Reducing barriers to participation for less established enterprises / value chains: White Gold by Ellie Rakoff
A series of case studies have been commissioned to extend key lessons and recommendations from review and analysis of AgriFI Challenge Fund grantees. They build upon a previous research phase which explored high priority impact […]
Review of Existing Schemes to Facilitate the Cross-Border Movement of Traders in the COMESA Region by Jay Grunder
In many of the border communities across Africa, small scale cross border trade provides business and employment opportunities and contributes to food security, allowing millions of people to have access to lower-cost goods and services […]
Opportunities and challenges of inclusive sourcing in horticulture: Vert Limited by Ellie Rakoff
In this week’s case study, we explore the business case for smallholder sourcing models and discuss some of the issues and challenges agri-SMEs are likely to encounter when introducing inclusive sourcing strategies.
With support from AgriFI, […]
Retooling for Sustainability: Instaveg Limited by Dr Isla Farley
In July 2020 AgriFI Kenya Challenge Fund (AgriFI) issued a call inviting small and medium sized agri-enterprises to apply for match funding to support effective responses to and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. AgriFI’s COVID-19 […]
Optimising impact through innovation in processing: Coconut Holdings by Jonathan Thorneycroft
A series of case studies has been commissioned to extend key lessons and recommendations from review and analysis of AgriFI Kenya Challenge Fund grantees. This week’s case study showcases the journey of Coconut Holdings Limited, […]
Bolstering climate smart agriculture through biofertilizer development and marketing: Real IPM by Ellie Rakoff
Three years into the AgriFI Kenya Challenge Fund, a series of case studies have been commissioned to extend key lessons and recommendations from review and analysis of AgriFI grantees. They build upon a previous research […]
Latest News: AfCFTA Secretariat and UNDP release second volume of the AfCFTA Futures Report
Imani Development is proud to announce the official launch of the 2021 AfCFTA Futures Report titled: “Which Value Chains for a Made in Africa Revolution?”. The launch was hosted by AfCFTA Secretariat Secretary General, Mr. Wamkele […]
Improving last mile service delivery in Kenya’s ASALs: Paves Vetagro by Jonathan Thorneycroft
The AgriFI Kenya Challenge Fund is a € 18,000,000 initiative by the European Union to support productive and market-integrated smallholder agriculture through the provision of financial support to agri-enterprises. The aim is to contribute to […]
Integrating 1,000+ fish farmers into the aquaculture value chain: Lake View Fisheries by Jonathan Thorneycroft
AgriFI Kenya Challenge Fund is a European Union funded initiative which aims to support market integrated smallholder agriculture in Kenya. Launched in 2018, the agribusiness support programme aims to improve the capacity of 100,000 smallholder […]
Vacancy: Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Consulting Manager (Malawi)
Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Consulting Manager
Malawi | 5 days | Closes 30 September 2021
Based in Blantyre Malawi, we are looking for a motivated, qualified and proactive Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Consulting Manager.
Job Brief:
We are looking […]
Latest News: In memory of Reginald Selelo
It is with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of Reginald Selelo – the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre’s Chief Operations Officer.
Imani had the opportunity of working closely with Regi on several Trade […]
Latest News: Imani to implement EU-funded technical assistance facility in Eastern and Southern Africa
Imani Development is pleased to announce the awarding of a new project and start-up of the Africa RISE (Reform for Investment and Sustainable Economies) programme. Imani Development is part of the consortium led by Landell […]
COVID-19 and Global Food Systems: Where to next? by Dr Isla Farley
Background
Global food systems are complex and have become increasingly so over recent decades. Continued population growth, higher consumption levels, inequality, ever increasing demand for processed food and the challenges of our changing climate are putting […]
The Chikolongo Livelihoods Project – Successes, Impact and Challenges by Jonathan Thorneycroft
Introduction
The origins of the Chikolongo project are in a response from IFAW to address human-wildlife conflict (HWC) with the community outside Liwonde National Park (Malawi). Through a process of adaptive management, founded on a partnership […]
Facilitating the free movement of people in Africa by Jay Grunder
Introduction
The movement of people across national borders is a vital component of any region’s economy. Whether for cross border trade, seasonal work, to establish a business, or any other economic activity, the flow of people […]
Understanding the AfCFTA: observations and opportunities by Chad Capon
Introduction
I recently completed a four day short course with TRALAC on reading International Trade Agreements, with a specific focus on the AfCFTA. In my role at Imani Development, I have been involved in work on […]
Challenge funds as a form of impact investing by Andy Simpson
Here’s my latest brain dump, borne from some significant personal and organisational experience in Challenge Funds – some of it will have wider application than just challenge funds.
So, what is a Challenge fund?
