News

What can be learned from the early successes of solar lanterns distributors? Will Pay-as-you-Go be the 'silver bullet' of solar home systems? Is there a commercially sustainable model for clean energy microgrids? Why are improved cook stoves not scaling as fast as solar lanterns? What is the business potential for solar irrigation pumps?

The energy access landscape has been moving rapidly in the past few years: new technologies, emerging leaders, Pay-as-you-Go, momentum for renewables, etc.

In April's Monthly news, The Practitioner Hub for Inclusive Business discusses What’s new in Inclusive Agribusiness?

(Part one)
Do you have any idea of just how much is happening in inclusive agri-business? The innovations, partnerships, supply chain agreements, assessment tools, lessons on impact and more? If your answer is 'no', you're in good company. Our theme stems from a gathering of specialists in inclusive agribusiness, where the biggest lesson was just how much was happening and how little we know about each other’s work.

There's real value in transforming society. CEOs from some of the world's biggest companies have formed the Business and Sustainable Development Commission, to identify the market opportunities of sustainable development. This video explains the challenges and opportunities, and highlights the support Olam International, Investec, and Pearson are giving to build markets from sustainable development.

Source: Business and Sustainable Development Commission, Published on Feb 2, 2017

Leslie lives in the small village of Sibhula in the Gwanda district of Zimbabwe. Gwanda is the driest district, with very little rainfall. Most of Leslie’s community rely on farming to earn an income and to feed their families but the lack of rainfall has had a devastating impact.

Members of the community manage a community garden which is big enough to provide food for everyone and to sell produce at market. Yet, the severe lack of water means they have often watched their crops fail, year after year.

Four billion low-income people live at the base of the pyramid (BoP). This barely tapped market is increasingly heralded for its sheer size, its potential to drive profit and growth and the opportunities it presents for millions of poor households to access beneficial products.

Seasons greetings