AID FOR TRADE

Within a more globalized world, higher demand for natural resources and services makes trade an inevitable aspect of any government’s agenda.

Enabling Environments understands the complexity and implications of international trade in an increasingly globalized world, especially from the perspectives of developing countries and the particular challenges thus placed upon them; with regards to their legal framework, institutional set up, level of competitiveness, production and supply-side capacity as well as their macroeconomic and social environments.

Whilst integration into the global economy has provided opportunities to developing nations (e.g. FDI, technology transfer), more open trade regimes have also altered the level and sources of income for developing nations as well as their access to markets, with trade regulations acting as barriers to trade.

Aid for Trade, that is, funding for trade-related activities which support national development strategies, has become an important element of donors’ programmes given the capacity of trade to be an active agent of growth in the developing world.

With an increasingly dynamic multilateral environment, new key players (Brazil, India and China), ‘credit crunch’ challenges and issues stemming from the volatility in oil prices and soaring food prices, it is important for developing countries to strengthen capacity in formulating, implementing and monitoring trade-related development policies, as well as putting mechanisms in place to mitigate the adverse effects of the current financial climate. Our team has proven experience in managing trade-related assistance projects as well as wider aid for trade projects, and in working in partnership with stakeholders to ensure effective and timely delivery.

PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT

Private sector development is key to economic growth in developing countries. PSD increases productivity, income, employment, contributes to poverty reduction.

Private enterprises attract investment, generate jobs, encourage innovation and productivity as well as provide increased revenue for governments, greater consumer choice and competition. Higher incomes for effective governments will lead to more investment in education, health, infrastructure, social services, etc., thereby boosting national growth and development.

People in developing countries often believe entrepreneurship is the means by which to escape poverty. In Africa, small businesses play a crucial role, representing 90% of private business in the continent and contributing to more than 50% of employment and GDP.

Several donors, the largest one being EU, have therefore given priority to encouraging private sector development in developing countries, with a focus on improving the business environment (enabling environment) as well as regulatory and market reforms. Such reforms are geared to increase private sector investment in ‘business’, that in turn will create jobs and provide a wider spectrum of value added services and products at lower prices.

Private sector development addresses business climate, competitiveness, public-private sector dialogue, intermediary organisations’ capacity to fully support enterprises through adequate business development services, access to financing etc.

Enabling Environments believes in empowering people through finding sustainable sources of income and supporting the development of a vibrant private sector. Our team has the experience and expertise to understand the complex macro, meso and micro issues relating to PSD strategies without circumventing the cultural norms and traditions which come into play.

INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The strength of an organization lies in the power of its people, supported by a sound organizational structure and good governance.

Recently, significant investments have been made to improve organizational operational structures and institutional frameworks, which govern the way organisations behave, their relationships with stakeholders and accountability and transparency mechanisms. Institutional reform and organisational development require commitment at the highest level and buy in from all stakeholders, i.e. the policy-makers, the service providers and the communities whom are the recipients of services. Institutional development and continuous organizational improvement are critical components of building and maintaining multi-sectoral collaborations between governmental agencies, NGOs and private institutions, as well as supporting sustainable growth.

Enabling Environments has the expertise to design and implement institutional development programmes with the overall objective of ensuring the sustainability of the organization and increasing its efficiency and effectiveness, whilst focusing on strengthening organizational governance. Our technical experts help public agencies, non-governmental organisations and corporations introduce reforms, enhance quality management systems, strengthen institutional capacity, plan and implement human capital development strategies via strategic planning processes with relevant stakeholders.

EE believes that by strengthening institutional capacity of public, private and non-government institutions, we will help establish solid foundations for good governance and sustainable development.