ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the complex ecosystems in which entrepreneurs in the food and agriculture landscape operate. It outlines opportunities and strategies for shaping policies, building strategic partnerships and coalitions, and navigating complicated relationships with national, state, and local governments as well as development partners, industry associations, and nonprofit organizations. The chapter provides practical frameworks that entrepreneurs can leverage to identify, build, and sustain valuable partnerships critical to scaling their businesses. One of the biggest misconceptions that entrepreneurs have is that they can build successful businesses without engaging with other entrepreneurs, community leaders, and the government. In reality, this is impractical in all sectors, especially in Africa’s food and agriculture landscape. Ultimately, the purpose of mapping out key players in the ecosystem and assessing the entrepreneurial landscape is to establish strategic and sustainable partnerships with key actors in the ecosystem.
