The One Kindred, One Business Initiative (OKOBI), launched by the Imo State Government and informed by Professor Amaeshi's research on Africapitalism, has been adopted by the Federal Government of Nigeria as a national strategy to tackle youth unemployment and informality, which run as high as 50% and 70% respectively in parts of the country. Nigeria has 36 states and a population of around 220 million.
OKOBI encourages community groups to pool resources and set up jointly owned businesses. Since its launch in Imo State, it has supported almost 500 businesses and created an estimated 20,000 jobs. Professor Amaeshi has continued to build the evidence base to support its wider adoption, co-authoring an OKOBI handbook in 2025.
In addition to the enlightenment roles of universities, they significantly contribute to addressing human challenges and creating shared prosperity. It is always exciting to see the impact of research in action. The Nigerian government's adoption of OKOBI to address youth unemployment is a clear testimony, which is very encouraging and inspiring. It shows how research can shape and inform policy choices. I applaud the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for recognising the potential of Africapitalism and leveraging its principles to create OKOBI in the first place. Hopefully, this adoption by the Nigerian government will encourage other countries in similar situations to consider the model and join the movement.Professor Kenneth Amaeshi
Africapitalism is a research programme developed at the University of Edinburgh Business School, examining how African businesses can pursue profit and social wealth creation together.
Read more about the Federal Government's announcement
Kenneth Amaeshi is our Chair in Sustainable Business and Public Policy.