The Asian Development Bank is looking to prepare and release a plan to further boost its engagement with inclusive businesses — private investments that aim to reach the bottom of the pyramid by providing them with much-needed social services, jobs or economic opportunities.
Unlike social enterprises, inclusive businesses are greater in scale and realize higher revenues. But unlike CSR activities, they have a broader social impact. As such, inclusive businesses are often regarded as a viable approach toward inclusive growth and sustainable development.
ADB, however, has yet to fully leverage inclusive business’ potential. In 2013, just five of 16 private sector projects the bank approved qualified as inclusive business. There are several reasons for this, including the fact that very few of the business plans submitted to the bank for review are financially viable.
About the author
Lean Alfred Santos@DevexLeanAS
Lean Alfred Santos is a former Devex development reporter focusing on the development community in Asia-Pacific, including major players such as the Asian Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. He previously covered Philippine and international business and economic news, sports and politics.
