Business angels in sub-Saharan Africa

Definitional concerns are an issue when researching business angels in sub-Saharan Africa. In the chapter the author focuses on this subject in his review of our knowledge of business angels in sub-Saharan Africa. He emphasizes the need to consider the institutional context and the heterogeneity between countries as well as the differences from Western countries. He argues that the recent increase in gross domestic product growth in several African economies, combined with a slow reduction in the level of violence, has contributed to an increase in entrepreneurial activity and, as a consequence, we can expect an increase in business angel investments. However, these activities will not mimic the behavior of BAs in developed economies, but will evolve a practice that is suited to local conditions. National levels of business angel investing activity are likely to continue to vary, influenced by formal and informal institutions.