Every month we present the most significant publications.

Every month we present the most significant publications.

Submit your favorites here.

Publication database

This database contains a diverse range of more than 2,000 publications about inclusive business and relating topics, such as impact investing, microfinance and market systems approaches. You will find not only reports but also market intelligence, case studies, tools and videos that touch upon of several sectors and regions.

The diverse range of publications in this database all relate to inclusive business - meaning business models that engage base of the pyramid (BoP) consumers, suppliers, entrepreneurs and/or employees in low income and/or emerging markets.

Publication language

Database: Publications

Displaying 1 - 10 of 548

This landscape study presents the status of Inclusive Business (IB) in Zambia. It contains various best practice examples, assesses the enabling environment for IB in the country, and makes policy recommendations for a strategic programme to promote such enterprises. 

Publisherpublished by Inclusive Business Action Network for Zambia Development Agency
Publish Date
AuthorA. Bauer, L. Haangala, N. Siwale
LanguageEnglish
Region/CountrySub-Saharan Africa
Zambia
Sector
Yes

Following a joint request from the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Governments of Kaduna and Lagos states, the Inclusive Business Action Network commissioned a landscape study to determine the status of inclusive business (IB) in Nigeria. The study objectives were to (a) study Nigeria’s business environment to identify how best to advocate for inclusive business, while being mindful of the Nigerian context, (b) identify business organisations that can adopt the IB methodology to escalate positive social and economic impacts in Nigeria, (c) identify specific government institutions that can provide the needed incentives to encourage inclusive business models, and (d) recommend appropriate policy initiatives and institutional reforms that will help promote inclusive business in Nigeria. The study focused on Lagos and Kaduna states at the subnational level, and on the relevant institutions and business associations at the national level. This report provides the insights from the study.

PublisherInclusive Business Action Network
Publish Date
AuthorA. Bauer, P. Okigbo
LanguageEnglish
Region/CountrySub-Saharan Africa
Nigeria
Sector
Yes

This study analyses how Inclusive Business and social entrepreneurship intersect with women’s economic empowerment (WEE). Across 13 case studies from ten ASEAN member states, it identifies two clear paths of WEE impact and four modes of IB and WEE engagement. Based on these findings, the study gives recommendations on how to increase private sector engagement in this field.

PublisherInclusive Business Action Network
Publish Date
AuthorL. Long
LanguageEnglish
Yes

This roadmap is a step-by-step guide for off-grid clean energy companies to identify and adopt strategies to serve female customers more effectively. The roadmap was developed by the Power Africa Off-grid Project following a pilot with GDC member Simusolar to develop a market-focused gender strategy. By following this roadmap, your company can gain a deeper understanding of female farmers’ demands and challenges—distinct from those of men—in gaining access to productive use of energy (PUE) technology. Power Africa is grateful to Simusolar for its collaboration and willingness to share the lessons and tools in this roadmap.

PublisherUSAID
Publish Date
Author
LanguageEnglish
Region/CountrySub-Saharan Africa
No

This research features first-hand insights and lessons learned from 13 last mile distributors (LMDs) that have experience of testing or selling productive use of energy (PUE) products. These kinds of products – from solar pumps and mills, to fridges and freezers – can be transformational for last mile consumers. But ensuring consumers are able to realise income and productivity gains from using these technologies is complex. The learnings presented in this report, in GDC members’ own voices, are not exhaustive; they are intended to help other LMDs to navigate various complexities on their own PUE journey. This report was produced as part of a project in partnership with Solar Sister, and financed by EEP Africa.

PublisherGlobal Distributors Collective
Publish Date
Author
LanguageEnglish
Region/CountrySub-Saharan Africa
SectorEnergy
No

This how-to-guide from the Global Distributors Collective is useful for last mile distributors looking to expand their product offering for customers. Exploring what this means for different distribution models, as well as key factors to consider including market, impact, organisational and logistical fit, the guide also features four case studies from the GDC membership. It was produced via a project delivered in partnership with Solar Sister and financed by EEP Africa.

PublisherGlobal Distributors Collective
Publish Date
AuthorC. Taylor, E. Colenbrander, E. Schmitz, M. Buisson
LanguageEnglish
No

The Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (“CIIP”), together with Accenture and Singapore Management University, developed this field report to achieve three objectives: to illustrate the on-the-ground conversations about impact investing and practices that we hope to engender; to raise awareness of the inspiring impact work that is already underway in Asia; and to convene more discussions on how we can collectively deliver more impact in Asia, for Asia. The report shares insights from in-depth interviews and discussions with investors and businesses. It features case studies on the impact journeys of regional players and puts forward preliminary ideas on how we can advance the impact ecosystem in Asia together.

PublisherCentre for Impact Investing and Practices, Accenture, Singapore Management University
Publish Date
Author
LanguageEnglish
Region/CountryEast Asia and Pacific, South Asia
IB Topics: Impact Investing
Sector
No

This research maps 50 funders actively investing in last mile distributors (LMDs) across different stages of company growth - pre-seed, seed, early growth and accelerated growth - to identify gaps and opportunities.

PublisherGlobal Distributors Collective
Publish Date
Author
LanguageEnglish
No

The goal of this document is to provide the key principles of social investment in Asia, based on an extensive literature review and in-depth interviews with a range of experts. Mapped across the life-cycle of a project, these are broad, high-level principles that work for investments encompassing the SDGs, with specific examples from areas of healthcare, gender, livelihoods and climate in Asia. For social investors looking to incorporate the SDG Impact Standards developed by UNDP12 in their work, the principles can serve as an accessible pathway to provide direction.

PublisherEconomist Impact, AVPN
Publish Date
Author
LanguageEnglish
Region/CountryEast Asia and Pacific, South Asia
Sector
No

The Doing Good Index 2022 is the most comprehensive social impact index in Asia to date, highlighting the factors that drive or hinder private capital flowing towards social and economic challenges across 17 Asian economies. It provides a roadmap of the policies and practices that can unleash this capital by mitigating the trust deficit; leveraging local support; and facilitating cross-sector collaboration.

PublisherCentre for Asian Philantropy and Society
Publish Date
Author
LanguageEnglish
Region/CountryEast Asia and Pacific, South Asia
Sector
No