Virtual Social Networks and Entrepreneurship: A Randomized Experiment in Ghana, Uganda and Kenya

By Cristiana Benedetti, Charlie Brummitt, Paolo Pin, Fernando Vega Redondo, Christopher Roth, Diego Ubfal

Summary and Key Findings

The goal of this project is to test whether access to rich social networks is a key component of successful entrepreneurship. Moreover, it aims at providing a mechanism through which relevant social networks can be enhanced in an effective and scalable manner.  We plan to conduct a randomized control trial in which a large population of aspiring entrepreneurs in Ghana, Kenya and Uganda will be divided into three treatment arms and one control group.  All groups will receive basic training and the possibility to submit their business proposals to venture capitalists for funding. One treatment arm will be offered to meet regularly in face-to-face meetings. A second treatment arm will be offered to interact with other aspiring entrepreneurs from their own country through a social-network application. And a third treatment arm would be offered to interact through the virtual network with other aspiring entrepreneurs from their own and the other two countries. The main outcome of the project is the quality of the proposals submitted for funding.