Typically, a large […]
Latest News: Eswatini Trade Information Portal (ETIP) to go live in September
Despite the challenges of getting back to business-as-usual as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the establishment of Eswatini’s first-ever trade information portal is progressing as planned and scheduled to go live at the end […]
Latest News: The AfCFTA and Compliance: lessons and innovations from an analysis of African RTAs
Imani Development has designed an innovative and bespoke Compliance Mechanism for SADC which was recently approved and adopted at the 40th Annual SADC Summit. In relation to this and leveraging on learnings and research done […]
Leveraging opportunities to accelerate Agri-tech in COVID-19 times by Caroline Kensett
Traditional aid and sustainable development
World Humanitarian day is held annually on the 19th August to pay tribute to humanitarian workers across the globe and to increase public understanding of humanitarian assistance activities. Traditionally (and correctly) […]
Latest News: Approval and Adoption of the SADC Vision 2050, RISDP 2020-2030, and Mechanism
Imani Development is proud and grateful to note the official communique from the recent 40th SADC Summit.
The Heads of SADC States approved and adopted Vision 2050, which articulates the shared development objectives of the region […]
Unlocking MSME growth in Sub-Saharan Africa by Katlego Nkgudi
Private sector development – micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) – as envisaged by SDG 8, typically follows a state-led approach, where national agencies conduct a variety of activities in order to i) improve the […]
Supporting South Sudan to cope with the trade impact of COVID-19 by Charles Data Alemi
Like every other country, the spread of COVID-19 is proving to be a double tragedy with effects on both health and economic well being. Despite taking a while to confirm its first case, which happened […]
Latest News: STATEMENT ON COVID-19
During these challenging and unprecedented times, we all find ourselves in uncharted territory. Here at Imani Development, we wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the tremendous difficulties being experienced by many of our clients, […]
The potential impact of COVID-19 on African trade by Andrew Parker, Nick Charalambides and Jay Grunder
There will be a number of changes to African trade due to COVID-19, but it is acknowledged that at this stage there is a very high degree of uncertainty around scenarios.
Not just global supply chain […]
Identifying additionality in an established market system: A market system review of the Avocado & Mango sector in Kenya by Martin Eichhorn
INTRODUCTION
The AgriFI Kenya Challenge Fund Initiative aims to support productive and market-integrated smallholder agriculture in Kenya, improving the capacity of farmers to practice environmentally sustainable agricultural businesses in inclusive value chains (VCs). The anticipated impacts […]
Latest News: Richard Hess retires as Group Chairman of Imani Development International
Today we would like to take this opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge Richard Hess as he retires from his position as Group Chairman of Imani Development International.
Richard Hess started Imani in 1982 in Zimbabwe, from […]
Job Position: Junior Economist
Junior Economist/Researcher
Cape Town | 5 days | Closes 31 December 2019
Based in Observatory, Cape Town in a vibrant business park. We are looking for a passionate and enthusiastic Junior Economist.
Primary Responsibilities:
You will work in close […]
Key outcomes from COMESA policy dialogue on STR implementation by Charles Data Alemi
COMESA recently held a technical policy dialogue in Nairobi Kenya on implementation of the COMESA Simplified Trade Regime (STR) from the 8th to the 9th of October. Organized by COMESA under the 11 European Development […]
The poverty, growth and inequality triangle by Sean Schwager
Poverty, Growth and Inequality
Poverty reduction is a social imperative that society largely agrees on. From this agreement emerges two starkly divergent schools of thought which dominate news headlines and public discourse. We often hear the term “trickledown […]
Formulation of SADC Vision 2050 and (RISDP) 2020-2030
Imani Development has been contracted by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat to formulate the SADC Development Vision 2050 and Regional Indicative Strategy Development Plan (RISDP) 2020-2030. Dr. Nicholas Charalambides travelled to Gaborone, Botswana […]
Latest News: In memory of Murdoch Gatward
It is with great sadness that we learnt that Murdoch Gatward had passed away on Monday the 16th September, after a long period of illness.
Murdoch had retired from his role as Director at Imani Enterprise […]
A different take on Regional Integration – the ASEAN way by Keith Atkinson
The declaration of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015 was the realisation of the regional economic integration of the ten economies of the ASEAN Member States, namely Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the […]
Latest News: BFA Bank Philanthropic prize programme
Banco de Fomento Angola (BFA) successfully concluded their first edition of the BFA Solidarity programme, which awarded 157.5 million Kwanzas to twelve non-profit organisations in Angola last month. This annual programme seeks to support and recognize the […]
Building a market system: A glimpse into DRC’s aquaculture industry by Dr Isla Farley
BACKGROUND
Despite the country’s economic potential, many in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remain desperately poor. After many years of conflict and instability 69% of the DRC’s population lives in poverty [1]. Economic opportunities, like capitalising […]
What role will RECs have in AfCFTA implementation? by Chad Capon
With Sierra Leone and the Sahrawi Republic having deposited their domestication implements in April, the AfCFTA came into force on the 30th of May 2019. Accordingly, there have been ToRs from donors requesting the development […]
Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning with Mmm… Elephants & Lions by Jonathan Thorneycroft
The Zimbabwe Elephant Nursery (ZEN) project is a collaborative partnership between Wild Is Life and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). The project acronym – ZEN – fits perfectly with its objective to rescue […]
