The Anthropology of Entrepreneurship in Africa - Dr Lulu Gwagwa

Anthropology speaks about the study of historical facts, an attempt to understanding the many different aspects of the human experience through the eyes of history and another element; archeology is considered by some as a branch of anthropology. There are other different branches of anthropology such as cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, and linguistic anthropology. Economic anthropology came about as a result of the juxtaposition of two disciplines in the 20th century. Historically, entrepreneurship is in our DNA as African and to further unpack this, Dr. Lulu joins us in the studio.

Dr. Lulu Gwagwa is a multifaceted woman: an accomplished development planner; business leader; and philanthropist. She is a keen writer and photographer who is currently studying philosophy.

Four times a year, she hosts a ‘Girls Lunch’ where she engages young African women on issues facing women in modern society. She motivates them to dream big. “Read widely. Travelling broadens your mind, and it is not as expensive as we think. Build and sustain your networks. Get involved in your community, and in empowering others. But most importantly, invest in knowing yourself,” she says.



Dr. Lulu’s passion for spatial equity has driven her philanthropic work. Two decades ago she founded the Mhakazi Trust to empower the young people of Umzimkulu, some of whom have even graduated from tertiary institutions.

Dr. Lulu is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Lereko Investments, a black-owned investment company, and one of the principals in the Lereko Metier Capital Growth Fund. Dr. Lulu also serves as non-executive director of FirstRand, Massmart and Sun International. She is also the Chairperson of Aurecon Africa and a fellow of the African Leadership Initiative (ALI).

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