ABSTRACT

This book focuses on the Base of the Pyramid (BOP) in Africa and examines the role of the private sector in the fight against poverty.

The BOP concept, which is a market-based approach to poverty eradication, presents a great avenue for businesses to develop opportunities and new business models that enable and empower those in the BOP population in Africa to raise their socio-economic welfare and well-being. The BOP market and the business interest in the BOP in Africa is rising. This book furthers our understanding of the characteristics of BOP markets in Africa, and the challenges and opportunities to address poverty and development in a sustainable manner. The book covers various themes of BOP markets and their embeddedness in social-cultural settings in Africa. The different chapters employ a variety of theoretical and methodological approaches to advance research and practice of BOP in Africa. The book chapters reflect multiple diversities that characterise sub-Saharan Africa based on studies in 13 country contexts and from five industry sectors.

This book is recommended reading for managers and policy makers, as well as students and academics interested in Base of the Pyramid markets.

part I|48 pages

BOP markets

chapter 1|20 pages

The Base of the Pyramid markets in Africa

Opportunities and challenges

chapter 2|26 pages

Why do firms choose to fight poverty?

The motivation behind inclusive business practices in Africa

part III|80 pages

Roles, cooperation, and structure in BOP markets

chapter 6|47 pages

Addressing social sustainability on Base of the Pyramid markets through business model innovations

A comparative study within Africa’s fashion industry

chapter 7|31 pages

Women’s economic empowerment and agricultural value chain development

Evidence from Mashonaland West Province in Zimbabwe

part IV|56 pages

Design, integration, innovation, and change of BOP markets

chapter 9|25 pages

From informal to formal and back

Theoretical reflections on the formal – informal divide in the Base of the Pyramid markets