Publication database

Microinsurance is growing and expanding throughout Africa. Led by the ILO's Microinsurance Innovation Facility and the MicroInsurance Centre, Briefing Note #1 identified over fourteen million low-income people in Africa who were covered by microinsurance at the end of 2008. The outreach almost doubled over the last 4 years. Even with such growth, there are clearly significant gaps. Substantial parts of the continent remain almost barren of microinsurance. Health, agriculture and property covers, all significantly in need by the low-income market, are evident as a mere fraction of life insurance coverage. This study provides a detailed picture of microinsurance in Africa and discusses challenges in the years to come in order to facilitate broader, high-quality expansion.

Este reporte académico realiza una presentación general e introductoria sobre los fundamentos, beneficios y desafíos que los negocios inclusivos presentan para las empresas. Ejemplifica la presentación del tema con cuatro modelos de negocio inclusivos en Brasil y la India, en los sectores salud, forestal y energía.

This report presents the results of a qualitative and quantitative research study in Ghana which investigated the negative effects that inadequate sanitary care may have on female educational achievement, as well as the positive potential to improve attendance and retention by filling that gap.

This article presents an Impact Assessment Framework for ventures at the base of the pyramid. It shows through ventures VisionSpring and Pioneer Hi-Bred International, how this framework makes it possible to measure the efficacy of ventures in affecting the well-being of its constituencies in three dimensions: their economic situation, their capabilities, and their relationships.

This case study looks at A to Z Textile Mills of Tanzania, an African producer of long-lasting insecticide bed nets (LLINs). It reviews the partners involved in the model; the elements of the business model including distribution and production; and the developmental impacts involved.

This case study reviews the Sustainable Healthcare Foundation which established child & family wellness shops in Kenya, to provide affordable care to low-income people for common medical ailments such as malaria and diarrhoea. It discusses the business model; challenges and opportunities; and the development impacts to date.

This case study reviews United Laboratories, Inc. 'Unilab' pharmaceutical company, and its subsidiary 'RiteMed' which aims to market and distribute generic medicines at a lower than market price to low-income people. It discusses the development challenges within healthcare; the 'RiteMed' business model; commercial elements and success; and the development impacts to date.

Este reporte presenta resultados de una investigación sobre dimensión y patrones ingresos, gastos y acceso a servicios de las comunidades de la base de la pirámide alrededor del mundo. Incluye una revisión en profundidad de datos para los sectores: salud, información y comunicaciones, agua, transporte, vivienda, energía, alimentos y servicios financieros.

Drawing on income data from 110 countries and standardised expenditure data from 36 countries across the globe this publication offers a first look at the market opportunity represented by four billion individuals who make up the base of the pyramid. The analysis provides a quantitative assessment and characterisation of base of the pyramid markets, at several levels of analysis.