Sustainability in Social Entrepreneurship: Using a PRISMA Approach to Understand Poverty Reduction and Inequality Interventions in Emerging Economies

Abstract

Abstract Background: Emerging economies, often characterised by significant social and economic disparities, provide a critical context for examining how social entrepreneurs can drive sustainable development to reduce poverty and inequality. It has been identified that developing countries are facing numerous problems, especially economic, social, and bio-environmental problems, such as income disparity, unequal access to education, unemployment, information asymmetry, and corruption. Objective: This study aims to investigate the role of social entrepreneurship in eradicating poverty and inequality in emerging economies, such as Sub-Saharan Africa. Methodology: This study employed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) approach to investigate sustainability in social entrepreneurship in poverty and inequality intervention in emerging countries. Studies were selected through identification, screening, eligibility, and analysis. Results: The findings underscore the potential of social entrepreneurship to contribute significantly to sustainable development goals by fostering inclusive growth and reducing disparities in areas of poverty and inequality in emerging economies Conclusion: Sustainable social entrepreneurship has transformed emerging economies by accelerating transformation, promoting social justice, and ensuring that growth benefits all members of society. 520 Ianna Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, Volume 7, Number 2, June 2025 E-ISSN: 2735-9891 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15483643 Unique contribution: The study could be useful to researchers, practitioners, social entrepreneurs, and governments in making strategic investment decisions and overcoming challenges in poverty and inequity. Key Recommendation: Social entrepreneurs should collaborate with governments, commercial businesses, and community members to garner support and achieve lasting results in solving the problem of poverty and inequality in developing nations.