In this section, we will update you with announcements from the ecosystem of inclusive business, pre-selected according to their relevance for inclusive business ventures.
The Heads the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) highlight the importance of inclusive business in the Leaders’ Vision Statement on Partnership for Sustainability 2019. They state to support the conduct of inclusive business in ASEAN; through business models and practices that address the needs of and generate opportunities for all.
Safaricom is urging businesses to do more in fighting social inequalities which degrade the quality of life and the communities from which they derive profits. Businesses can do this by addressing corruption within their ranks, paying taxes responsibly and transparently, tackling inequalities in the workplace and adopting inclusive business approaches, said Bob Collymore, CEO, Safaricom.
We are taking part in this year's European Development Days from 18-19 June 2019 in Brussels. Join us in a lively discussion on funding and supporting inclusive business on 18 June at 5 pm, when we bring voices from entrepreneurs, impact investors and development practitioners to the table. Or visit us at our stand to continue the debate and get all you inclusive business questions answered.
The Impact Fund for African Creatives (IFFAC) is calling on designers to apply for its accelerator programme. The programme, focused on supporting and strengthening emerging African brands, is open to all designers living or working in Africa. The deadline for applications is 30 June 2019.
Grow Asia invites AgriTech startups, tech innovators, and agripreneurs in Singapore and Indonesia to come together, co-create solutions and make a difference to the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Selected teams will receive a pilot opportunity with our corporate partners, to develop and implement their solution for real-world impact!
On 17 June, iBAN will provide an input during UNCTAD's Multi-year Expert Meeting on Investment, Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Productive Capacity-building and Sustainable Development. The meeting will discuss how the sustainable and inclusive dimension of enterprise development could be enhanced by promoting responsible business practices, corporate social responsibility and inclusive entrepreneurship to facilitate progress towards the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Proposed topics include human capital and inclusive economic growth and development via entrepreneurial initiatives and women’s empowerment. Awards will be made between USD 5,000 and 50,000 and proposals are due 15 July 2019.
There is up to £3 million of funding available from the Department for International Development (DFID) and Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) for early stage feasibility studies, mid stage industrial research and late stage experimental development. Projects must work on agri-tech and food chain innovations with partners in eligible African countries. All projects must be collaborative and must include at least one partner from the UK and one from an eligible African country.
Modelled after two similar European and Asian platforms, the African Venture Philanthropy Alliance (AVPA) is set to be a unique and vibrant Pan-African network of social investors established in an effort to effectively address Africa’s daunting social challenges by providing the requisite capital to businesses or initiatives that go in that direction. Led by their Nigerian chairman Olayemi Cardoso, AVPA will serve as a platform to attract, connect and empower social investors across Africa.
Since 3 April, iBAN is part of a new Steering Group that aims to lead and guide the promotion of Inclusive Business and Impact Investing in Myanmar. The Steering Group had its first meeting on 11 December 2018. The members of the Steering Group are from the government sector, the private sector and the development sector.