Social Justice Innovation in Africa

Viljam Engström, Maija Mustaniemi-Laakso, Laura Stark

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English

Routledge
27 October 2025

Regional studies; Development studies; Social work; Development economics; Entrepreneurship

Series: Routledge Studies in African Development

Adopting a multidisciplinary approach, this book discusses the potential of social innovation in the pursuit of social justice in Africa. In the twenty-first century, social innovation and entrepreneurship have attracted renewed attention as a way of promoting social justice and addressing challenges of poverty and inequality.

Drawing on perspectives from human rights, economics, business, development studies and anthropology, this book illustrates the entangled relationship between societal areas and activities, as well as different actors (individuals, communities, business actors, non-governmental organisations and public authorities) in social innovation. It identifies various models of social innovation, ranging from grassroots initiatives to public policymaking, and discusses their impact on socioeconomic welfare. It analyses a broad range of original research data and incorporates localised understandings of social innovation, highlighting both the empowering potential of social innovation and the possibility that it could sustain or create inequalities. As such, this book deepens an understanding of what makes social innovation ‘social’ and ‘just’.

Arguing that social justice innovation can only be understood in context, this book will be of interest for researchers and policy makers across the fields of human rights, economics, business, development studies, anthropology and African studies.

Edited by: Viljam Engström, Maija Mustaniemi-Laakso, Laura Stark
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
Weight: 460g
ISBN: 9781032589787
ISBN 10: 1032589787
Series: Routledge Studies in African Development
Pages: 226
Publication Date: 27 October 2025
Audience: College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , Primary , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Viljam Engström is Head of research in Public International Law at Åbo Akademi University School of Law, Finland. His main research interests are international institutions, social protection and the function of law and legal concepts. Maija Mustaniemi-Laakso is Postdoctoral Researcher at Åbo Akademi University School of Law/Institute for Human Rights, Finland, with research interest in issues related to vulnerability, accountability and international human rights law. Laura Stark is Professor of Ethnology at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. Her research interests include gender, sexuality, and urban poverty in Africa and she has led five externally funded, multi-researcher projects.

Reviews for Social Justice Innovation in Africa

""Social Justice Innovation in Africa is an essential exploration of social innovation's role in addressing global inequalities exposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Authored by scholars and practitioners, the book offers a multidisciplinary lens, dissecting the complex interplay of human rights, economics, and development. A unique blend of literature analysis and empirical research, it delves into diverse innovation approaches, from grassroots initiatives to technological advancements. This comprehensive work not only unveils the entangled relationships within African societies but also provides invaluable insights applicable worldwide. A must-read for anyone passionate about fostering just and impactful social change."" Professor Jill Kickul, Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California ""Social Justice Innovation in Africa is a timely exploration of the vital role social innovation plays in addressing global inequalities. Authored by African scholars and practitioners, this multidisciplinary work offers a contextual and comprehensive understanding of diverse social innovation approaches, making it an indispensable resource for anyone seeking insights into the multifaceted pursuit of social justice."" Patricia Kameri-Mbote, Director, Law Division, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) “Social Justice Innovation in Africa is a timely resource. From the conceptualization of social justice innovation to contextualization and experiences, the book is an important contribution on the subject. It is a must-read for development practitioners in Africa.” Professor Njaramba Gichuki, Faculty of Law, University of Nairobi, Kenya