DUT Prof Pfano Mashau Leads Transformation Of Entrepreneurship Across Africa
Sharing his excitement about the appointment, Prof Mashau said it represents recognition of years of sustained academic and applied work.
The recent appointment of Professor Pfano Mashau as the Chair in Future-Fit and Inclusive Entrepreneurship for a Pan-African Society by the National Research Foundation (NRF) has reinforced the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) commitment to advancing entrepreneurship, research, and innovation.
Prof Mashau, who serves as the Director of the DUT Business School and Chairperson of the Institutional Research Ethics Committee (IREC), is among eight South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) Chairs awarded to DUT by the NRF under the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) Decadal Plan Aligned Research Chairs for Historically Disadvantaged Universities, Universities of Technology, and Emerging Universities. He has been recognised for his leadership in advancing entrepreneurship that addresses socio-economic challenges across the African continent.
According to Prof Mashau, his research journey at DUT has evolved through deliberate engagement with the realities of South Africa’s economic and social landscape. His previous research project focused on the commercialisation of African indigenous practices.
“I became increasingly aware of two persistent challenges: the limited inclusivity of entrepreneurial participation and the growing disconnect between traditional entrepreneurial models and the demands of a rapidly changing, technology-driven economy.
In advancing this work, and in alignment with the project, my focus is now on how we prepare entrepreneurs not only to participate in the economy, but to do so in ways that are adaptive, innovative, and responsive to emerging sectors such as the digital economy, green industries, and the ocean economy.
At the same time, I am concerned with ensuring that these opportunities are accessible to historically marginalised groups, including youth, women, and rural communities,” shared Prof Mashau.
Sharing his excitement about the appointment, Prof Mashau said it represents recognition of years of sustained academic and applied work. Professionally, he noted that it provides a platform to scale impact, consolidate research efforts, and contribute meaningfully to national development priorities.
“Importantly, the Chair allows for a shift from fragmented, short-term projects to a structured and long-term research programme. It also positions DUT as a key contributor in shaping the discourse and practice of entrepreneurship in South Africa and beyond. I see this appointment not simply as an honour, but as a mandate to produce work that is both rigorous and transformative,” he added.
Prof Mashau unpacked the Chair’s three core research priorities. The first is future-fit entrepreneurship, which focuses on preparing entrepreneurs for emerging and high-growth sectors such as digital technologies, renewable energy, the ocean economy, and innovation.
The second is inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems, which involves addressing structural barriers that limit participation in entrepreneurship, particularly among underrepresented groups. The aim is to develop models that expand access to resources, networks, and opportunities.
The third priority is entrepreneurial capability development, which rethinks how universities and other institutions develop entrepreneurial skills. The emphasis is on practical, experiential learning that equips individuals to navigate uncertainty, innovate, and scale their ventures.
“Furthermore, the Chair supports the translation of research into practical applications that address societal challenges. This includes contributing to policy development, supporting small business growth, and enabling the adoption of new technologies in entrepreneurial contexts.
The intention is to ensure that research is not only aligned with national priorities, but actively contributes to achieving them,” reiterated Prof Mashau.
Looking ahead, Prof Mashau said that over the next five to ten years, the Chair aims to achieve measurable impact, including increasing the participation of underrepresented groups in high-value and future-oriented sectors of the economy.
“It also involves developing scalable entrepreneurial models that emerge directly from research and can be implemented across different contexts. In addition, the Chair seeks to strengthen collaboration between universities and industry, ensuring that research outputs are relevant and applicable.
Another key objective is to contribute to evidence-based policymaking that improves the effectiveness of entrepreneurship support systems in South Africa,” he added.
Ultimately, the goal is to move beyond theoretical contributions and deliver outcomes that improve livelihoods, create sustainable businesses, and contribute to economic growth.
Addressing local challenges in KwaZulu-Natal and beyond, Prof Mashau noted that the province presents unique challenges, including high youth unemployment, inequality, and limited access to high-growth economic opportunities. He said the Chair will respond by developing locally relevant entrepreneurial models aligned to the province’s socio-economic conditions.
“This includes leveraging regional strengths such as the port economy, agriculture, and tourism to create new entrepreneurial opportunities. It also involves working closely with municipalities, industry partners, and community organisations to pilot and scale interventions that support inclusive entrepreneurship.
While the initial focus will be on KwaZulu-Natal, the intention is to develop models that can be adapted and applied across South Africa and other emerging economies,” he said.
On developing postgraduate students and emerging researchers, Prof Mashau said the Chair will provide opportunities to engage in high-impact research projects, access funding, and collaborate with industry and entrepreneurial ecosystems. A strong focus will also be placed on building a collaborative research culture that encourages innovation and excellence.
Emerging researchers will receive guidance in research methodologies, academic writing, publication, and career development, with particular attention given to supporting individuals from underrepresented backgrounds.
“The Chair will actively bridge the gap between research and application by promoting the translation of research outputs into innovative products, services, and business models. This includes supporting the development of start-ups, facilitating industry partnerships, and strengthening innovation hubs and incubators,” he added.
By 2030, Prof Mashau envisions DUT as a leading institution in Africa for applied research in entrepreneurship, recognised for strong industry partnerships, impactful research outputs, and producing graduates who are both employable and entrepreneurial.
Success, he believes, will be measured by a sustainable and recognised research programme, a strong pipeline of postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers, and tangible societal and economic impact. Most importantly, success will be reflected in expanded access to entrepreneurship and improved readiness for the future economy.
Pictured: Professor Pfano Mashau, Chair holder in Future-Fit and Inclusive Entrepreneurship for a Pan-African Society.
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