The research emphasizes the importance of indigenous approaches to economic empowerment in Africa and aims to contribute to the global discourse on the transformation of capitalism.
One of such indigenous approaches to capitalism is the One Kindred One Business Initiative (OKOBI) promoted by Imo State in Nigeria, under the leadership of Senator Hope Uzodimma. OKOBI is a form of shared entrepreneurship anchored on communal social ties for shared prosperity. It supports communities by helping them to be self-sufficient, and addresses issues of poverty, inequality, and unemployment by leveraging strong kinship bonds. By harnessing a standing indigenous tradition of collective action, shared ownership, and mutual aid, OKOBI effectively puts Africapitalism into action and serves as a viable blueprint for economically empowering hitherto marginalized rural and urban communities in Africa and beyond.
The main aim of this project is to comprehend OKOBI and its consequences for Africa's development, along with its implications for societies that have similar social structures and developmental needs
Research impact: From Africapitalism to OKOBI
Professor Kenneth Amaeshi serves as the Chief Economic Adviser for the One Kindred One Business Initiative (OKOBI). Launched in 2023 in Nigeria, this community-driven programme promotes local prosperity through collective enterprises and has recently become mandatory for all communities in Imo State. Drawing on Amaeshi's research in Africapitalism, a philosophy that promotes African-led entrepreneurship and development, OKOBI positions itself as a model for sustainable and inclusive growth through community-led ventures.
Professor Kenneth Amaeshi speaks about OKOBI, the initiative that allows Ioer farmers to earn higher reliable incomes while building a more reliable business.
Team
- Kenneth Amaeshi
- Donald Amaeshi
- Imade Bibowei-Osuobeni
- Maria Etemore Glover
- Onya Idoko
- Jude Chukwunyere Iwuoha
- Camille Meyer
- Cima Sholotan
- Scott Walker