What does it take to create a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Africa? For Dr. Edwell Gumbo, the answer lies in a combination of innovative thinking, collaborative spirit, and a deep understanding of the continent’s unique challenges and opportunities. As Director of Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) programme, Dr. Gumbo has spent years developing and implementing programs that empower entrepreneurs, foster economic growth, and drive social change.
From the dusty village roads of Diba in Plumtree, Zimbabwe, to becoming the Director of one of the flagship projects at Universities South Africa (USAf), Dr. Gumbo’s path is as unconventional as it is inspiring. His story is not just about academic achievement, but about finding solutions to Africa’s most pressing economic challenges through entrepreneurship and education.
“I was born and raised in the humble village of Diba in Plumtree, Zimbabwe. Life there was simple, but also filled with challenges,” Dr. Gumbo recalls, his voice thick with the memory of his roots. “Growing up, I herded goats and cattle, but I always had an innate curiosity about how things worked. That curiosity led me to discover a lifelong passion for learning and problem-solving.”
This deep connection to his humble beginnings shaped not only his values but his entire outlook on life. While many of his peers struggled to make ends meet, Dr Gumbo was quietly absorbing lessons about resilience, innovation, and the power of education.
“What I saw around me were people working hard with little resources. I learned to appreciate education as a means to change my life and those around me,” he reflects.
A Foundation Built on Education and Resilience
Dr. Gumbo’s academic journey was as diverse as it was rigorous. His pursuit of knowledge took him across various disciplines—he earned a National Diploma in Engineering, a BA in Human and Social Sciences, an MBA, a Master of Philosophy, and eventually a PhD in Entrepreneurship from the prestigious University of Pretoria.
“I was always driven by the belief that through education, I could build something meaningful not only for myself but for my community and continent,” he explains.
His academic journey, however, was not just a personal achievement; it was the key to understanding and addressing the complex challenges he would later face in shaping the entrepreneurial ecosystem across Africa.
“My work in entrepreneurship development is driven by a commitment to bridging the gap between education, innovation, skills development, and economic growth,” Dr. Gumbo says, as he looks back at the pivotal moments in his career. “I realized that if I wanted to make an impact, I needed to align my academic pursuit with the real-world challenges businesses face.”
This commitment led him to Universities South Africa (USAf), where he now serves as the Director of the EDHE programme. USAf, the representative organisation for South Africa’s 26 public universities, is dedicated to lobbying and facilitating environments that contribute to the social, cultural, and economic growth of the nation.
Dr. Edwell Gumbo plays a pivotal role in promoting entrepreneurship development, leadership, and management capacity in the higher education sector. “The USAf Board comprises all 26 Vice-Chancellors of public universities and the USAf CEO,” Dr. Gumbo explains, highlighting the organization’s collaborative approach. Through lobbying and advocacy, USAf aims to “promote and facilitate environments for universities to function effectually and contribute to the social, cultural, and economic advancement of South Africa.”
Moreover, Dr. Gumbo emphasizes USAf’s commitment to “the promotion of strategically planned entrepreneurship development, leadership and management development via the EDHE and Higher Education Leadership Management programmes,” which serves as a comprehensive response to advancing entrepreneurship development, leadership, and management capacity across the sector.
Transforming Education with the EDHE Programme
The EDHE programme, under Dr. Gumbo’s leadership, has become a powerful force in equipping students and staff across the country with the skills necessary to thrive in an entrepreneurial landscape. “Through EDHE, we aim to address graduate unemployment and promote the idea that universities should become entrepreneurial ecosystems,” he shares. “We’re not just teaching students how to get jobs—we’re teaching them how to create jobs.”
The EDHE programme’s mission is to transform the South African higher education sector by strengthening entrepreneurship capacity at universities, building leadership, and providing students with the skills needed to succeed in today’s fast-evolving global market. “It’s not enough to educate students in theoretical knowledge. We need to give them real-world tools to innovate and build sustainable businesses,” Dr. Gumbo emphasizes.
“That’s the real measure of success—whether you’ve equipped students to become job creators, not just job seekers.”
But what does the programme look like in practice? It has led to a host of initiatives, such as the EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity Challenge, which brings together top student entrepreneurs from South African universities to pitch their businesses and receive mentorship, funding, and incubation support. “The Intervarsity Challenge is an incredible platform for student entrepreneurs to take their ideas from the drawing board to reality,” Dr. Gumbo notes proudly. “We provide the support needed to scale their ventures, from funding to practical business training.”
The EDHE model has also facilitated the institutionalization of entrepreneurship across 26 South African universities, providing students with invaluable exposure to practical business skills and creating fertile ground for the next generation of entrepreneurs. “Universities have the potential to be breeding grounds for innovation,” Dr. Gumbo explains.
