenges related to environmental degradation and social inequality, requiring innovative approaches to sustainable development. Social entrepreneurship (SE) has become an essential mechanism that links macro-level strategies such as renewable energy adoption, green finance, and institutional reform with community-led, environmentally conscious initiatives. This comprehensive review consolidates empirical evidence from China, India, Brazil, South Africa, and Egypt, highlighting various SE models that support the transition to environmentally sustainable practices. Examples include digital engagement platforms like Ant Forest in China, decentralised solar energy solutions with integrated financing by SELCO in India, cooperative circular economy projects in Brazil and South Africa, and regenerative hybrid governance by SEKEM in Egypt. The findings suggest that SE initiatives contribute to significant environmental and social impacts, including the reduction of approximately 3 megatonnes of CO₂ annually, electrification of 2 million households, diversion of 2.5 megatonnes of waste, and the creation of $1.2 billion in income, with social benefits exceeding those of traditional green technologies. Despite these successes, challenges remain in scaling interventions, addressing digital divides, and promoting inclusive participation. Recommendations include formalising waste cooperatives, implementing results-based financing models, adopting open-source measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems, and fostering knowledge exchange within the BRICS nations. This review positions social entrepreneurship as a vital but often overlooked element in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), providing scalable and inclusive pathways toward sustainable and equitable green development in the Global South.
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