Photo: © Marvin Kaulembe

The publication has a look at experiences gained with approaches to promote inclusive business in Malawi and the region. It gives insights to challenges, opportunities and useful ways to develop and manage inclusive enterprises within the development context.

Contents

Section 1 — Presents a definition and considerations on the relevance of inclusive business models, building onto several GIZ publications on business options at the base of the economic pyramid.

Section 2 — Gathers the main messages of the symposium speakers; their acumen and stories capture some of the IBM theory and applications relevant to Malawi and the region.

Section 3 — Features case studies on inclusive enterprises currently supported by GIZ in Malawi.

Section 4 — Invites readers, partners and stakeholders at large to continue the conversation on the role of the private and public sectors in moving the inclusive business agenda forward.

Photo on the left: © Malumbo Simwaka

Rationale

In many African countries, the agrifood sector has a large but mainly under-utilized potential to generate income and employment opportunities. Strangely enough, it is a relatively uncommon avenue to substantially improve overall food and nutrition security and the livelihoods of many.

In this regard, German Development Cooperation has long recognised the special inroad that inclusive business models and related approaches offer to connect business strategies with sustainable development priorities. Establishing mutually beneficial partnerships that can integrate the poor either on the supply side of the value chain as producers or on the demand side as consumers, is a means to create growth opportunities for companies and smallholders alike.

In Malawi, these approaches are high on the agenda of numerous public and private organisations contributing to increased income and employment, poverty reduction and inclusive growth.

About the publication

The publication is based on a two-day symposium GIZ conducted with partners and stakeholders to create a better understanding among partners and stakeholders on the subject. GIZ issued it on behalf of the European Union and BMZ in June 2018.

More on the project

Read more about the KULIMA MIERA project in their brochure. It promotes farming and more income and employment in rural areas of Malawi.