1. Studying Elites: Methodological Concerns & Solutions
Professor kenneth amaeshi
(University of edinburgh, uk)
Dr. Uwafiokun idemudia
(york university, canada)

2. TABLE OF CONTENT Africapitalism Lessons
The emergence of the Research Project
Overview of the Research Project
Methodological Issues
Challenges and Opportunities
Lessons

5. Research Project 4 Country study
Exploring the role of the Private Sector in the Sustainable Development of Africa
Two (2) years research project funded by the Tony Elumelu Foundation
To study entrepreneurs, businesses, and policy makers, and their actions, motivations, and practices in relation to sustainable development in Africa

6. Main Research Question
Research Project
Main Research Question
What is sustainable development and how can the private sector contribute to the sustainable development of Africa?
What is sustainable development (including different dimensions and measurements)?
How can/do business contribute to sustainable development (including current and potential influences) of Africa?
What does the literature say about sustainable development in Africa?

7. Africapitalism: Research Methodology
Qualitative inquiry (in-depth interviews)
Interpretivist methodology

8. Concerns and Solutions
Practical Concerns
Accessibility
Collaboration across borders
Local capacity issues
Varied stakeholders’ expectations
Theoretical Concerns
The novelty of the concept
A discourse in search of a theory
Trustworthiness and legitimacy
Solution Strategies
Collaboration with top local business schools
Interdisciplinary African teams
Capacity building and training
Clear deliverables
Early dissemination of findings
Blogs and journal articles (e.g. Amaeshi and Idemudia, 2015)
Critical Reflexivity

9. Journal article Sense of Progress and Prosperity
Africapitalism is predicated on the creation of social wealth in addition to the pursuit of financial profitability.
Sense of Parity and Inclusion
The benefits of progress and prosperity need to be equitably shared.
Sense of Peace and Harmony
The quest for “…investments that generate both economic prosperity and social wealth", which is at the heart of Africapitalism, is primarily a quest for balance, harmony and peace.
Sense of Place and Belongingness
Africapitalism is an expression of topophilia – “the effective bond between people and place” (Duncan and Duncan, 2001:41). It is both an awareness of a positive feeling for a place and a feeling of being home (Hauge 2007).In other words, “[t]o live is to live locally, and to know is first of all to know the places one is in” (Casey, 1996: 18).

10. Blog article

11. Blog article

13. Where are we? Project completed and funder is happy
Two forthcoming books (Cambridge and Routledge)
Journal articles in progress and continued engagement with the academic community

14. Lessons Flexibility and ability to deal with uncertainties
Creating platforms for constant dialogues and team bonding
Do not underestimate the importance of quality local partners
Dedicated project management is very important