Introduction

This introductory chapter situates the collection of chapters in the book by locating the concept of Africapitalism within the broader discussion of business–society relationship in Africa. In doing so, this chapter highlights the need for, and the value of an Africapitalism perspective for our effort to understand and ensure that business can contribute to sustainable development in Africa. Drawing on insights from the varieties of capitalism perspective, Africapitalism provides an opportunity to move beyond the capitalism is bad or good debate and instead focus on how business might approach capitalism in Africa in a manner that might also allow capitalism (i.e. Africapitalism) to work for Africans.