Jesuit Universities Supporting Entrepreneurship from African Universities

Starting in September 2026, a new two-year project will bring Jesuit universities together to support entrepreneurship education in Africa. The African Jesuit Entrepreneurship Hubs initiative will help create entrepreneurship hubs within selected universities, closely linked to their teaching and local contexts.

What will happen in the pilot phase?

The project will work with Loyola University of Congo (DRC) and Kosyam Jesuit University of Science (Burkina Faso). In both cases, the hubs will connect academic training with mentoring and collaboration with local entrepreneurs and organizations.

By integrating entrepreneurship into university life, the initiative seeks to support students and young professionals in developing practical skills, creating opportunities, and contributing to local economic activity.

How will the project be coordinated?

The project will be coordinated by Universidad Loyola Andalucía (Spain), which will facilitate collaboration among universities and support shared learning throughout the two years.

Loyola Andalucía will also connect the project with the Jesuit Entrepreneurship Center Alliance (JECA), linking participating universities to a global network of Jesuit entrepreneurship centers. JECA members are invited to contribute through mentoring, sharing resources, and collaborating on joint initiatives, while also learning from the experiences of African universities.

Looking ahead

With the support of the John Templeton Foundation, this pilot phase is meant to be a starting point. Over time, it is expected to contribute to the creation of a regional network of Jesuit entrepreneurship centers in Africa, helping universities play a stronger role in local economic development.