Economic Development Archives

Why Off-Grid Energy Matters…And How it Can Matter Even More

Roughly 600 million people in Africa lack access to electricity. Off-grid energy solutions, such as solar home systems and mini-grids, are the most efficient way to provide energy to over half of these people. Although the impact of providing energy access on people’s lives – including through off-grid solutions – may seem obvious, it’s important to better understand and quantify exactly what this means. Because it’s through this detailed understanding of impact that we can become better investors.

Energy, Innovative Business Models

March 1, 2020

A New Way to Measure Impact, Both Good and Bad

The world is facing a series of difficult problems right now, from climate change to societal and economic challenges. It’s imperative that we solve these issues as a matter of urgency. Rising to meet these challenges means adopting a practical approach. It requires shifting our perspective, and redefining what success looks like.

Global Goals

February 28, 2020

How to Profitably Serve the Last Mile

Part III of this series describes how N-Frnds has created a hybrid network of Pre-sellers serving multiple FMCG and corporate partners, enabling them to profitably serve last-mile outlets while also empowering these micro-retailers with access to finance to expand their sales and become more viable businesses, creating a win-win situation for all.

Innovative Business Models, Technology

February 24, 2020

Time for a Decade of Collaboration

With 10 years to go, we need bold, collaborative action to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the internationally-agreed 2030 targets for people and planet. In his call to action, the UN Secretary-General argues for the mobilisation of partnerships “like never before”, with an appeal to “innovators and disruptors in the private sector to embrace new business models that match the demands of the 2030 Agenda”.

Global Goals

February 12, 2020

Paul Skinner

Long live collaboration. This podcast hears from Paul Skinner, award winning marketeer, leadership coach and author of: ‘Collaborative Advantage: How collaboration beats competition as a strategy for success.

Corporate Impact, Partnerships

February 10, 2020

Is it Time for Davos to Decelerate?

As you’re no doubt aware, the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting took place last month. And while deep snow was noticeably absent (reinforcing the environmental dangers presented by the sizeable delegation from Extinction Rebellion (XR) this year), the audience of elite senior executives from around the world remained the same.

Global Goals, Intrapreneurship

February 4, 2020

Entering a Decade of Action: Making the SDGs a Matter of Priority

To mark the beginning of the “Decade of Delivery and Action”, James Gomme focuses on a list of “Top 10” tips that business can apply toward more robust action and substantial long-term progress.

Global Goals

February 4, 2020

Reflections from the UK-Africa Investment Summit

Last week’s UK-Africa Investment Summit brought together a wealth of businesses, governments and international institutions to showcase and promote the breadth and quality of investment opportunities across Africa. Read reflections from CDC Group CEO, Nick O’Donohoe

Global Goals, Governance and Transparency

February 4, 2020

How Can We Measure, Manage and Get the Most From Our Social Impact?

Join us for a live written discussion with a panel of experts to discuss how businesses can measure, manage and get the most from their social impact. Live Panel taking place on Thursday, 27 February, 10-11am EST (3pm-4pm GMT)

Corporate Impact, Measuring Social Impact

January 29, 2020

Demystifying Impact Measurement and Management for Inclusive Business

In the build up towards Business Fights Poverty’s first Online Discussion of 2020, which focuses on Impact Measurement, learn more about the topic in this interview brought to you by Business Fights Poverty Content Partners iBAN and Business Call to Action.

Global Goals, Innovative Business Models

January 29, 2020

The Real Meaning of ‘Business with Purpose’

Genuine ‘stakeholder capitalism’ must be fundamentally more than a shiny new logo upon swish marketing strategy with some philanthropy thrown in

Corporate Impact, Global Goals

January 28, 2020

Why ESG is Core to Long-Term Success in Venture Capital

Venture capital (VC) is a relatively new asset class but is already having a transformative impact on large sections of the global economy.

Climate & Environment, Climate Justice, Corporate Impact, Finance and Investment

January 28, 2020

Colin Mayer CBE

Professor Colin Mayer CBE has devoted his life, learning and career to the role of business in society – from governance and taxation to responsible and ethical business decision making.

Corporate Impact, Governance and Transparency, Innovative Business Models, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

January 27, 2020

Refugee Food Entrepreneurship: How the Business Community Can Support Sustainable Livelihoods

Food entrepreneurship is a growing area of livelihood creation that has gained traction as countries search for ways to address the refugee crisis. We provide recommendations for how the business community can provide support to refugee food entrepreneurs.

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Refugees and Migration

January 27, 2020

The Triangle That Will Fix Capitalism

It is remarkable how the agenda in this 50th edition of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting has shifted towards calling for a move to stakeholder capitalism, as issued by Klaus Schwab in the new Davos Manifesto. The theme of the 2020 forum itself is: “Stakeholders for a Cohesive and Sustainable World”.

Corporate Impact, Global Goals

January 21, 2020

The Company of the Future Must Do Well by Doing Good

Corporate Impact, Global Goals

January 21, 2020

Fintech Opens New Opportunities for Private Sector to Support Cash Transfer Aid in Developing Countries

The Danish Red Cross, Grassroots Economics Foundation, and partners will collaborate to develop a new global platform for blockchain-based community currencies to boost cash transfer aid and help cash-poor regions grow their own economies, thanks to a grant from Innovation Norway matched by private sector.

Finance and Investment, Technology

January 17, 2020

What Will Last Mile Distribution Look Like in 2025? Six Predictions for an Emerging Sector

Beneficial household products such as solar lights, improved cookstoves, water purifiers, nutritional supplements and agricultural inputs can play a significant role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. But these products can’t make an impact if they don’t reach the last mile customers who could benefit from them.

Global Goals, Innovative Business Models, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

January 17, 2020

Maggie De Pree

Activist innovators and intrapreneurs’ inspiration, thought leader and all-round cheerleader is our podcast interviewee this week – Maggie De Pree.

Intrapreneurship

January 9, 2020

Economic Development

Economic Development Strategies to Combat Global Poverty