Chikolongo Farm Project – Creating sustainable livelihoods by David Bargh
Background to Chikolongo
A quick search on google will tell you everything you need to know about “human-wildlife conflict zones”. The world wildlife fund (WWF) defines this issue as “any interaction between humans and wildlife that […]
AgriFI Kenya Challenge Fund – agribusiness support programme by Martin Eichhorn
Imani Development and Self-Help Africa have partnered to develop and manage the AgriFI Kenya Challenge Fund, which is the flagship output of the Kenyan Initiative for Long-term Integration of Market Operators in Value Chains – […]
Reflections into the year that was
British Prime Minister Harold Wilson once said, “A week is a long time in politics”; well it is only fair to say then that a year in politics is a very, very long time. What […]
What is the value of social entrepreneurship for a non-profit organisation working for social development and justice? by Elena Mancebo
While social entrepreneurship is still a relatively new concept in South Africa, most social development sector commentators agree that traditional non-profit funding is shrinking ever year, and most funders increasingly expect some form of financial […]
EU prepares industry for Brexit: Shouldn’t SADC be doing so? by Mirabel Bausinger
Imani Development recently completed a poverty assessment on the effects of Brexit on EU-SADC trade under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Our analysis of specific priority sectors under the SADC EPA such as wine, horticulture […]
Latest News: Imani to implement EU-funded agribusiness support programme in Kenya
Imani Development is proud to be part of a consortium of firms working on the EU-funded Kenyan Initiative for Long-Term Integration of Market Operators in Value Chains (KILIMO-VC) programme. The KILIMO-VC programme was launched on […]
Interview with Dr. Nicholas Charalambides on M&E in Trade Agreements
Imani Development recently designed a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) System for the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between six SADC member states and the EU, known as the SADC-EU EPA. Elena Mancebo, M&E specialist at Imani […]
Chikolongo Farm Project by Regine Ankoma-Bempong
Located in Southern Malawi, on the border of the Liwonde National Park, a community of humans and animals exist side by side. Liwonde National Park is home to a rich array of wildlife, including elephant, […]
Effective Implementation of SADC’s STR by Mirabel Bausinger
First Steps towards Facilitating Trade for Women and Small-Scale Traders in SADC
Small-scale, often informal, cross-border trade (CBT) plays a significant role in Africa’s trade environment; informal trade represents over a third of SADC’s intra-regional trade […]
Evaluation in the 21st Century by Elena Mancebo
Development practitioners – donors, designers, policy shapers and implementers – across the globe agree that evaluation must play a stronger role in shaping development efforts. For some time now, we have heard calls for “evidence-based” […]
Photos: Border Visits – Nyamapanda/Cochemane
Imani Development has been undertaking a range of border assessments as part of our Development of the SADC Simplified Trade Regime. The primary focus of this is supporting the SADC Secretariat and SADC Member States in drafting, […]
Managing Risk in Development by Andy Simpson, MD
Development agencies, philanthropists, charities and to a lesser extent even corporates are all active social change agents – whether they explicitly focus on health, education, agriculture, enterprise, the arts or any of a myriad of […]
Effective, Accessible Transport in Cape Town: What can be done?
Martin Eichhorn
In recognition of the daily transport difficulties faced by People with Disabilities in Cape Town, the DG Murray Trust commissioned Imani Development to conduct research into the issue and draw up potential solutions. With […]
Informal Cross-Border Trade – Innovative Interventions Achieve Positive Results
Informal Cross-Border Trade (ICBT) throughout the EAC makes up a significant part of the trade conducted within the region and neighbouring countries – 80% of those participating are women. ICBT refers to traders operating entirely outside of […]
Malawi Innovation Challenge Fund Portfolio
The Malawi Innovation Challenge Fund (MICF), supported by UNDP and UKAid, is a US$8 million competitive, transparent mechanism that provides grant finance for innovative projects proposed by private sector firms active in Malawi’s agriculture and […]
Black Holes in African Trade Data by Cyril Prinsloo
Imani colleague, Cyril Prinsloo, recently collaborated with Ron Sandrey from the Trade Law Centre (tralac) on an article investigating “black holes” in trade data, with a key focus on intra-African trade. A black hole is defined […]
Trading costs inhibits intra-regional trade by Jandre Conradie
The cost of trade has generally been seen as an inhibiting factor of intra-regional trade in Africa. Considering the export characteristics of South Africa, one of the continent’s largest exporters both regionally and internationally, and […]
The Role of FDI in Development by Khwima Singini
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is by far the largest and most stable source of capital for developing countries. However, the distribution of FDI has been uneven across different regions and countries.
Since 1992, China has attracted […]
Value Chains in SSA – The Way Forward by Francois van Heerden
Value chains have changed the world and are rapidly changing and evolving due to the increasing rate of technology innovation, communication technology, and computer integrated technology. UNCTAD defines a global/regional value chain as, ‘the sequence […]
The World Isn’t As Broken As You Think by Jaco Slabbert
When you’ve been working in development for a long time, you can easily become a little pessimistic about the state of the world. It could seem as if your actions are in vain especially when looking […]
Exclusion of Women in Inclusive Business by Georgina Turner
I have worked in the Inclusive Business field for around four years now in Malawi, so when I was asked to write a blog on empowering women through Inclusive Business I thought I would be […]