In the face of limited progress toward meeting Millennium Development Goals or addressing climate change and resource degradation, increasing attention turns to harnessing the entrepreneurial, innovative, managerial and financial capacities of business for improved social and environmental outcomes. A more proactive role for business in sustainable development is especially pertinent in sub-Saharan Africa, which has been plagued by conflict and poverty but shows signs of a brighter future as the world's second-fastest-growing region. The book considers how the socio-economic context influences the objectives of social innovation and even our definition of what we mean by social innovation. Secondly, the book aims to show how social innovation initiatives emerge and fare in context of the limited ability of many African countries to provide public goods and services.

The reason why this book is so important is indicated in its title. The `business of sustainable development' is complex and challenging. The book contextualises the role of business in development from an African perspective and offers clarity through alternative views and real-life examples. The book's strength therefore lies in its practical demonstration through case studies combined with conceptual reasoning. It highlights and celebrates the tension and positive energy between business objectives and sustainable development objectives through critical reflection and alternative paradigms.