“By embedding entrepreneurship within the fabric of academia, we can ensure that students not only understand business concepts but have the tools to execute them.”
Empowering Africa’s Entrepreneurs
Dr. Gumbo’s impact isn’t confined to South Africa; his work reverberates across the African continent. “I’ve worked with over 2000 entrepreneurs, business leaders, and policy-makers across different sectors, and what stands out is the desire for growth and innovation,” he explains. The African business landscape has evolved tremendously over the last decade, with technological advancements, increased global market access, and shifting consumer behaviors.
“To stay ahead of the curve, we have to focus on continuous learning, leveraging technology, and building strategic partnerships,” he advises. “Entrepreneurs today need to be agile, willing to adapt, and forward-thinking. The future of entrepreneurship is global and digital.”
However, as with any significant undertaking, Dr. Gumbo has faced his fair share of obstacles. As an entrepreneurship scholar and development practitioner, he highlights the structural and financial barriers many African startups face. “One of the biggest challenges for entrepreneurs is accessing funding. Many African startups struggle to scale due to a lack of financial support, regulatory complexities, and market access,” he notes.
This barrier, combined with a cultural mindset where entrepreneurship is often seen as a last resort rather than a viable career path, adds another layer of difficulty for aspiring entrepreneurs. “Changing the perception of entrepreneurship is crucial,” Dr. Gumbo stresses. “We need to cultivate a mindset that sees entrepreneurship as a viable career choice, not just a fallback option.”
Lessons Learned and Success Stories
Despite these hurdles, Dr. Gumbo remains unshaken in his belief that education and mentorship can make all the difference. “The key lesson I’ve learned is resilience,” he asserts. “The business landscape changes rapidly, and entrepreneurs who succeed are the ones who adapt, embrace new models, and push forward despite setbacks.”
His work has borne fruit, with several success stories and initiatives marking key milestones in his career. “The EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity Challenge has been one of the most rewarding projects. It brings together brilliant student entrepreneurs, provides them with the resources they need to scale, and positions them to make an impact in their communities,” Dr. Gumbo shares with pride. “I’ve witnessed firsthand how these entrepreneurs have transformed their ideas into impactful businesses.”
Beyond the EDHE, Dr. Gumbo’s efforts have resulted in policy reforms and institutional changes within universities to integrate entrepreneurship into the curriculum. “We’re embedding entrepreneurship in the curriculum across all faculties, ensuring that every student who enrolls at a university is equipped with the entrepreneurial competencies needed to launch their own ventures.” His work is influencing not just what is taught, but how universities approach the development of future leaders and entrepreneurs.
The Future of African Entrepreneurship
Dr. Gumbo’s mentorship also extends beyond the classroom. “Entrepreneurship is not a solo journey,” he asserts. “The network you build, the partnerships you form, and the mentorship you seek are all essential to your success.” His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is straightforward yet powerful: “Start lean, focus on execution, and leverage the networks around you.”
In a rapidly changing world, Dr. Gumbo sees technological innovations as the next frontier for entrepreneurship in Africa. “AI and automation are transforming industries, and the opportunities for startups to leverage these technologies are enormous,” he says, his excitement palpable. He is also enthusiastic about the intersection of education and technology, particularly in EdTech, as a means to make entrepreneurial training more accessible across Africa.
One project, the France/EDHE AI and Blue Tech Incubation Programme, aims to foster innovation in artificial intelligence and sustainable ocean-based technologies among South African students and researchers. There is also the Fulbright Specialist Programme – “As part of our ongoing collaboration with the US Embassy in South Africa, we are hosting a Fulbright Specialist who will lead a series of workshops focused on embedding entrepreneurship into university curricula.”
Lastly there is The 2025 EDHE Lekgotla which is a flagship gathering that brings together researchers, students, and academics to discuss the future of entrepreneurship development in higher education. “We’re equipping young entrepreneurs with the tools to be at the forefront of the digital and blue economy revolutions,” Dr. Gumbo says with an optimistic smile.
Empowering the Next Generation
As he reflects on his career, Dr. Gumbo’s most significant lesson remains clear: “True impact comes from empowering others. Entrepreneurship is not just about individual success; it’s about creating ecosystems where others can thrive.” This philosophy has shaped his approach to leadership—one rooted in mentorship, community-building, and the creation of opportunities for others to succeed.
Through his work, Dr. Gumbo is not only shaping the future of entrepreneurship in South Africa, but he’s also paving the way for a new generation of African leaders, thinkers, and innovators. The road from the village of Diba to becoming a leading force in African entrepreneurship is long, but for Dr. Edwell Gumbo, every step has been driven by a singular purpose: to empower others to change the world.
