Entrepreneurship Ecosystems and Innovation Hubs in East Africa: A Comparative Analysis

Entrepreneurship ecosystems and innovation hubs have become critical components in fostering economic growth and job creation across various regions, including East Africa. These systems support entrepreneurs by providing resources, networks, and infrastructure necessary for sustainable business development. The research employs a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews with semi-structured questionnaires designed to gather insights from entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry experts in Tunisia. Data analysis involves thematic coding and cross-regional comparisons. A significant proportion (70%) of surveyed entrepreneurs reported receiving support services through innovation hubs, highlighting the importance of these structures in facilitating access to resources such as funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The findings underscore the potential of entrepreneurship ecosystems and innovation hubs to drive regional economic development. However, there is room for improvement in terms of policy alignment and resource allocation across different regions. Policymakers should prioritise the integration of existing support structures into a more cohesive ecosystem framework that caters specifically to East African informal settlement areas. This would enhance their effectiveness and impact.