Making markets work for enterprise in Africa

“Making markets work for enterprise in Africa”

A training programme from the Springfield Centre:  7th – 12th March 2010, Mombasa, Kenya

How can governments and development agencies stimulate small enterprise competitiveness and growth?

It is increasingly recognised that improving the competitiveness of enterprises in urban and rural environments is essential for pro-poor growth.  Yet the impact, outreach and sustainability of conventional enterprise support and value chain development programmes has often been unsatisfactory, failing to reach smaller enterprises, particularly in rural areas.

So, what should governments and development agencies do differently?

This training programme aims to provide answers to this question.  The market development approach focuses on how publicly-funded agencies can use their resources to leverage the dynamism of markets systems - for example in business and financial services - to achieve greater and more systemic impact.

The training programme is returning to Kenya, after a successful event in Mombasa in March 2009. Previously the programme has been held in Thailand (three years) and South Africa, and builds on the Springfield Centre's wider experience in offering training on market development over the last ten years.

Training for decision-makers, managers & specialists in different spheres of development, including rural, livelihood, agricultural and SME development in Africa

The programme is aimed at senior staff from government departments and agencies, funders, not-for-profit organisations, consulting firms, universities and research organisations.  The programme will be most relevant to staff in a position to influence the design, management, and co-ordination of their organisations’ activities.

Practical emphasis on intervention rationale, design & management
 
Participants will explore the key elements in the overall framework of the market development approach to promoting business services

•The rationale - why a market development approach

•Understanding and assessing market systems

•Assessing the role of key players

•Developing realistic pictures of sustainability

•Facilitating market change

•Monitoring and evaluation
 
The programme brochure will be available shortly (and will be available for download from this website).  In the meantime, if you have any specific enquiries or wish to register your interest please contact the Programme Manager on:

Email: global@springfieldcentre.com                        
Tel: +44 191 3831212
Web: www.springfieldcentre.com
Fax: +44 191 3831616